Communication and process simulation of set-based design for concrete reinforcement

Two discrete-event simulations are developed to assess the feasibility of improving the delivery process of reinforced concrete structures. The simulations represent the resource and information flows necessary for supporting set-based design of reinforcing bars used in concrete. Set- based design enables the exploration of feasible solutions for longer in the design process than is otherwise affordable using point-based design, so as to allow for input from several project participants early on and at the same time. The simulations use the canonical example of selecting longitudinal reinforcement for a beam-column joint. The first simulation uses EZStrobecopy to model the amount of time necessary to converge to a satisfactory design solution using set-based vs. point-based design methods. The second simulation uses XML data exchange and state machines in a service-based architecture to analyze the required information flows for communicating design sets. This enables the exploration of a metalanguage to express design goals.