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Volume 15
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10.3390/buildings15173051
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

BIM-Enabled Two-Phase Optimization Framework for Automated Masonry Layout Efficiency

by
Lu Jia
1,
Tian Qiu
1,
Ruopu Yu
1,
Weizhen Lu
2 and
Zhongcun Liu
2,*
1
School of Infrastructure Engineering, Nanchang University, 999# Xuefu Ave., Honggutan District, Nanchang 330031, China
2
ZhongMei Engineering Group Ltd., Kowloon Lake International Expo Center, Shangrao St., Honggutan District, Nanchang 330038, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Buildings 2025, 15(17), 3051; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173051
Submission received: 26 July 2025 / Revised: 13 August 2025 / Accepted: 25 August 2025 / Published: 26 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Masonry construction remains labor-intensive, with current block placement predominantly dependent on workers’ empirical knowledge. Lack of systematic cutting plans induces substantial material waste and rework, adversely affecting sustainability. We propose a two-phase optimization framework to automate and enhance masonry block arrangement efficiency. Phase 1 decomposes masonry structures into optimizable subregions by geometric features, documenting each region’s geometry and position to generate optimization datasets. Phase 2 implements a computational module using the Social Network Search (SNS) algorithm to optimize subregion layouts, recording post-optimization block coordinates and dimensions. Finally, it materializes layout configurations and generates block quantity schedules to provide precise material demand data. An integrated prototype system was implemented in four specialized block arrangement scenarios and one building case study, validating both functionality and efficiency.
Keywords: masonry structure; Building Information Modeling (BIM); social network search algorithm masonry structure; Building Information Modeling (BIM); social network search algorithm

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Jia, L.; Qiu, T.; Yu, R.; Lu, W.; Liu, Z. BIM-Enabled Two-Phase Optimization Framework for Automated Masonry Layout Efficiency. Buildings 2025, 15, 3051. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173051

AMA Style

Jia L, Qiu T, Yu R, Lu W, Liu Z. BIM-Enabled Two-Phase Optimization Framework for Automated Masonry Layout Efficiency. Buildings. 2025; 15(17):3051. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173051

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jia, Lu, Tian Qiu, Ruopu Yu, Weizhen Lu, and Zhongcun Liu. 2025. "BIM-Enabled Two-Phase Optimization Framework for Automated Masonry Layout Efficiency" Buildings 15, no. 17: 3051. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173051

APA Style

Jia, L., Qiu, T., Yu, R., Lu, W., & Liu, Z. (2025). BIM-Enabled Two-Phase Optimization Framework for Automated Masonry Layout Efficiency. Buildings, 15(17), 3051. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173051

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