The aim of this master’s thesis was to find out if the efficiency and speed of pre-design could be improved in boiler buildings using algorithm-aided design approach. For this purpose, an algorithm-aided design process was developed where some of the operations could still be performed manually. In addition, the algorithms needed for the process were developed. The algorithm-aided design process is based on an integrated design system, where one 3D product model of the structure is maintained in Building Information Modeling software. From the Building Information Model analysis models are generated using an algorithm. This design approach is not limited to boiler buildings, it can be used to design and analyze any structure modeled in Tekla Structures software. An algorithm for generating the Building Information model of boiler building was also developed.

The motivation for this thesis comes from the tight schedules in pre-design phases and the challenges in analyzing multiple optional structural frame options simultaneously and cost effectively. Most decision that affect the structural frame are made during the pre-design phase, so improving the pre-design process has a large impact on the realization of the whole project. By making the pre-design process more efficient the design options can be considered more comprehensively and thus, the comprehensive optimization of the design solution is possible. This generates savings in material and overall costs.

The algorithm-aided design process was found to be working as intended and the time savings achieved in the pre-design phase are significant. Boiler buildings are diverse in construction and geometry and it was found that the best way to perform the pre-design is to first generate a raw Building Information model using an algorithm. In this model the buildings geometry, details of equipment support and loads can be manually modified to answer the needs of the specific facility. Usually there is variation and exceptions that are difficult to fully handle with an algorithm. After the possible manual modifications an analysis model is generated from the Building Information Model using an algorithm, in which the parts that are included in the structural member design at the pre-design phase can be dimensioned. The same analysis model is used to determine foundation loads.