M.T.R. Jayasinghe
University
of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
C.J. Burgoyne and H.J. Sundaram
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge,
Cambridge, UK
An expert system is an intelligent
interactive computer program which should emulate an expert and provide advice
on problems that require vast experience in a particular domain. Expert systems
can be of immense help to bridge engineers. Bridge engineering is the most
competitive field in the construction industry which is evident from the number
of bids submitted for any project proposal. However, there are wide margins
between the tender estimates. Competitive tendering for non-conforming designs
is very common indicating that many inefficient structures are still being
designed.
Analysis of prestressed concrete
structures is well understood by many practising engineers and students; it is
the process of evaluating the performance/suitability of a known structure
under the action of given loads and constraints. With the advent of computers,
there have been rapid developments in various analytical techniques. But where
do we stand in terms of design. How many colleges and universities, text-books
and research papers cover the design aspects in detail? The lack of design
knowledge forces novice engineers to adopt a tiresome iterative process of
design by repeated analysis. A trial structure is chosen and analyzed; if it
fails, modifications are made and the structure re-analyzed until it is
satisfactory. It is the lack of good design principles which motivated the
authors to undertake the work described in this paper.
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