Lattice-Dome Design Using a Knowledge-Based System Approach

In the design of lattice domes, design engineers need expertise in areas such as configuration processing, nonlinear analysis, and optimization. These are extensive numerical, iterative, and time-consuming processes that are prone to error without an integrated design tool. This article presents the application of a knowledge-based system in solving lattice-dome design problems. An operational prototype knowledge-based system, LADOME, has been developed by employing the combined knowledge representation approach, which uses rules, procedural methods, and an object-oriented blackboard concept. The system's objective is to assist engineers in lattice-dome design by integrating all design tasks into a single computer-aided environment with implementation of the knowledge-based system approach. For system verification, results from design examples are presented.