The Development of a Web Application for Rebar Loss Optimization Using BIM Models

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures, prevalent in construction, face significant cost and environmental challenges due to reinforcement bar (rebar) waste, which can account for 16% of project costs and 8% of total construction waste. Conventional rebar cutting practices, which rely on manual engineering judgment, often fall short of minimizing rebar waste effectively. To overcome this issue, this study proposed a framework that integrates BIM models with an optimization technique to automate the generation of optimal rebar cutting schemes via a web application platform. Developed as a web application, the platform leverages a scalable cloud infrastructure on Amazon Web Services (AWS), facilitating the efficient extraction and processing of rebar detailing data directly from BIM, performing optimization calculations, and providing intuitive visualization of cutting scheme results in a dashboard. Validation was performed through a case study on a subway station project, where the system optimized rebar cutting for slab construction. The proposed approach achieved a significant reduction in rebar waste by 72.2% and a saving of 8.9% in total rebar stock procurement compared to conventional methods. Additionally, the cloud-based application enhances collaboration and decision-making by providing an intuitive platform for all project stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration between rebar detailing design and procurement.