A Knowledge-Based Assistant for Preliminary Design of Framework Structure : An Approach based on Multiple Candidates

Abstract

The preliminary design of a framework structure is studied in terms of a knowledge-based assistant. The aim is toward an artificial assistant but not a system of automatic design, although the generative parts essential to the latter are maintained. Besides the capability to generate a specific design candidate, some basic features are installed in such an assistant; e.g. presenting multiple candidates that should be considered by a designer, providing some pieces of information useful for evaluation, and backtracking the design process at any time. A quantitative analysis based on default values for detailed design items is also useful for the evaluation of the candidates presented by the assistant. An experimental assistant system for the layout of a truss bridge is developed by taking into account the above-mentioned features based on the conventional design knowledge, and some case studies are demonstrated.