Artificial intelligence and expert systems offer an alternative to conventional methods of design of earthquake resistant structures. This application could lead to an economical and technically broad design methodology. This research project will consist of developing an expert system for earthquake-resistant design of structures. The design of structures for earthquake loads requires specialized knowledge in several interrelated disciplines, and is very difficult to perform on a day-to-day basis by a designer. This expert system will help the designer in the development of a safe (and economical) earthquake-resistant design on a routine basis. The Phase I efforts will develop the basic framework for the proposed expert system and detailed technical development of the methodology will be performed in phase II. An award is recommended for this six month Phase I, Small Business Innovation Research project. The principal investigator is highly qualified to conduct the research and the institution provides adequate facilities for support.
