A Knowledge-Based Approach to Structural Design of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings

Keywords: Expert Systems, Interactive Graphics, Seismic Design, Buildings, Structures, Building Codes, Artificial Intelligence, Computer codes, and CU-STRAKE.

Abstract: The uncertainties in seismic design and the knowledge-intensive nature of the tasks involved suggest the need for a computer-based design aid to help structural engineers design earthquake resistant buildings. To this end, a prototype knowledge-based expert system (KBES) named CU-STRAKE has been developed. The knowledge base includes the seismic provisions of building codes, other existing information from design guides and technical documents, and lessons learned from post-earthquake studies. The CU-STRAKE system uses this knowledge to obtain estimates of seismic parameters, to check for compliance with the code regulations, and to obtain an overall evaluation of the building. The knowledge base is organized in different levels of sophistication enabling the user to define the scope of the evaluation, ranging from a rapid check based on code regulations to a more comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the building. The use of algorithmic functions for performing numerical computations is important for an engineering application such as seismic structural design. CU-STRAKE combines the use of algorithmic functions for estimating numerical quantities with the knowledge-base rules of the system. This knowledge-based system is a model for an integrated design environment with knowledge-base rules, algorithmic functions, and interactive graphics combined to aid in the design process.