A BIM-Based Approach for Optimizing HVAC Design and Air Distribution System Layouts in Panelized Houses Pouya Baradaran-NoveiriIn a centralized air distribution system, the designed ductwork layout impacts the system performance and the construction time and cost. Engineers face various challenges, including spatial limitations, leading them to use assumption-based design methods to balance their design with construction requirements. As a result of this shortcoming, insufficient design details for construction and improper coordination between designers and trade workers will occur, increasing the project duration and risk for conflicts. As the construction industry shifts towards off-site and fast-paced construction methods, the design processes must comply with construction requirements to ensure a smooth transition from conventional methods to off-site construction.This research provides a scientific and systematic method for design and optimization of the HVAC air distribution system in terms of the ductwork layouts, and sizes and types of ducts to standardize the construction processes for time and cost reduction in the off-site environment. The proposed methodology utilizes Building Information Modeling for coordination of the air distribution system using a 3D database. Furthermore, a trained genetic algorithm processes the data and identifies alternative solutions. As the final step, the algorithm generates the optimal air distribution system in the BIM 3D environment for a visual assessment and detailing. The results are verified based on existing case studies in the Canadian prefabricated, panelized construction iv company. The potential benefits include 23% savings in duct material whilst providing an integrated design solution with 32% less conflicts per day comparing to traditional design methods, which can potentially save about $10,119.5 and 175 man-hours per week.v Acknowledgments I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisors Dr. SangHyeok Han and Dr.Mohammed Zaheeruddin, for their continuous guidance, encouragement, and patience with me through the past two years and even in the hardest times during the worldwide pandemic they never neglected to show their support. I would like to thank faculty members of Concordia University, including but not limited to Dr. Mazdak Nikbakht and Dr. Mohammed El-ebbasy for always having their doors open for me and helping me with establishing my place as a Master of Applied Sciences student in the department of BCEE. I would like to thank faculty members of Dalhousie University, including but not limited to Dr. Nouman Ali and Dr. David Hansen for encouraging me and providing guidance as I was graduating with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and making my way towards higher education. Greatest gratitude will be to my family for supporting me with all my decisions in the good times and the hard times and always encouraging me to do better and become the best version of my self. I would like to thank my colleagues Alaa Hebiba, Sobhan Kouhest...

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