Conflict detection in collaborative architectural pipe routing design based on constraint network

This paper analyzes conflict features in architecture pipe routing, and builds a pipe routing design conflict model by taking into account of discrete nominal internal diameter selection of pipes, material costs, and conflict solution sequence. Considering pipe routing as an assembling process, a conflict detection approach for pipe routing in collaborative architectural design is proposed based on an aforementioned model. Constraint network is used to describe the relationship among pipe routing design parameters and constraints; design conflicts are detected by matching designers' input and constraint network; and detected design conflicts are reordered according to the number of pipe parameters in conflicts. In order to support the collaborative requirement of pipe routing design, a prototype system using browser/server architecture is developed. An illustrative example of water pipe routing in a room is used to show the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach. Copyright © by HIGH TECHNOLOGY LETTERS PRESS.