Design support apparatus, design support system, design support method, and design support program

Abstract

To evaluate quantitatively an effect caused by application of an article and visualize it to thereby easily motivate a user to repeatedly apply the article.SOLUTION: A design support apparatus according to the present invention includes: an objective function setting unit for receiving designation of at least one objective function for use in evaluation of design data for a building structure; an original design evaluation unit for evaluating original design data of the building structure using objective functions; an article information acquiring unit for acquiring article information relating to at least one second article which can be substituted for at least one first article designated by the original design data for the building structure; an article replacing unit for carrying out design change which replaces the at least one first article with the at least one second article; a post-replacement design evaluation unit for evaluating post-replacement design data obtained after the design change by the objective function; and an output unit for outputting information indicating difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the post-replacement design data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a design support device, a design support system, a design support method, and a design support program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as technologies contributing to the safety and rationalization of design and construction of building structures, manufacturers such as material manufacturers and general contractors (General Contractor) have been promoting the development of various products and construction methods that contribute to improving the reliability of building structures, reducing weight, reducing construction costs, rationalizing design and construction, and reducing CO2 emissions. Hereinafter, such products and construction methods are collectively referred to as "products". For example, as an example of such products, there are the following.

[0003] · "Hyper Beam" (registered trademark) is an H-shaped steel that aims to reduce weight compared to conventional H-shaped steels by thinning the thickness of the flange and web while keeping the height (beam depth) and width of the beam constant. · "Smart Beam" (registered trademark) is an H-shaped steel assembled into an H cross-sectional shape by high-frequency resistance welding of a hot-rolled coil, and is an H-shaped steel that aims to reduce weight by having thinner flange and web plate thicknesses compared to general H-shaped steels manufactured by hot rolling. · "Lateral bracing omission method" is a construction method that omits lateral bracings by utilizing the restraining effect of the floor slab on the beam. A lateral bracing is a member that prevents the lateral buckling of the beam supporting the floor slab. · "Web stiffening method at beam ends" is a construction method that prevents local buckling and improves the deformation performance of beam ends by stiffening a part of the beam ends with ribs. · "Straightening method at beam ends" is a construction method that alleviates the stress concentration at the bottom of the scallop by specifying the scallop shape provided on the web at the beam ends to a specific shape, and improves the seismic performance of the beam. · "Blast furnace cement" is a cement using blast furnace slag by-produced in the pig iron-making process of a blast furnace, and is one of the materials contributing to CO2 reduction in today's carbon-neutral society. Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned products cited as an example, as one of the technologies that can contribute to the rationalization of design and construction, etc., consideration is also being given to technologies such as reducing the fire protection coating of beams by taking into account the tensile resistance of steel bars due to vertical deflection in the floor slab during a fire.

[0004] By using these products in the design and construction of building structures, designers and constructors can enjoy the benefits such as weight reduction of building structures, reduction of construction costs, rationalization of design and construction, and reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, by using a combination of these products, designers and constructors can enjoy more of the above-mentioned benefits.

[0005] Here, the process of conventional sales activities (hereinafter referred to as the "sales flow") when a manufacturer proposes the above-mentioned products to customers will be explained. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the conventional sales flow. As shown in Figure 19, Company A is a manufacturer, Company B is a designer (user of the product), and Company C is a steel structure procurement company.

[0006] [1] First, Company A conducts PR (Public Relations) activities regarding its own (Company A's) products for Company B. For example, Company A provides product information individually to each designer including Company B. [2] Next, if Company B has a product of interest due to Company A's PR activities, etc., Company B requests Company A to conduct an application study for applying the product to the design and construction of building structures. At this time, Company B provides the design information of the building structure to Company A and makes the application study request. [3] Next, Company A conducts an application study for applying the product of Company A desired by Company B to the design and construction of Company B's building structure based on the design information of the building structure provided by Company B. [4] Next, Company A creates a study report summarizing the results of the application study. Company A sends the created study report to Company B. [5] Next, Company B performs structural calculations, etc. based on the content of the consideration document sent by Company A, and checks whether Company A's products are applicable to the design and construction of its (Company B's) building structures. If, as a result of the structural calculations, etc., it is determined that Company A's products are not applicable to the design and construction of Company B's building structures, for example, Company B can change the design information of the building structure and send the design information of the changed building structure to Company A again to request an application review. In that case, the processes [2] to [5] are repeated until it is determined that Company A's products are applicable to the design and construction of Company B's building structures. [6] Next, if, as a result of the structural calculations, etc., it is determined that Company A's products are applicable to the design and construction of Company B's building structures, Company B sends the design drawings of its (Company B's) building structures with a statement indicating the use of Company A's products to Company C together with the consideration document sent by Company A. [7] Next, Company C creates a list of products to be used as members of the building structure based on the design drawings and consideration document sent by Company B. [8] Next, Company C places an order for products with Company A based on the created list of products, etc.

[0007] The above [1] to [8] are an example of the conventional business process, but this conventional business process has at least the following problems (1) to (3).

[0008] (1) In the process of [1] above, the PR activities of the products may be inefficient. For example, if Company B already knows Company A's products, the PR activities are unnecessary. (2) In the process of [5] above, if, as a result of the structural calculations, etc. by Company B, it is determined that Company A's products are not applicable to the design and construction of Company B's building structures, the application review of the products by Company A in the process of [3] above needs to be repeated. As a result, the burden on Company A for the application review of the products increases. (3) In the process of [4] above, it takes a lot of time to create the consideration document by Company A. This is because it is necessary to create the consideration document manually after the application review of the products is completed.

[0009] In response to the above problems, conventionally, for example, a structural design support system described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The structural design support system described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a manufacturer can provide a program for considering the application of products (products, construction methods, etc.) to a user (designer) via a network. Thereby, the structural design support system described in Patent Document 1 enables more efficient conduct of business activities of products and support for structural design for an unspecified number of users (designers). Therefore, the structural design support system described in Patent Document 1 can reduce the work loads of both the manufacturer and the user (designer) compared to the conventional case. And, it is considered that the structural design support system described in Patent Document 1 can generally solve the problems (1) to (3) by having such a configuration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] Generally, if the effects (=merits) generated by applying a product to a building structure are quantitatively evaluated and the evaluation results are visualized, it is considered that it is easy for a user (designer) who intends to apply again a product that has been applied in the past to another building structure to be designed and constructed in the future to be motivated. If such motivation of the user can be generated, it is considered that the manufacturer can more efficiently promote the expansion of sales of the product.

[0012] However, the structure design support system described in Patent Document 1 does not have a configuration for quantitatively evaluating and visualizing the effects generated by applying a product to an architectural structure as described above. Therefore, the structure design support system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to generate the motivation of a user (designer) who tries to repeatedly apply a product that has been applied in the past.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above technical background, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of quantitatively evaluating and visualizing the effects (=merits) generated by applying a product and easily generating the motivation of a user who tries to repeatedly apply the product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] A first aspect of the present invention includes an objective function setting unit that receives a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of an architectural structure, an original design evaluation unit that evaluates original design data, which is the initial design data of the architectural structure, by the objective function, a product information acquisition unit that acquires product information, which is information about at least one second product that can be replaced with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the architectural structure specified in the original design data, a product replacement unit that makes a design change to replace at least one of the first products with at least one of the second products, a post-replacement design evaluation unit that evaluates post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function, and an output unit that outputs information indicating a difference between an evaluation result of the original design data and an evaluation result of the post-replacement design data. The design support device is characterized by comprising these components.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first aspect, wherein when the objective function setting unit receives specifications of a plurality of the objective functions, it receives a specification of the priority order of each of the objective functions, and the product replacement unit makes the design change in consideration of the priority order.

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the total weight of the building structure.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the weight of at least one member constituting the building structure.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the total processing cost of the members used in the building structure.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the processing cost of at least one member constituting the building structure.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the total CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of the structural members and fireproof coatings used in the building structure.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of at least one structural member or fireproof coating constituting the building structure.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that one of the objective functions is the construction period of the building construction of the building structure.

[0023] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the first aspect, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with a server that stores the product information, and a storage unit that stores the product information acquired from the server.

[0024] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising an intermediate data generation unit that generates intermediate data for reducing the processing load related to the design change by combining duplicate items included in the original design data into one, wherein the product replacement unit performs the design change using the intermediate data.

[0025] The twelfth aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first, second, tenth, or eleventh aspect, wherein the design change includes a change in the cross-section of the structural member used in the building structure.

[0026] The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first, second, tenth, or eleventh aspect, wherein the design change includes a change in the quantity of lateral bracing members used in the building structure.

