Efficient design of a prefabricated steel structure integrating design for manufacture and assembly concepts

ABSTRACT Volumetric steel structures are commonly used in the construction of modular buildings to overcome environmental hazards, control wastage, minimise construction safety issues, improve productivity and cost-effectiveness, reduce labour, and execute quick project completion. An adequate structural design and effective manufacturing are both integral processes to produce efficient and durable volumetric steel structures. Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles known for efficient design in the automobile industry can significantly improve the design of volumetric steel structures in terms of overall cost, safety, sustainability, productivity and time. The current research presents a case study of a volumetric steel structure in which structural design and DfMA approaches were integrated, and 3D visualisation was achieved by Building Information Model (BIM) and Solidworks that has limited previous research. The findings of this research reveal sustainable, material and cost optimised design for the prefabricated 3D steel structures. Furthermore, the novelty of the current research is enhanced by proposing a model for the automated efficient design and production of volumetric steel structures.