Computer-Aided Conceptual Design of Building Structures

Abstract

This paper proposes a methodology for allowing engineers to synthesize structural systems more efficiently within a building architectural context. The methodology follows a top-down approach where the engineer focuses first on the overall structural implications of the building architecture, and lets the computer take care of more specific and time consuming tasks. The methodology is being developed in a three-phase project. The first phase is described in this paper. At the core of the methodology lies an integrated representation that is used by the engineer, with the assistance of synthesis algorithms, to create the design model. The representation describes structural and architectural concepts that are relevant during conceptual structural design and relies on geometric modeling techniques for allowing the engineer to reason about the topology and geometry of the model being created. A software prototype has been implemented and a test case demonstrates its capabilities in supporting design synthesis.