[0027] The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first, second, tenth, or eleventh aspect, wherein the design change includes a change in the fire protection coating amount of the beam used in the building structure.

[0028] The fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first, second, tenth, or eleventh aspect, wherein the design change includes at least one change in the material or component of the concrete in the floor slab used in the building structure.

[0029] The sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first, second, tenth, or eleventh aspect, wherein the design change includes at least one change in the material or component of the concrete in the concrete-filled steel tube column used in the building structure.

[0030] The seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the design support apparatus according to the first, second, tenth, or eleventh aspect, wherein when there are a plurality of second products that can replace the first product, the product replacement unit specifies one second product that optimizes the evaluation by the objective function.

[0031] The 18th aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the 17th aspect, wherein the product replacement unit specifies the second product as one by a convergence calculation based on an arbitrary mathematical law.

[0032] The 19th aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the 1st, 2nd, 10th, or 11th aspect, further comprising a conversion unit that converts the post-replacement design data into conversion data that is data in a form capable of consistent structure calculation, and a structure calculation unit that performs the consistent structure calculation using the conversion data.

[0033] The 20th aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the 19th aspect, further comprising a data re-conversion unit that re-converts the conversion data used in the consistent structure calculation into the post-replacement design data.

[0034] The 21st aspect of the present invention is the design support device according to the 19th aspect, further comprising a verification unit that performs at least one of a verification regarding member stress, a verification regarding interlayer deformation, and a consideration regarding ultimate strength on the result of the consistent structure calculation, and the output unit outputs the result of the verification.

[0035] A 22nd aspect of the present invention is a design support system having a design support device and a structural calculation device, wherein the design support device includes: an objective function setting unit that receives a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure; an original design evaluation unit that evaluates original design data, which is the initial design data of the building structure, by the objective function; a product information acquisition unit that acquires product information, which is information regarding at least one second product that can be replaced with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data; a product replacement unit that makes a design change to replace at least one of the first products with at least one of the second products; a post-replacement design evaluation unit that evaluates the post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function; a conversion unit that converts the data into conversion data, which is data in a format enabling consistent structural calculation; a data reconversion unit that reconverts the conversion data used for the consistent structural calculation into the post-replacement design data; and an output unit that outputs information indicating a difference between an evaluation result of the original design data and an evaluation result of the post-replacement design data, and the structural calculation device includes a structural calculation unit that performs the consistent structural calculation using the conversion data.

[0036] The 23rd aspect of the present invention includes an objective function setting step of receiving a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure, an original design evaluation step of evaluating original design data, which is the initial design data of the building structure, by the objective function, a product information acquisition step of acquiring product information, which is information about at least one second product that can replace at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data, a product replacement step of making a design change to replace at least one of the first products with at least one of the second products, a post-replacement design evaluation step of evaluating post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function, and an output step of outputting information indicating a difference between an evaluation result of the original design data and an evaluation result of the post-replacement design data. The design support method is characterized by having these steps.

[0037] The 24th aspect of the present invention is a design support program for causing a computer to execute an objective function setting step of receiving a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure, an original design evaluation step of evaluating original design data, which is the initial design data of the building structure, by the objective function, a product information acquisition step of acquiring product information, which is information about at least one second product that can replace at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data, a product replacement step of making a design change to replace at least one of the first products with at least one of the second products, a post-replacement design evaluation step of evaluating post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function, and an output step of outputting information indicating a difference between an evaluation result of the original design data and an evaluation result of the post-replacement design data.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] According to the present invention, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate and visualize the effects generated by applying a product, and to easily motivate a user who intends to repeatedly apply the product.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

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Figure 19

[0040] Hereinafter, a design support device, a design support system, a design support method, and a design support program in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] [Overview] First, as a comparison with the conventional sales process shown in FIG. 19 described above, the sales process realized by the design support system in one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the sales process realized by the design support system in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, Company A is a manufacturer, Companies B, D, and E are designers (users of products), and Company C is a steel frame procurement company.

[0042] [1] First, Company A posts product information of its own (Company A) products on the network server. As a result, a plurality of designers (Companies B, D, and E) can view the posted product information simultaneously.

[0043] [2] Next, for example, Company B, which is one of the designers, views the product information posted on the network server.

[0044] [3] Next, if Company B is interested in a product of Company A based on the viewed product information, etc., Company B registers the design information of its own (Company B's) building structure on the network server.

[0045] [4] Next, Company A receives a request for application consideration from Company B by referring to the design information of the building structure registered on the network server by Company B. The request for application consideration here refers to a request for consideration of applying the products of Company A to the design and construction of Company B's building structure.

[0046] [5] Next, Company A conducts data processing using the design information of Company B's building structure stored on the network server, etc., to conduct an application consideration for applying the products of Company A to the design and construction of Company B's building structure.

[0047] [6] Next, Company A creates a study report summarizing the results of the application consideration and registers the created study report on the network server.

[0048] [7] Next, when the study report is registered on the network server by Company A, Company B performs structural calculations, etc., based on the content of the created study report, and checks whether it is possible to apply the products of Company A to the design and construction of its own (Company B's) building structure. Company B makes a determination of applicability based on the results of the structural calculations, etc., and registers the determination result on the network server. Company A can refer to the determination result regarding whether it is possible to apply the products of Company A to the design and construction of Company B's building structure registered on the network server by Company B. If, as a result of the structural calculations, etc., it is determined that the products of Company A cannot be applied to the design and construction of its own (Company B's) building structure, for example, Company B can change the design information of the building structure and provide the design information of the building structure to Company A again to make a request for application consideration. In this case, the processes from [3] to [7] are repeated until it is determined that the products of Company A can be applied to the design and construction of Company B's building structure.

[0049] [8] Next, if it is determined as a result of structural calculations or the like that the products of Company A can be applied to the design and construction of the building structures of Company B (itself), Company B shall link the study documents sent from Company A to the design drawings of the building structures of Company B (itself) included in the design information registered in the process of [3] above and register them in the network server. Company B shall create a product specification based on the design drawings and study documents linked and registered in the network server.

[0050] [9] Next, Company B shall obtain the study documents, check sheets, and product specifications from the network server.

[0051]

[10] Next, Company B shall send the design drawings of the building structures of Company B (itself) with a statement indicating the use of the products of Company A, together with the study documents and product specifications sent from Company A, to Company C.

[0052]

[11] Next, based on the product specifications and the like sent from Company B, Company C shall place an order for products with Company A.

[0053] The above is an example of the business process realized by the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. By having such a configuration, the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention can make the business activities of Company A, which is a manufacturer, more efficient. Also, by having such a configuration, the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention can make the work for the design of building structures and the selection of applicable products by Company B, Company D, and Company E, which are designers (users of the products), more efficient.

[0054] [Basic Configuration of the Design Support System] Hereinafter, in order to make the features of the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention easier to understand, first, the part of the basic configuration of the conventionally provided design support system will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0055] Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the structure design support system 100. The structure design support system 100 is an example of a design support system having a basic configuration. The structure design support system 100 shown in Figure 2 is a system configured to provide a structural design support service for the steel structure of a steel building structure to an unspecified number of users. As shown in Figure 2, the structure design support system 100 includes a server 120 that controls overall operations, etc., a terminal device 130 on the manufacturer (manufacturer of materials such as steel) side, terminal devices 140(1), 140(2), …, 140(n) on the side of multiple processors (processors of materials such as steel), and terminal devices 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n) on the side of multiple users (design offices, construction companies, etc.). These are connected via a network 110 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0056] The terminal device 130 on the manufacturer side (hereinafter simply referred to as "manufacturer side 130"), the terminal devices 140(1), 140(2), …, 140(n) on the processor side (hereinafter simply referred to as "processor side 140(X)"), and the terminal devices 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n) on the user side (hereinafter simply referred to as "user side 150(X)") each consist of a device such as a personal computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a display unit, an operation unit such as a mouse and a keyboard, etc.

[0057] Therefore, each of the terminal devices 130, 140(1), 140(2), …, 140(n), and 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n) will operate according to an instruction from the operator of the device via the operation unit. In particular, each of the user sides 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n) uses a web browser to communicate with the server 120 and can download various data in the server 120.

[0058] Network 110 includes, for example, the Internet capable of two-way communication. Server 120 includes, for example, a web server, and this web server will provide the structural design support service of the manufacturer side 130 described later to each of an unspecified number of user sides 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n).

[0059] Figure 3 is a diagram that details a part of the configuration that is characteristic of the structure design support system 100.

