Reusing steel for Emission reduction through AI-driven Cutting-stock Tool

Objective

Reusing steel for Emission reduction through AI-driven Cutting-stock Tool (REACT) is a pioneering research endeavour that will introduce a novel, openly available, interactive plug-inned tool for the integrated and streamlined use of AI-driven optimisation processes at the design phase aiming to maximise the reusing ratio of reclaimed steelwork for new building construction. Specifically, a novel Multi-dimensional Pareto front decision-making optimisation tool is proposed to incentivise sustainable design approaches. The proposed framework will be able to provide several design scenarios based on different percentages of reusing steelwork according to the availability of the steel stock, economic resources, and the proper needs of clients by managing the architectural and structural performance of the new building. The sustainability of the design solutions will be evaluated case-by-case through the calculation of environmental qualities obtained with innovative integrated Life-cycle assessment methodologies accounting for the entire life cycle of the building products. The proposed optimised tool will be connected to commercial structural software as a design support plug-in, able to predict the best trade-off between the adoption of reclaimed and new steel encouraging reusing practices among designers and stakeholders of the supply chain. Despite the existing level of knowledge on reusing steel, REACT proposed unique and innovative technical support to overcome the barriers to steelwork reusing in the building construction sectors while preserving the built environment from climate change and resource consumption.