Integrated Computer-Based Approach for Conceptual Structural Design

Computer programs for performing structural analysis and detail design calculations have been in the market and used by practitioners for several years. However, there is still a scarcity of computer programs available to assist properly engineers in the conceptual design of building structures. The explanation for this lies in the fact that during conceptual design the engineer's work flow is highly dependent on the amount, quality and type of information that is exchanged with the architect. This in turn affects the quality and effectiveness of the structural engineering feedback provided to the architect. This paper describes an approach that aims at enabling a two-way interaction between architects and structural engineers early on in the design process through computers, which will likely lead to improved overall building solutions.