Proposal of an integrated optimization model with software support to calculate the approximate cost of building projects

In market conditions, construction projects are completed with the foresight of the engineer-architect and with static concern, regardless of the approximate cost. But for the contractor or spending authority, the cost of construction is the most significant decision maker. In this study, a software was created that can be integrated with approximate cost-progress programs and static package programs to create the optimum construction cost. By utilizing ACDOS (Automated cost design optimization of structures) software, the optimum approximate cost value was obtained by iterating with optimization algorithms in a real construction project to minimize the approximate cost of construction at each design stage. Cost-design optimization processes of reinforced concrete structures were carried out autonomously. Four different optimization algorithms were applied on five different real-life buildings with a total building area of 500-5580 m2. Success was achieved by reducing the approximate construction costs, which differ according to structures and algorithms, by 5.32%-14.42%. With all these aspects, this thesis study contributes to both construction market practices and theoretical approximate cost studies.