| The design of connections in steel framed buildings is a complex task that involves judgement, experience, and adequate knowledge of the limitations and requirements of the applicable design code. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and usefulness of implementing a Knowledge-Based Expert System for the design of steel connections. For this purpose, a prototype expert system was implemented using the C programming language in conjunction with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence techniques. This system, which is called CONXPRT, can currently be used for the design of framing angles connections, end plate shear connections, and single plate framing connections. The technique used in CONXPRT to represent and apply design knowledge is unique, and it can easily be adapted for other structural design applications. Sample design examples are presented at the end of this dissertation. |