[0060] In the user side 150(X), a conventionally commercially available structural design software (integrated structure design program) 151 is incorporated in a state where it can be activated. The integrated structure design program 151 is a program that takes as input the basic item data (data such as frame shape and design conditions) of a building structure and outputs frame analysis, member calculation, structural design, a structural calculation sheet for confirmation application, a structural design drawing, and data for steel frame processing, etc.

[0061] On the other hand, in the manufacturer side 130, an input / output control program 131 as a structural design support service provided to the user side 150(X) is provided so that it can be registered in the server 120. The input / output control program 131 has the following functions (A) to (F) in order to enable the structural design (new structure design) of a building structure using new products, new materials, etc. developed on the manufacturer side 130 to be carried out using the integrated structure design program (conventionally commercially available structural design software) 151 of the user side 150(X).

[0062] · Function (A): A simple input function for structural calculation data.

[0063] · Function (B): A connection function with the integrated structure design program 151 of the user side 150(X) (an input translator from data specific to the new structure form to data in the integrated structure design program 151).

[0064] · Function (C): Connection function with the integrated structure design program 151 on the user side 150 (X) (output translator from data in the integrated structure design program 151 to data specific to the new structure form).

[0065] · Function (D): Automatic selection function for structural members (such as beam members, column members, and brace members) and joints.

[0066] · Function (E): Function for creating a structural check sheet.

[0067] · Function (F): Output function for structural calculation sheets, structural design drawings, and integration diagrams for confirmation applications, etc.

[0068] That is, the input / output control program 131 on the manufacturer side 130 is designed to enable the user side 150 (X) to use the existing integrated structure design program 151 as it is and enjoy new functions (functions for the new structure form) to be compatible with products developed on the manufacturer side 130. Without changing the frame analysis part (body) in the integrated structure design program 151, it takes into account the interface with the body.

[0069] Next, the operation of the structure design support system 100 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. First, an explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 3.

[0070] Step S301: The manufacturer side 130 registers the input / output control program 131 with the server 120.

[0071] Steps S302 to S304: The user side 150 (X) accesses the server 120 (step S302), supplies user information (such as access information and download information) to the server 120, and downloads the input / output control program 131 registered on the server 120 (step S303). At this time, the server 120 supplies the user information supplied from the user side 150 (X) to the manufacturer side 130 (step S304).

[0072] Step S305: The manufacturer side 130 manages the user information (information of the user who downloaded the input / output control program 131) from the server 120.

[0073] After the processing of the above steps S301 to S305, on the user side 150 (X), it becomes possible to perform the structural design (structural design in a new structural form) of the building structure using the products developed by the manufacturer side 130.

[0074] Step S306: The operator (designer, etc.) on the user side 150 (X) starts the input / output control program 131 downloaded from the server 120 and the integrated structural design program 151 held on their own side, and inputs basic item data such as the frame shape and design conditions of the building structure in the new structural form.

[0075] Step S307: By inputting the basic item data in Step S306, the input / output control program 131 realizes the above-mentioned functions (A) to (F) by executing, for example, Steps S401 to S408 shown in FIG. 4 based on the basic item data.

[0076] That is, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the input / output control program 131 takes the basic item data (basic item data in the new structural form) input in Step S306 as input (Step S401), and converts the basic item data into input data corresponding to the integrated structural design program 151 (Step S402). Thereby, the integrated structural design program 151 processes and executes with the input data corresponding to the integrated structural design program 151, and outputs data such as frame analysis, member calculation, structural design, structural calculation sheets for confirmation applications, structural design drawings, and steel processing data.

[0077] Next, the input / output control program 131 converts the output data by the integrated structural design program 151 into output data corresponding to the new structural form (Step S403).

[0078] Next, for the output data after conversion in step S403, the input / output control program 131 executes various inspection processes such as member stress inspection (step S404), interlayer deformation inspection (step S405), and ultimate load capacity inspection (step S406). Then, when an inspection process result that does not satisfy even one of the predetermined criteria is obtained (when branching to "NO"), the input / output control program 131 notifies the operator (designer, etc.) on the user side 150(X) to that effect by means of screen display or the like. As a result, the operator on the user side 150(X) changes, for example, members, joints, etc., and re-enters the basic item data (step S408). Thereafter, the processing from step S401 is repeatedly executed.

[0079] Regarding the processing in step S408, for example, the structure design support system 100 may be provided with an automatic selection function for automatically converging to the optimal member as long as the processing result does not diverge. In this case, the user only needs to perform the initial input as long as the processing result does not diverge. However, when the processing result diverges, re-input is necessary.

[0080] On the other hand, when the results of each inspection process in steps S404 to S406 all satisfy the predetermined criteria (when branching to "Yes"), the input / output control program 131 creates a structure check sheet indicating the results of the inspection process, and outputs, together with the structure check sheet, frame analysis, member calculation, structural design, structural calculation sheets for confirmation applications, structural design drawings, and steel frame processing data, etc. based on the output data in step S403 (step S407).

[0081] Steps S308 and S309: This will be described again with reference to FIG. 3. On the reference user side 150(X), as described above, when a structural check sheet, frame analysis, member calculation, structural design, structural calculation sheet for confirmation application, structural design drawing, steel frame processing data, etc. are output (Steps S308, Step S407 in FIG. 4), an operator (such as a designer) on the user side 150(X) sends the structural check sheet to the manufacturer side 130 (Step S309). Note that the sending of the structural check sheet here may be, for example, by communication via the network 110 or the like.

[0082] Steps S310 to S312: The person in charge on the manufacturer side 130 checks the structural check sheet received from the user side 150(X) (Step S310), manages the structural check sheet in the own terminal device 130 (Step S311), and sends a copy of the certificate (such as a permit for use like a ministerial certification) required when an operator (such as a designer) on the user side 150(X) applies for building confirmation to the operator (Step S312).

[0083] Steps S313 and S314: The operator (such as a designer) on the user side 150(X) submits a copy of the certificate sent from the manufacturer, together with the frame analysis, member calculation, structural design, structural calculation sheet for confirmation application, structural design drawing, steel frame processing data, etc. obtained in Step S308 (Step S407 in FIG. 4), to the administrative window (Step S313). By submitting these documents, the construction of the building structure becomes possible. Thereafter, the operator (such as a designer) on the user side 150(X) requests the construction contractor to construct the building structure based on the frame analysis, member calculation, structural design, structural calculation sheet for confirmation application, structural design drawing, steel frame processing data, etc. (Step S314).

[0084] In this way, the structure design support system 100 provides, via a network 110 such as the Internet, an input / output control program 131 that controls the input / output to and from the integrated structure design program 151 so that the user side 150(X) can perform structure design using a commercially available integrated structure design program 151 held by the user side 150(X) for products (such as newly developed products) of the manufacturer side 130.

[0085] As a result, the manufacturer side 130 can provide the input / output control program 131 to the requested user side 150(X) in response to access from an unspecified number of user sides 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n) on the network 110, and thus implement a structure design support service for the user side 150(X). Therefore, the manufacturer side 130 can efficiently conduct business activities for new technologies and new products developed by itself, for example, with an unspecified number of user sides 150(1), 150(2), …, 150(n) by utilizing two-way communication, which is a feature of the Internet.

[0086] In particular, according to this embodiment, even if the user side 150(X) belongs to a user group (invisible users) such as small and medium-sized design offices or small and medium-sized construction companies that cannot conduct face-to-face sales, it can communicate bidirectionally with all user sides included in the user group and conduct business efficiently.

[0087] In addition, the structure design support system 100 is configured to manage information (user information) regarding the user side 150(X) that has downloaded the input / output control program 131 at the manufacturer side 130, and to manage the results (structure check sheets) of various tests of structure design by the input / output control program 131. As a result, the manufacturer side 130 can grasp the users who have used the input / output control program 131 and the results thereof.

[0088] In addition, after the structure design by the input / output control program 131 downloaded from the server 120 and the commercially available integrated structure design program 151 held on its own side is completed for the user side 150(X), the structure design support system 100 obliges the user side 150(X) to send the structure check sheet by the input / output control program 131 to the manufacturer side 130, and the manufacturer side 130 issues certificates (use permit for new structure form, Minister of Construction certification) required at the time of building confirmation application in exchange for the structure check sheet. Thereby, once the input / output control program 131 is downloaded from the user side 150(X), the structure design support system 100 can surely prevent the situation where the user side 150(X) freely conducts structure design and illegally starts construction.

