Parametric modelling of steel connectors in a glulam based post and beam building system - Towards a flexible product platform approach

Abstract

House building projects are distinctive, and the degree of customisation creates bottlenecks in the design process and challenges for production, which results in longer lead time and higher costs. Aligned with a product platform approach, previous studies have introduced cost-effective approaches such as standardisation, modularization, configurators, etc. Still, components that cannot be completely modularized and configured due to high complexity level, may require a lot of engineering efforts during development. A platform approach that can be used to support engineer-to-order products that change over time still needs to be explored. The application of parametric modelling to automate the design process in the construction industry has the potential to further increase both the design and production efficiency. Thus, the objective of this research is to apply parametric modelling in the design of steel connectors used in a glulam based post and beam building system as part of a flexible product platform for increased design and production efficiency. A single case study has been carried out with a Swedish multi-storey house building company. Empirical data were gathered from a workshop with the design team followed by interviews, and document analysis. A computer-supported method for the steel bracket connectors has been developed, that connects post and beam components with pre-defined rules and constraints as part of the platform development. The result contributes to expanding knowledge about the development of a flexible product platform for improved design process and downstream production of customised components with parametric modelling support in the industrial post and beam buildng system.