ABSTRACT
Design for circularity is essential for decarbonising the built environment. However, achieving true circular construction requires not only designing reusable components but also optimising their assembly process. Efficient planning enhances productivity, accelerates construction, and enables reconfiguration of structures. This research applies graph theory to automate assembly planning for reconfigurable timber frame structures with complex connections and multiple operators. The assembly process is modelled as a directed graph, with cycles identified and contracted into pre-assembled sub-structures to generate a valid sequence. Computational simulations of various structures demonstrate the method’s flexibility, reducing planning time and proving effective for reconfigurable designs. This study underscores the potential of graph theory to manage complex assembly processes, integrate with advanced fabrication methods, and dynamically adapt as construction progresses. It also lays the groundwork for future research on the automated planning of partial and complete disassembly and reassembly, further advancing circular construction strategies.