[0089] In addition, on the manufacturer side 130, it is not necessary to commission a software company or the like to create an integrated structure design program corresponding to its own development (new structure form), and on the user side 150(X), the existing commercially available integrated structure design program 151 can be used as it is. Therefore, the loads on both the manufacturer side 130 and the user side 150(X) do not increase and it is very efficient. Furthermore, even if new development is carried out on the manufacturer side 130, only the input / output control program 131 of the manufacturer side 130 needs to be changed so as to be able to cope with the development.

[0090] In addition, since the user side 150(X) only needs to download the input / output control program 131 of the manufacturer side 130, the download processing time can be saved. Furthermore, since the connection to the network 110 is only required at the time of download, communication costs can also be reduced.

[0091] In the structure design support system 100, the number of commercially available integrated structure design programs 151 on the user side 150(X) is actually limited to several types. Therefore, as the input / output control program 131 on the manufacturer side 130, several types of input / output translators are prepared whose specifications correspond to the types of the integrated structure design program 151. In this case, for example, when the operator on the user side 150(X) downloads the input / output control program 131 from the server 120, from among the multiple input / output control programs 131(1), 131(2), …, 130(n) registered from the manufacturer side 130 and presented by the server 120, the operator selects and downloads the one corresponding to the type of the integrated structure design program 151 used on their own side.

[0092] In the above structure design support system 100, as an example, the integrated structure design program 151, which is conventionally commercially available structure design software, is assumed to be incorporated on the user side 150(X), but it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the integrated structure design program 151 may be incorporated on the manufacturer side 130 or may be incorporated on the server 120.

[0093] Note that a program having both the functions of the integrated structure design program 151 and the functions of the input / output control program 131 may be incorporated on the manufacturer side 130, and such a program may be provided to the user side 150(X).

[0094] [Configuration of Design Support System] Hereinafter, the configuration of the design support system 1 in an embodiment of the present invention, which has new functions in addition to the above basic configuration, will be described in detail. The design support system 1 is an example of the design support system of the present invention.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the design support system 1 has a different configuration of the input / output control program compared to the design support system having the conventional basic configuration exemplified above. The input / output control program 131a of the design support system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention described below has the following additional functions (G) to (M) compared to the input / output control program 131 of the structure design support system 100 having the conventional basic configuration. The input / output control program 131a is an example of the design support program of the present invention.

[0096] · Function (G): A function that can select an objective function to be evaluated after considering the application of a product, and a function that can set priorities for a plurality of selected objective functions. The "objective function" here refers to, for example, the total weight of a building structure, the weight of at least one member constituting the building structure, the total processing cost of the members used in the building structure, the processing cost of at least one member constituting the building structure, the procurement and processing cost of the members used in the building structure, the quantity of members used in the building structure, the total CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of the structural members and fireproof coatings used in the building structure, the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of at least one structural member and fireproof coating constituting the building structure, and the construction period of the building work of the building structure. Note that the setting of priorities for a plurality of objective functions will be described in detail with an example later.

[0097] · Function (H): A function of evaluating the original design data using the selected objective function. The "original design data" here refers to the initial design data of a building structure before applying a product (product and construction method, etc.).

[0098] · Function (I): A function to extract necessary design information for each product from the original design data, and a function to generate intermediate data that aggregates the extracted design information. Here, the "intermediate data" refers to data for simplifying the processing for application consideration within the program when applying to multiple products. In other words, the intermediate data is data obtained by aggregating overlapping information for each member with different basic design information. Note that an example will be given later to explain in detail the generation of intermediate data.

[0099] · Function (J): A function to store information about the manufacturer's products (hereinafter also referred to as "product information"), and a function to accept updates to the product information.

[0100] · Function (K): A function to generate design data (hereinafter also referred to as "post-replacement design data") in which at least one structural member or structural specification constituting a building structure is replaced with at least one product of a manufacturer based on the selected objective function and its priority order. Here, the replacement (design change) of a product means, for example, a change in the cross-section of a structural member used in a building structure, a change in the quantity of lateral bracing members used in a building structure, a change in the fireproof coating amount of a beam used in a building structure, a change in at least one of the concrete materials or components in a floor slab used in a building structure, and a change in at least one of the concrete materials or components in a concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) column used in a building structure. Note that an example will be given later to explain in detail the replacement of multiple products.

[0101] · Function (L): A function to evaluate the post-replacement design data using the selected objective function.

[0102] · Function (M): A function to evaluate the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data obtained by the above function (H) and the evaluation result of the post-replacement design data obtained by the above function (L).

[0103] [Configuration of Input / Output Control Program] The detailed configuration of the input / output control program 131a will be described below.

[0104] Hereinafter, the apparatus that executes the input / output control program 131a may be referred to as a "design support apparatus". Here, as an example, it is assumed that the user side 150a(X) acquires and executes the input / output control program 131a. Therefore, in the following example, the user side 150a(X) is the design support apparatus. The design support apparatus of the embodiment described below is an example of the design support apparatus of the present invention.

[0105] The user side 150a(X) downloads and stores the input / output control program 131a uploaded to the server 120 by the manufacturer side 130 or a software vendor, etc. Alternatively, the user side 150a(X) acquires and stores the input / output control program 131a from the manufacturer side 130.

[0106] Note that, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the manufacturer side 130 executes the input / output control program 131a and uploads the execution result to the server 120 or transmits it to the user side 150a(X).

[0107] Alternatively, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the input / output control program 131a is executed on the server 120. That is, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the manufacturer side 130 etc. uploads the input / output control program 131a to the server 120 to provide a cloud-type service that allows the user (designer) to execute the input / output control program 131a on the server 120.

[0108] Here, as an example, the consistent structure design program 151 is pre-stored in the user side 150a(X), and the user side 150a(X) is configured to execute the consistent structure design program 151. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the consistent structure design program 151 may be executed by, for example, the server 120, the manufacturer side 130, or another information processing device (not shown) owned by the user.

[0109] Note that the input / output control program 131a and the consistent structure design program 151 may be integrated software.

[0110] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the functions realized in the design support device by the operation of the input / output control program 131a and the consistent structure design program 151.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 5, the design support device includes an objective function setting unit 231, an original design data acquisition unit 232, an original design evaluation unit 233, a product information acquisition unit 234, a product information storage unit 235, an intermediate data generation unit 236, a product replacement unit 237, a data conversion unit 238, a data re-conversion unit 239, a member stress verification unit 240, an interlayer deformation verification unit 241, an ultimate strength verification unit 242, a post-replacement design evaluation unit 243, a differential evaluation unit 244, and an output unit 245. These functional units are functions realized in the design support device by the operation of the input / output control program 131a.

[0112] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the design support device includes a frame analysis unit 251. This functional unit is a function realized in the design support device by the operation of the consistent structure design program 151. Since any conventional structure design software can be used for the consistent structure design program 151, the detailed configuration of the frame analysis process executed by the frame analysis unit 251 will be omitted.

[0113] The objective function setting unit 231 sets the objective function selected by the input operation of the user (such as the designer) as the objective function to be used for evaluating the design data of the building structure to be evaluated. For example, the user (designer) selects at least one objective function from a plurality of pre-prepared objective functions by performing an input operation using the input unit 505 described later. Note that, for example, when the design support device is the manufacturer side 130, the manufacturer may select the objective function. As described above, the objective function is, for example, the member weight of the entire building structure, the procurement and processing cost of materials, the number of members, and the CO2 emission amount during member manufacturing, etc.

[0114] Also, when a plurality of objective functions are set, the objective function setting unit 231 sets the priority order of the objective function specified by the input operation of the user (such as the designer) as the priority order to be used in the evaluation of the design data of the building structure to be evaluated. Note that the objective function setting unit 231 may temporarily store the set objective function and priority order in, for example, the main storage unit 502 of the design support device described later.

[0115] The objective function setting unit 231 outputs the set objective function and information indicating the priority order of the objective function to the original design evaluation unit 233 and the product replacement unit 237. Note that when only one objective function is set, since no priority order is assigned to the objective function, the information indicating the priority order is not output.

[0116] The original design data acquisition unit 232 acquires the original design data of the property to be evaluated. As described above, the original design data is the initial design data of the building structure before applying the manufacturer's products (products and construction methods, etc.). Note that the original design data is stored in advance in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 503 of the design support device, and the original design data acquisition unit 232 acquires the original design data of the object to be evaluated from the auxiliary storage unit 503. Note that the original design data is design data generated in advance based on information regarding the property to be evaluated. The original design data acquisition unit 232 outputs the original design data to the original design evaluation unit 233 and the intermediate data generation unit 236.

