Hybrid approach to piping route path design using GA-based inspiration and rule-based inference

A hybrid type of approach to support interactive planning of a piping route path in plant layout design is presented using GA-based inspiration (GBI) and rule-based inference (RBI). GBI is based on an interactive route path plan using a genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The optimization technique of GA generates a preliminary route path for a piping route based on initial conditions given by a designer. The designer evaluates the route path and modifies the path until the final design is formulated through evolution of genes representing the route path. RBI is based on interactive information retrieval and inference for decision-making on the route path. using the results in GBI as well as associative information. The paper outlines our approach and mainly discusses the mechanism of an autonomous route path generation using GA.