SetPlan: A computer tool to aid in set-based design

This paper describes a computer tool named SetPlan that works with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to aid in set-based design. It captures information from a BIM model and displays it in a 'dashboard' that supports project participants in developing shared understanding of rebar objects as the design unfolds. In turn, updates from SetPlan help to colour code the BIM. We engaged practicing structural engineers, rebar fabricator-placers, and general contractors from the San Francisco Bay Area in workshops to determine the need and use cases for SetPlan. This paper illustrates SetPlan's use for designing a shear wall. SetPlan compares three shear wall reinforcement schemes (representing various wall shapes with different boundary reinforcement). It extracts information from a BIM in Tekla 14.0 about the shear wall reinforcement, enabling information sharing across the project team. The tool eliminates some of the jargon issues that may arise in crossdisciplinary design conversations by displaying data graphically and it is a first step in making set-based design easier to implement using current design software.