Automated rule-based constructability checking: Case study of formwork

Constructability has been raised to optimize construction knowledge and experience in the design phase to improve project performance. However, the traditional constructability review is often conducted manually and considered inefficient for constructability implementation. In order to minimize the inefficiencies of the process, the current work presents an approach of an automated, rule-based constructability checking with the help from building information modeling (BIM). Focusing on cast-in-place concrete construction methods rule-sets for horizontal formwork, decisions are developed based on previous constructability research and tested on a case study project. The new procedure for testing the formwork constructability issues with corresponding BIM contents is further explained. The findings demonstrate not only the model contents can be checked for the optimal formwork selection, but also for the design variance from requirements for all of the formwork options - enabling future analysis to move toward proactive feedback in the design process for more consistent and timely constructability evaluation. Potential benefits of using BIM to enhance the efficiency and value of constructability review and decision-making processes are discussed.