[0117] For example, the original design data is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 in advance when the user (such as a designer) performs an input operation using the input unit 505 described later. Or, for example, the original design data is obtained in the normal structural design work performed by the designer before considering the application of the product, and is automatically generated based on the output data of the integrated structural design program 151 such as Super Build (registered trademark) / SS7 or the output data of BIM (Building Information Modeling) software such as Revit (registered trademark), and may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 in advance. Alternatively, it may be a configuration in which the original design data input by the user and the original design data automatically input from various software are mixed.

[0118] The original design evaluation unit 233 acquires the objective function output from the objective function setting unit 231 and the information indicating the priority order of the objective function. Further, the original design evaluation unit 233 acquires the original design data output from the original design data acquisition unit 232. The original design evaluation unit 233 evaluates the acquired original design data using each of the acquired objective functions. The original design evaluation unit 233 outputs the information indicating the evaluation result for each objective function regarding the original design data to the differential evaluation unit 244.

[0119] The product information acquisition unit 234 acquires the product information of at least one product that is intended to be applied to the design and construction of the building structure to be evaluated from the server 120. The product information includes, for example, information on the cross-section list of building members, delivery time estimate, and design conditions (required number of studs and beam cross-section, etc.). The product information of each product is uploaded to the server 120 in advance by the manufacturer side 130 and is updated at any time with the latest information. The product information acquisition unit 234 stores the acquired at least one product information in the product information storage unit 235. Note that the product information acquisition unit 234 may directly output the acquired at least one product information to the product replacement unit 237.

[0120] Note that the product information acquisition unit 234 may acquire all the product information stored in the server 120 and store it in the product information storage unit 235. In this case, the product information acquisition unit 234 may, for example, periodically check whether the product information stored in the server 120 has been updated, and update the product information stored in the product information storage unit 235 at any time.

[0121] The product information storage unit 235 acquires at least one piece of product information acquired by the product information acquisition unit 234. The product information storage unit 235 is constituted by, for example, the main storage unit 502 or the auxiliary storage unit 503 described later.

[0122] The intermediate data generation unit 236 acquires the original design data output from the original design data acquisition unit 232. The intermediate data generation unit 236 generates intermediate data used in the replacement design of the product based on the acquired original design data. As described above, the intermediate data is data for simplifying the processing for consideration of application in the program when a plurality of products are applied. By using the intermediate data, it is possible to reduce the calculation load in the execution process of the program related to the consideration of product replacement. As a result, it becomes easier to consider the application of a plurality of products compared with the prior art. The intermediate data generation unit 236 outputs the generated intermediate data to the product replacement unit 237.

[0123] The product replacement unit 237 acquires the objective function output from the objective function setting unit 231 and information indicating the priority order of the objective function. The product replacement unit 237 also acquires the intermediate data output from the intermediate data generation unit 236. The product replacement unit 237 also reads out the product information of at least one product that is intended to be applied to the design and construction of the building structure to be evaluated, which is stored in the product information storage unit 235.

[0124] Based on the obtained objective function and its priority, the product replacement unit 237 generates design data (post-replacement design data) in which at least one structural member or structural specification that makes up the building structure to be evaluated defined in the obtained intermediate data is replaced with at least one product of the manufacturer. For example, the product replacement unit 237 performs product replacement so that the evaluation value of the objective function with the highest priority is maximized. The product replacement unit 237 outputs the post-replacement design data to the data conversion unit 238.

[0125] The data conversion unit 238 acquires the post-replacement design data output from the product replacement unit 237. The data conversion unit 238 converts the acquired post-replacement design data into data for frame analysis. Here, the frame analysis is an example of a consistent structural calculation for a building structure. The data for frame analysis is data in a data format that can be used for frame analysis processing by the frame analysis unit 251 of the consistent structural design program 151. The data conversion unit 238 outputs the data for frame analysis to the frame analysis unit 251.

[0126] The frame analysis unit 251 acquires the data for frame analysis output from the data conversion unit 238. The frame analysis unit 251 performs frame analysis using the acquired data for frame analysis and generates data indicating the analysis result (hereinafter referred to as "data after frame analysis"). Note that the frame analysis processing performed by the frame analysis unit 251 can be performed using, for example, any structural design software. The frame analysis unit 251 outputs the generated data after frame analysis to the data reconversion unit 239.

[0127] The data reconversion unit 239 acquires the data after frame analysis output from the frame analysis unit 251. The data reconversion unit 239 reconverts the acquired data after frame analysis into the original design data (that is, the post-replacement design data). The data reconversion unit 239 outputs the reconverted post-replacement design data to the member stress verification unit 240.

[0128] For the replaced design data output from the data re-conversion unit 239, various inspections are performed by the member stress inspection unit 240, the interlayer deformation inspection unit 241, and the ultimate strength inspection unit 242, respectively.

[0129] The member stress inspection unit 240 acquires the replaced design data output from the data re-conversion unit 239. The member stress inspection unit 240 performs a member stress inspection on the acquired replaced design data. The member stress is the force (internal force) generated inside the member. When the result of the member stress inspection by the member stress inspection unit 240 is unqualified, it instructs the product replacement unit 237 to perform the product replacement process again. On the other hand, when the result of the member stress inspection by the member stress inspection unit 240 is qualified, it outputs the acquired replaced design data to the interlayer deformation inspection unit 241.

[0130] The interlayer deformation inspection unit 241 acquires the replaced design data output from the member stress inspection unit 240. The interlayer deformation inspection unit 241 performs an interlayer deformation inspection on the acquired replaced design data. The interlayer deformation is the deformation of a building structure caused by lateral shaking such as an earthquake. When the result of the interlayer deformation inspection by the interlayer deformation inspection unit 241 is unqualified, it instructs the product replacement unit 237 to perform the product replacement process again. On the other hand, when the result of the interlayer deformation inspection by the interlayer deformation inspection unit 241 is qualified, it outputs the acquired replaced design data to the ultimate strength inspection unit 242.

[0131] The ultimate strength inspection unit 242 acquires the replaced design data output from the interlayer deformation inspection unit 241. The ultimate strength inspection unit 242 performs an ultimate strength inspection on the acquired replaced design data. The ultimate strength is the strength of a member when the building is in a collapsed state. When the result of the ultimate strength inspection by the ultimate strength inspection unit 242 is unqualified, it instructs the product replacement unit 237 to perform the product replacement process again. On the other hand, when the result of the ultimate strength inspection by the ultimate strength inspection unit 242 is qualified, it outputs the acquired replaced design data to the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243.

[0132] The post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 acquires the objective function output from the objective function setting unit 231 and information indicating the priority order of the objective function. Further, the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 acquires the post-replacement design data output from the ultimate strength verification unit 242. The post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 evaluates the acquired post-replacement design data using each of the acquired objective functions. The post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 outputs information indicating the evaluation results for each objective function regarding the post-replacement design data to the differential evaluation unit 244.

[0133] The differential evaluation unit 244 acquires information indicating the evaluation results for each objective function regarding the original design data output from the original design evaluation unit 233. Further, the differential evaluation unit 244 acquires information indicating the evaluation results for each objective function regarding the post-replacement design data output from the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243. The differential evaluation unit 244 evaluates the difference between the evaluation result for the original design data and the evaluation result for the post-replacement design data. The differential evaluation unit 244 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the two design data and the post-replacement design data to the output unit 245. Note that the differential evaluation unit 244 may also output the original design data to the output unit 245.

[0134] The output unit 245 acquires the information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the two design data and the post-replacement design data output from the differential evaluation unit 244. The output unit 245 displays the acquired information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the two design data and the post-replacement design data, for example, by a display unit 506 described later. Thereby, the user (such as a designer) can visually confirm the quantitative effects (merits) that occur when at least one product of a manufacturer is applied to the design and construction of the company's building structure. Note that the output unit 245 may also display the original design data.

[0135] Further, the output unit 245 outputs information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the two pieces of acquired design data and the design data after replacement to the server 120. Thereby, the manufacturer can also confirm the quantitative effects (merits) that occur when at least one of its own products is applied to the design and construction of the user (designer)'s building structure. Note that the design data after replacement output from the output unit 245 is, for example, a structural calculation sheet, a structural drawing, an accumulation sheet, and the like. Note that the output unit 245 may directly transmit the information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the two pieces of acquired design data and the design data after replacement to the manufacturer side 130 without passing through the server 120.

[0136] [Operation of Design Support Device] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the design support device will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the design support device shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is started, for example, when the user (designer) performs an input operation regarding the setting of the objective function by the input unit 505 described later.

