Computer-aided design of structures using LISP

Abstract An experimental knowledge-based expert system, called SSPG. is presented for design of stiffened steel plate girders, using the LISP programming language. Employing previously acquired knowledge of the optimum span-to-web depth ratios, SSPG is capable of yielding a “practical” minimum weight design without performing a costly formal optimization. This research indicates the effectiveness of the LISP language for computer-aided design of structures where not only subjective knowledge and heuristics are needed but also substantial numerical computations are involved.