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Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm
Widjaja, D.D.; Kim, S.; Kim, D.-J. Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm. Buildings2024, 14, 287.
Widjaja, D.D.; Kim, S.; Kim, D.-J. Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm. Buildings 2024, 14, 287.
Widjaja, D.D.; Kim, S.; Kim, D.-J. Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm. Buildings2024, 14, 287.
Widjaja, D.D.; Kim, S.; Kim, D.-J. Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm. Buildings 2024, 14, 287.
Abstract
The construction of reinforced concrete (RC) structures inevitably consumes an excessive number of rebars, leading to significant cutting waste and carbon emissions. Extensive research has been conducted to minimize this issue and its consequences; however, these methods consistently consume a substantial number of rebars. This includes a previous study that utilizes the lap splice position optimization and special-length rebar concept without considering the lapping zone regulation. Moreover, conventional lap splices pose inherent drawbacks that could jeopardize the structural integrity of RC members. In contrast, mechanical couplers eliminate the need for rebar lapping, effectively reducing rebar consumption. This research aims to evaluate the impact of an integrated mechanical coupler and special-length-priority minimization algorithm on the reduction in rebar consumption and cutting waste in RC columns, achieving near-zero cutting waste. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, it was applied to the column rebars of an RC building. The results revealed a significant reduction in ordered rebar consumption by 18.25%, accompanied by substantial reductions in cutting waste (8.93%), carbon emissions (12.99%), and total costs (10.81%) compared with a previous study. The outcomes provide the industry with insights into further reducing rebar consumption and its related consequences. Applying the proposed algorithm to various construction projects will further amplify the corresponding benefits.
Keywords
rebar consumption; cutting waste; column; coupler; special length
Subject
Engineering, Civil Engineering
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