[0137] First, the objective function setting unit 231 sets the objective function selected by the input operation of the user (designer, etc.) as the objective function to be used for evaluating the design data of the building structure to be evaluated (step S001). For example, the user (designer) selects at least one objective function from a plurality of prepared objective functions.

[0138] Next, when a plurality of objective functions are set, the objective function setting unit 231 sets the priority order of the objective function specified by the input operation of the user (designer, etc.) as the priority order to be used in the evaluation of the design data of the building structure to be evaluated (step S002).

[0139] Next, the original design data acquisition unit 232 acquires the original design data of the property to be evaluated (step S003).

[0140] Next, the original design evaluation unit 233 acquires the objective function output from the objective function setting unit 231 and information indicating the priority order of the objective function. Further, the original design evaluation unit 233 acquires the original design data output from the original design data acquisition unit 232. The original design evaluation unit 233 evaluates the acquired original design data using each of the acquired objective functions (step S004).

[0141] Next, the intermediate data generation unit 236 acquires the original design data output from the original design data acquisition unit 232. The intermediate data generation unit 236 generates intermediate data used in the replacement design of the product based on the acquired original design data (step S005).

[0142] Next, the product information acquisition unit 234 acquires product information of at least one product that is intended to be applied to the design and construction of the building structure to be evaluated from the server 120 (step S006). The product information acquisition unit 234 stores the acquired at least one product information in the product information storage unit 235 (step S007).

[0143] Next, the product replacement unit 237 acquires the objective function output from the objective function setting unit 231 and information indicating the priority order of the objective function. Further, the product replacement unit 237 acquires the intermediate data output from the intermediate data generation unit 236. Also, the product replacement unit 237 reads out the product information of at least one product that is intended to be applied to the design and construction of the building structure to be evaluated, which is stored in the product information storage unit 235. The product replacement unit 237 generates design data (design data after replacement) in which at least one structural member or structural specification constituting the building structure to be evaluated defined in the acquired intermediate data is replaced with at least one product of the manufacturer based on the acquired objective function and its priority order (step S008).

[0144] Next, the data conversion unit 238 acquires the design data after replacement output from the product replacement unit 237. The data conversion unit 238 converts the acquired design data after replacement into data for frame analysis (step S009).

[0145] Next, the framework analysis unit 251 acquires the framework analysis data output from the data conversion unit 238. The framework analysis unit 251 performs framework analysis using the acquired framework analysis data, and generates framework analysis data after analysis indicating the analysis result (step S010).

[0146] Next, the data reconversion unit 239 acquires the framework analysis data after framework analysis output from the framework analysis unit 251. The data reconversion unit 239 reconverts the acquired framework analysis data after analysis into design data (design data after replacement) (step S011).

[0147] Next, the member stress verification unit 240 acquires the design data after replacement output from the data reconversion unit 239. The member stress verification unit 240 performs member stress verification on the acquired design data after replacement (step S012). When the result of the member stress verification by the member stress verification unit 240 is non-conforming (step S012·No), it instructs the product replacement unit 237 to perform the product replacement process again. Then, the operations after step S008 are repeated again. On the other hand, when the result of the member stress verification by the member stress verification unit 240 is conforming (step S012·Yes), the acquired design data after replacement is output to the interlayer deformation verification unit 241.

[0148] Next, the interlayer deformation verification unit 241 acquires the design data after replacement output from the member stress verification unit 240. The interlayer deformation verification unit 241 performs interlayer deformation verification on the acquired design data after replacement (step S013). When the result of the interlayer deformation verification by the interlayer deformation verification unit 241 is non-conforming (step S013·No), it instructs the product replacement unit 237 to perform the product replacement process again. Then, the operations after step S008 are repeated again. On the other hand, when the result of the interlayer deformation verification by the interlayer deformation verification unit 241 is conforming (step S013·Yes), the acquired design data after replacement is output to the ultimate strength verification unit 242.

[0149] Next, the final strength test unit 242 acquires the replaced design data output from the interlayer deformation test unit 241. The final strength test unit 242 performs a final strength test on the acquired replaced design data (step S014). If the result of the final strength test by the final strength test unit 242 is unqualified (step S014·No), it instructs the product replacement unit 237 to perform the product replacement process again. Then, the operations after step S008 are repeated again. On the other hand, if the result of the final strength test by the final strength test unit 242 is qualified (step S014·Yes), it outputs the acquired replaced design data to the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243.

[0150] Next, the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 acquires the objective function output from the objective function setting unit 231 and information indicating the priority order of the objective function. Also, the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 acquires the replaced design data output from the final strength test unit 242. The post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 performs an evaluation of the acquired replaced design data using each of the acquired objective functions (step S015).

[0151] Next, the difference evaluation unit 244 acquires information indicating the evaluation results for each objective function of the original design data output from the original design evaluation unit 233. Also, the difference evaluation unit 244 acquires information indicating the evaluation results for each objective function of the replaced design data output from the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243. The difference evaluation unit 244 evaluates the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the replaced design data (step S016).

[0152] Next, the output unit 245 acquires the information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the above two design data output from the difference evaluation unit 244 and the replaced design data. The output unit 245 displays the information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the above two design data and the replaced design data on the display unit 506 described later. Also, the output unit 245 outputs the information indicating the evaluation result of the difference between the above two design data and the replaced design data to the server 120 (step S017).

[0153] Thus, the operation of the design support device shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends. Note that the operation flow of the design support device shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and for some parts, the operation order can be swapped. For example, the set of operations from step S001 to step S002, the set of operations from step S003 to step S005, and the set of steps S006 to S007 can be arbitrarily reordered. Also, for example, the operation regarding the evaluation of the original design data in step S004 may be performed after the operation regarding the evaluation of the set data after replacement in step S015.

[0154] [Hardware Configuration of Design Support Device] Hereinafter, an example of the hardware configuration of the design support device on the user side 150a(X) will be described. Note that even when the design support device is a server 120, the manufacturer side 130, or other device (not shown), the hardware configuration can basically be the same as the configuration described below.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the design support device includes, for example, a control unit 501, a main storage unit 502, an auxiliary storage unit 503, a communication unit 504, an input unit 505, and a display unit 506, which are connected to each other by a bus 500.

[0156] The control unit 501 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The control unit 501 executes various programs and controls the operations of the functional units of the design support device. The control unit 501 executes programs such as an input / output control program 131a, a consistent structure design program 151, and an OS (Operating System), for example.

[0157] The main memory unit 502 is a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, which the control unit 501 can directly read from and write to. The main memory unit 502 temporarily stores various programs and various data executed by the control unit 501. For example, the main memory unit 502 temporarily stores programs such as the input / output control program 131a, the consistent structure design program 151, and the OS. For example, the main memory unit 502 stores data such as product information and original design data.

[0158] The auxiliary storage unit 503 is a large-capacity storage medium using a magnetic storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 503 stores various programs and various data executed by the control unit 501. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 503 stores programs such as the input / output control program 131a, the consistent structure design program 151, and the OS. Also, the auxiliary storage unit 503 stores data such as original design data. Note that the auxiliary storage unit 503 may be configured to be provided in an external device (not shown).

[0159] Various programs such as the input / output control program 131a, the consistent structure design program 151, and the OS, which are pre-stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503, are read into the main memory unit 502 and executed by the control unit 501. Thereby, for example, the functional units of the design support device shown in FIG. 5 are realized.

[0160] The communication unit 504 is a communication interface for communicating and connecting to an external device such as the server 120 via a communication line such as the Internet. Note that the communication unit 504 may be either a wired communication or a wireless communication interface. For example, the communication unit 504 receives data indicating product information transmitted from the server 120. Also, for example, the communication unit 504 transmits information indicating the post-replacement design data and its evaluation result to the server 120.

[0161] The input unit 505 is an input interface that receives input operations by a user (such as a designer), such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, and a touch panel. The input unit 505 receives, for example, an input operation for setting an objective function, an input operation for setting the priority order of the objective function, an input operation for inputting original design data, and the like. The input unit 505 generates an electrical signal according to the input operation and outputs the generated electrical signal to the control unit 501.

[0162] The display unit 506 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (electro luminescence) display, or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display. The display unit 506 displays various types of information to the user (such as a designer). For example, the display unit 506 displays information indicating the design data after replacement and its evaluation result.

[0163] [Example of setting the priority order of the objective function] Hereinafter, a specific example of setting the priority order of the objective function by the objective function setting unit 231, which is performed by the above-described function (G) and the operation of the design support apparatus in step S002 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, will be described.

