Parametric Optimization and Decision Support Model Framework for Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Flexible Industrial Building Structures Integrating Production Planning

Abstract

Most industrial buildings have a very short lifespan due to frequently changing production processes. The load-bearing structure severely limits the flexibility of industrial buildings and is a major contributor to their costs, carbon footprint and waste. This paper presents a parametric optimization and decision support (POD) model framework that enables automated structural analysis and simultaneous calculation of life cycle cost (LCC), life cycle assessment (LCA), recycling potential and flexibility assessment. A method for integrating production planning into early structural design extends the framework to consider the impact of changing production processes on the footprint of building structures already at an early design stage. With the introduction of a novel grading system, design teams can quickly compare the performance of different building variants to improve decision making. The POD model framework is tested by means of a variant study on a pilot project from a food and hygiene production facility. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework for identifying potential economic and environmental savings, specifying alternative building materials, and finding low-impact industrial structures and enclosure variants. When comparing the examined building variants, significant differences in the LCC (63%), global warming potential (62%) and flexibility (55%) of the structural designs were identified. In future research, a multi-objective optimization algorithm will be implemented to automate the design search and thus improve the decision-making process.