Concept for Type-Local Instance–Global Instance Object Modeling and Application to Structural Design of Buildings

Abstract

Rational data modeling is prerequisite to the computerization of design, and the use of design information in the subsequent work, in areas such as cost estimation and construction. In particular, the structural design of buildings consists of a long series of unit steps and is nonprocedural and data intensive compared with structural analysis problems that are procedural and computation intensive. Hence, there is a need to investigate the characteristics of the problem and to structure design information properly to effectively manage it in the structural design process. This paper discusses modeling concepts for managing design information efficiently and supporting the design process effectively. Type-local instance–global instance object modeling is the conceptual backbone of the model in this study and provides consistent modeling of structural components including not only primitive members such as beams and columns, but also composite elements such as floors, frames, and even whole buildings. This paper also provides core and extended object concepts for classifying structural design information into an overall design and for processing dependent temporary stages in the design. Foundational and application object concepts are introduced for extending the model to various types of structures. An integrated structural design system for buildings is developed based on these modeling concepts, and finally a brief discussion of the application of the object model throughout the entire structural design process in the integrated structural design system is given. It is expected that the modeling concepts proposed in this research can be applied to a range of other engineering applications.