A model is proposed for the structural design process for buildings which enables a computer-based representation of the contents and intent of the governing Building Code Specification. This computer-based representation will be easily accessed, readily understood by structural design engineers, amenable to straightforward updating as the Specification evolves, and compatible with existing procedure-based design software as well as with evolving knowledge-based design software. The enabling technology will be demonstrated by implementing an electronic version of the LRFD Specification for steel buildings. The results will be a computer design tool that can be delivered as a layered product to give a range of capabilities, from a tutorial package to a software development environment, extensible to other design philosophies and other construction materials.
