Automating constructibility reasoning with a geometrical and topological project model

Abstract

Due to fragmentation in the construction industry, structural engineers do not generally use explicit constructibility knowledge when making decisions about the layout and dimensions of structural elements. By interfacing with a geometrical and topological model of a design, an on-line construction expert automates the input of construction expertise to these decisions and allows use of more efficient construction methods on a project. Developing such an expert system poses three main challenges: formalizing and representing constructibility knowledge; developing a product model schema to represent project data; and integrating the project model with the knowledge. This paper summarizes the first and third tasks and describes the project model in detail. © 1993.