[0164] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the priority order of the objective function by the design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the types and characteristics of the objective functions for each of two types of beam products are summarized in one table. The two beam products (beam product A and beam product B) shown in FIG. 8 are an example of the products of the above-described manufacturer.

[0165] Beam product A and beam product B are beam products with generally equivalent cross-sectional performance. However, between these two, the mass per unit length and the cost per unit material are different. The mass per unit length of beam product A is 100 [kg / m]. Also, the cost per unit material of beam product A is 10,000 [yen / m]. On the other hand, the mass per unit length of beam product B is 70 [kg / m]. Also, the cost per unit material of beam product A is 15,000 [yen / m]. That is, beam product B is lighter in weight per unit length than beam product A, but beam product A is less expensive in cost per unit material than beam product B.

[0166] As described above, the objective function is, for example, the total weight of a building structure, the weight of at least one member constituting the building structure, the total processing cost of the members used in the building structure, the processing cost of at least one member constituting the building structure, the procurement and processing cost of the members used in the building structure, the quantity of members used in the building structure, the total CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of the structural members and fire protection coatings used in the building structure, the total CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of at least one structural member and fire protection coating constituting the building structure, and the construction period of the building work of the building structure, etc. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, in the case of a beam product, as an example of an objective function representing the weight of the floor assembly of a building structure, "steel weight of the beam" can be considered, and as an example of an objective function representing the total processing cost of the floor assembly of a building structure, "material cost of the beam" can be considered.

[0167] For example, assume that the objective function is selected based on the input operation of the user (such as a designer), etc., and the objective function setting unit 231 sets "steel weight of the beam" and "material cost of the beam" as objective functions to be used in the evaluation of the design data of the building structure to be evaluated.

[0168] Then, for example, based on an input operation by a user (such as a designer), the priority order of the objective functions is specified, and the objective function setting unit 231 is set to make the priority of "the material cost of the beam" higher than the priority of "the steel weight of the beam". In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, since the material cost of the beam is lower for beam product A than for beam product B, the product replacement unit 237 replaces the beam product (i.e., the beam product specified in the original design data) that constitutes the building structure to be evaluated defined in the intermediate data obtained from the intermediate data generation unit 236 with the above beam product A, and generates design data (the design data after replacement).

[0169] Also, for example, based on an input operation by a user (such as a designer), the priority order of the objective functions is specified, and the objective function setting unit 231 is set to make the priority of "the steel weight of the beam" higher than the priority of "the material cost of the beam". In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, since the steel weight of the beam is lighter for beam product B than for beam product A, the product replacement unit 237 replaces the beam product (i.e., the beam product specified in the original design data) that constitutes the building structure to be evaluated defined in the intermediate data obtained from the intermediate data generation unit 236 with the above beam product B, and generates design data (the design data after replacement).

[0170] As described above, when a plurality of objective functions are set and the priority order is set, the products applied to the building structure to be evaluated may result in different results according to the set priority order. In the case where the evaluation results by the objective functions with higher priority orders are equal, for example, a configuration may be adopted such that the product to be applied is determined according to the evaluation result of the objective function with a priority order one level lower.

[0171] That is, assuming that, unlike FIG. 8, the mass per unit length of beam product A is equal to the mass per unit length of beam product B. In this case, even if the objective function setting unit 231 sets the priority of "steel weight of the beam" higher than the priority of "material cost of the beam", since the evaluation results of the "steel weight of the beam" for beam product A and beam product B are the same, the product replacement unit 237 replaces the beam product (that is, the beam product specified in the original design data) defined in the intermediate data obtained from the intermediate data generation unit 236 with beam product A, which has a higher evaluation result of "material cost of the beam" instead of beam product B, and generates design data (the design data after replacement).

[0172] [Example of Generation of Intermediate Data] Hereinafter, a specific example of the generation of intermediate data by the intermediate data generation unit 236, which is performed by the above-described function (I) and the operation of the design support apparatus in step S005 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, will be described.

[0173] As described above, intermediate data is data for simplifying the processing for application consideration in a program when a plurality of products are applied. By using intermediate data, it is possible to reduce the computational load in the execution process of the program related to the replacement consideration of products. As a result, it becomes easier to consider the application of a plurality of products compared with the prior art. FIGS. 9 to 13 are diagrams for explaining the generation of intermediate data by the design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0174] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the outline of a building structure to be evaluated. The building structure illustrated in FIG. 9 is a two-story building. As shown in FIG. 9, a member called "girder A" is used in the design of the main girders in one direction (the short side) of each floor of the building. Also, in the design of the main girders in the direction orthogonal to girder A on each floor of the building (the long side), a member called "girder B" is used. Further, in the design of the floor of each floor of the building, a member called "floor slab C" is used. And FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 respectively represent the design information data of girder A, girder B, and floor slab C.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 10, the design information data of girder A is data in which the values of three items, namely "cross-sectional shape", "material", and "member length", are associated. In the item of cross-sectional shape, a value indicating that girder A is an H-shaped steel, with a beam depth of 500 [mm], a beam width of 200 [mm], a web of 12 [mm], and a flange of 19 [mm], is set. Also, in the item of material, information indicating that girder A is a member made of the material "SN490B" is set. Further, in the item of member length, a value indicating that the member length of girder A is 5 [m] is set.

[0176] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the design information data of girder B is data in which the values of three items, namely "cross-sectional shape", "material", and "member length", are associated. That is, the configuration of the data items of the design information data of girder A and the design information data of girder B is the same. In the item of cross-sectional shape, a value indicating that girder B is an H-shaped steel, with a beam depth of 700 [mm], a beam width of 300 [mm], a web of 14 [mm], and a flange of 22 [mm], is set. Also, in the item of material, information indicating that girder B is a member made of the same material as the above-mentioned girder A, namely "SN490B", is set. Further, in the item of member length, a value indicating that the member length of girder B is 10 [m] is set.

[0177] Further, as shown in Fig. 12, the design information data of the floor slab C is data in which values of six items, namely, "long side direction span", "short side direction span", "steel type of longitudinal bars in the long side direction", "diameter of longitudinal bars in the long side direction", "steel type of longitudinal bars in the short side direction", and "diameter of longitudinal bars in the short side direction", are associated. In the item of the long side direction span, a value indicating that the span in the long side direction of the floor slab C is 10 [m] is set. Also, in the item of the short side direction span, a value indicating that the span in the short side direction of the floor slab C is 5 [m] is set.

[0178] Also, in the item of the steel type of longitudinal bars in the long side direction, a value indicating that the steel type of the longitudinal bars in the long side direction of the floor slab C is "SD295" is set. Also, in the item of the diameter of longitudinal bars in the long side direction, a value indicating that the diameter of the longitudinal bars in the long side direction of the floor slab C is "D10" (about 10 mm) (as defined by the standard) is set. Also, in the item of the steel type of longitudinal bars in the short side direction, a value indicating that the steel type of the longitudinal bars in the short side direction of the floor slab C is the same as the steel type of the longitudinal bars in the long side direction, i.e., "SD295", is set. Also, in the item of the diameter of longitudinal bars in the short side direction, a value indicating that the diameter of the longitudinal bars in the short side direction of the floor slab C is "D13" (about 13 mm) (as defined by the standard) is set.

[0179] Generally, for example, as shown in Figs. 10, 11, and 12 respectively, the design information data of the main beam A, the main beam B, and the floor slab C are directly used in the design and construction of the building. However, in the above design information data of the main beam A, the main beam B, and the floor slab C, there are inevitably items in which the values overlap with each other. For example, since the main beam A and the short side direction of the floor slab C are in contact with each other, the value of the item "member length" in the design information data of the main beam A and the value of the item "short side direction span" in the design information data of the floor slab C will be set to the same value (i.e., 5 [m]).

[0180] Thus, the item of "member length" in the design information data of the main beam A and the item of "short-side direction span" in the design information data of the floor slab C are overlapping items. Also, for example, since the long-side directions of the main beam B and the floor slab C are in contact with each other, the value of the item of "member length" in the design information data of the main beam B and the value of the item of "long-side direction span" in the design information data of the floor slab C will be set to the same value (i.e., 10 [m]). Thus, the item of "member length" in the design information data of the main beam B and the item of "long-side direction span" in the design information data of the floor slab C are overlapping items.

[0181] The intermediate data generation unit 236 combines the design information data of these three main beams A, B, and floor slab C into one design information data and omits the overlapping items as described above.

