Graphics based preliminary structural design

During preliminary design, alternative structural configurations are explored and one or more alternatives are selected for further consideration. During analysis, a structural configuration is analyzed and modified until its response to expected loads is satisfactory. This paper describes a graphics based preliminary design program that was developed to facilitate teaching architect and engineering students about structural design. Current work in this area involves the development of an 'intelligent' graphical environment in which the program contains knowledge about both the graphical representation of the design and the structural implications of the design.