Automating Codes Conformance in Structural Domain

The intelligent codes (SMARTcodes) is a new initiative of the International Code Council (ICC) that strives to automate code compliance check which takes the building plan as represented by a Building Information Model (BIM), and instantly checks for code compliance via model checking software. The goal is to be able to create an inspection checklist of building elements to look for, and viewing the building components that don't comply with code provisions and for what reasons. This paper examines automated code compliance checking systems that assess building designs according to various structural code provisions. This includes evaluating and reviewing the functional capabilities of both the technology and structure of smart codes and current building design rule checking systems. The paper suggests a new framework for development of automated rule checking systems to verify structural design against code provisions and other user defined rules.