Addressing Current Issues in Structural Design Software

Abstract

Software for detailed structural design has advanced considerably in the last 20 years, with progress being primarily related to the numerically intensive tasks of structural analysis, design optimization, and conformance checking. Despite these advances, there remain many areas where improvements can still be realized. Current challenges facing researchers in this area include the additional representation of nonnumerical design knowledge, managing complexity of software development and maintenance, and the production of systems that incorporate reusability. A prototype system for detailed building design is presented that addresses these issues through the generic and object-oriented approach taken in its design and development. To this end, the classes of objects and their relationships involved in structural design are identified, the representation and utilization of different types of structural design knowledge are discussed, and it is shown how the system incorporates reuse as it is easily extended to apply to different building types. A building design example is given to illustrate the system's capabilities.