Intelligent multi-rebar layouts in precast concrete components using multi-agent coordination and particle swarm optimization

For precast concrete (PC) components, product-oriented design plays a vital role to achieve the industrial production and lean construction. Rebar collisions occur more frequently in PC components due to the irregular concrete profile and the numerous embedded parts. This paper presents an automated detailed design framework for PC components to generate the multi-rebar collision-free layout. Inspired by the formation moving capability of multi-agent flock, a multi-rebar layout module is developed to avoid rebar collision and uneven spacing. An integrated multi-agent coordination strategy is proposed for the multi-layout module, which includes three subtasks: virtual leader path planning, obstacle avoidance for collided agents, and formation optimization of agent flock. An optimization model is formulated to adjust multi-agent formation and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to find the optimal solution. The developed framework is applied to the detailed design of a PC stair to demonstrate its practicability and efficiency.