Abstract:
This research proposes a parametric design process model to improve the structural engineering
project team performance by automating the design and three-dimensional modelling
procedures of box culverts. Although standardised design procedures can reduce the design
time of repetitive structures such as box culverts, the increased time and effort required for
revising construction drawings negatively impacts a project’s performance. A literature review
was conducted to develop a theoretical process model to improve the current structural design
optimisation and three-dimensional modelling procedures of box culverts. The proposed
process model was validated using structured interviews with professionally registered structural
engineers for appropriateness to box culverts and the potential to improve project performance.
The data analysis revealed that the interviewed engineers were in favour of automating the
design optimisation and three-dimensional modelling procedures of box culverts. Moreover,
parametric design automation would result in improved project performance when encountering
an inevitable design change. However, the user’s control over the output of each process should
not be discarded. This study can help readers understand the transformation of the structural
design and three-dimensional modelling procedures of repetitive structures, such as box culverts,
into an algorithmic form to achieve improved project performance.