[0182] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generation unit 236. As shown in FIG. 13, in the intermediate data, three items of "layer", "long-side direction", and "short-side direction" are associated as major items. Also, the items in the long-side direction and the short-side direction are further subdivided, and three items of "span", "main beam", and "floor slab" are respectively associated as middle items. Also, the item of the main beam is further subdivided, and two items of "cross-sectional shape" and "material" are respectively associated as minor items. Also, the item of the floor slab is further subdivided, and two items of "rebar steel type" and "rebar diameter" are respectively associated as minor items. And as shown in FIG. 13, the values of these items are set for each floor of the building in the intermediate data.

[0183] In this way, the intermediate data generation unit 236 combines, in the intermediate data, the item of "member length" in the design information data of the large beam A shown in FIG. 10 and the item of "short-side direction span" in the design information data of the floor slab C shown in FIG. 12 into one item of "span" in the "short-side direction". Also, the intermediate data generation unit 236 combines, in the intermediate data, the item of "member length" in the design information data of the large beam B shown in FIG. 11 and the item of "long-side direction span" in the design information data of the floor slab C shown in FIG. 12 into one item of "span" in the "long-side direction".

[0184] As a result, a plurality of design information data are combined into one, and items that were duplicated among the plurality of design information data are combined into one, thereby reducing the computational load in the execution process of the program related to the consideration of product replacement. Thus, compared with the prior art, it becomes easier to consider the application of a plurality of products.

[0185] [Examples of replacement of multiple products] Hereinafter, specific examples of the replacement of multiple products by the product replacement unit 237, which is performed by the above-described function (K) and the operation of the design support apparatus in step S008 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, will be described.

[0186] As described above, by using new products provided by manufacturers in the design and construction of building structures, designers and constructors can enjoy benefits such as weight reduction of building structures, reduction of construction costs, rationalization of design and construction, and reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, by using a plurality of these products in combination, designers and constructors can enjoy more benefits.

[0187] Even when considering the application of multiple products, the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention can present a product that is the optimal solution in the set objective function. Further, the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention can eliminate the need to repeatedly examine the application for each product even when considering the application of multiple products, thus reducing the burden on the manufacturer regarding the examination of product application. FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the replacement of multiple products by the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0188] FIG. 14 shows a table indicating that for each of “1) Replacement of beam cross-section” and “2) Reduction of lateral bracing (lateral bracing omission method)”, which are one of the products, the design merits (here, the steel weight of the members) are in conflict depending on the beam cross-section. Note that the steel weight of the members is the total weight of the weight of the beam and the weight of the lateral bracing.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 14, when 1) replacing the beam cross-section, the lighter the cross-section of the H-shaped steel used, the lighter the total weight of the building structure, and the thicker the cross-section of the H-shaped steel used, the heavier the total weight of the building structure. On the other hand, when 2) reducing the lateral bracing (lateral bracing omission method), the lighter the cross-section of the H-shaped steel used, conversely, the heavier the total weight of the building structure, and the thicker the cross-section of the H-shaped steel used, conversely, the lighter the total weight of the building structure. This is because the thinner the cross-section of the H-shaped steel used, the easier it is for lateral buckling to occur, and the less the lateral bracing can be reduced. Also, the thicker the cross-section of the H-shaped steel used, the less likely it is for lateral buckling to occur, and the more the lateral bracing can be reduced.

[0190] Thus, the selection of the thickness of the beam cross-section of the H-shaped steel results in conflicting merits, for example, between 1) replacement of the beam cross-section and 2) reduction of the lateral bracing (lateral bracing omission method). Therefore, in general, it takes a lot of effort to determine the optimal thickness of the beam cross-section for the objective function of minimizing the total weight of the building.

[0191] In contrast, the product replacement unit 237 of the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a function of specifying a product for minimizing this total weight. Thereby, the design support device can select an appropriate beam cross-section that minimizes the total weight of the building structure. That is, the product replacement unit 237 has a function of being able to specify one product that optimizes the evaluation by the objective function when there are a plurality of replaceable products. Note that the product replacement unit 237 may specify a product by a specific method using a convergence calculation based on an arbitrary mathematical law.

[0192] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the selection process of an optimal beam cross-section by the product replacement unit 237 of the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the graph shown in FIG. 15, the vertical axis represents the weight of the member used, and the horizontal axis represents the thickness of the beam cross-section.

[0193] Also, in FIG. 15, the broken line is a graph representing the weight of the horizontal bracing used for each thickness of the beam cross-section. On the other hand, the dotted line is a graph representing the weight of the beam used for each thickness of the beam cross-section. As can be seen from the graph shown in FIG. 15, the "weight of the beam used" and the "weight of the horizontal bracing used" have mutually contradictory design merits (here, the steel weight of the member) depending on the beam cross-section.

[0194] Also, in FIG. 15, the thick solid line graph is a graph obtained by adding the values of the above broken line graph and the above dotted line graph. That is, the thick solid line is a graph representing the total weight of the beam and the horizontal bracing used for each thickness of the beam cross-section.

[0195] In the product replacement unit 237 of the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the optimal beam cross-sectional thickness is determined in consideration of both 1) beam cross-section replacement and 2) reduction of lateral bracing members (lateral bracing member omission method), that is, in consideration of a plurality of products. For example, the product replacement unit 237 determines the thickness of the beam cross-section such that the value of the thick solid line graph shown in FIG. 15 (that is, the total weight of the beam and lateral bracing members) is minimized. By having such a configuration, the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention can present a member that is an optimal solution in the set objective function even when considering the application of a plurality of products.

[0196] [System Application Example] Hereinafter, three more specific application examples of the design support system of the present invention will be described. However, the system configuration of the design support system of the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these three application examples, and can be flexibly configured by various information processing devices and networks.

[0197] (First Application Example) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first application example of the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system configuration of the design support system shown as the first application example in FIG. 16 follows the system configuration of the design support system described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 above. In the first application example, the manufacturer provides the input / output control program to the designer, and the designer himself / herself applies the product. The input / output control program held by the manufacturer is uploaded to the server, and the designer downloads the input / output control program from the server. The designer uses the downloaded input / output control program to consider the application of the manufacturer's products to the design and construction of the building structure to be evaluated.

[0198] Hereinafter, the processing flow of the design support system of the first application example will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0199] 1) First, the manufacturer registers the input / output control program in the network (NW) server.

[0200] 1) Next, the manufacturer registers the cross-section list of the manufacturing members and the information on the delivery schedule target with the NW server.

[0201] 2) Next, the designer accesses the NW server and registers the user information and the property information with the NW server.

[0202] 3) Next, the designer downloads the input / output control program from the NW server.

[0203] 4) Next, the manufacturer downloads the user information and the property information of the designer from the NW server.

[0204] 5) Next, the manufacturer stores the acquired user information and property information of the designer in its own management server.

[0205] 6) Next, the designer holds a dialogue with the client regarding the design policy of the property.

[0206] 7) Next, the designer inputs the original design data based on the property information and sets target values (for example, steel weight, CO2 emissions, etc.) based on the content of the dialogue with the client.

[0207] 8) Next, the designer generates intermediate data for replacement design based on the original design data.

[0208] 9) Next, the designer makes replacement proposals for members and floor specifications, etc. based on the original design data.

[0209] 9)' Next, the designer downloads the cross-section list of the manufacturing members and the information on the delivery schedule target registered with the NW server in the process of 1)' above from the NW server and reflects it in the input / output control program.

[0210] 10) Next, the designer performs a frame analysis on the design data after the replacement proposal.

[0211] 11) Next, the designer executes various tests on the results of the framework analysis.

[0212] 12) Next, the designer outputs the design data after the replacement proposal that has passed the test.

[0213] 13) Next, the designer generates a structural calculation sheet based on the output design data after the replacement proposal.

[0214] 14) Next, the designer sends the output design data after the replacement proposal and the check sheet to the manufacturer. Note that the designer may send the design data after the replacement proposal and the check sheet to the manufacturer via the NW server.

[0215] 15) Next, the manufacturer checks the obtained check sheet and sends the certification documents of each member and each construction method used for the replacement to the designer.

[0216] 16) Next, the designer sends the structural calculation sheet to the constructor.

[0217] 16)' Next, the designer sends the confirmation application drawings to the administrative window.

[0218] Thus, the processing by the design support system of the first application example is completed.

[0219] (Second Application Example) FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second application example of the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the design support system shown as the second application example in FIG. 17, the manufacturer uses an input / output control program to propose products to the designer. The manufacturer executes the possessed input / output control program by itself. Then, the manufacturer uses the input / output control program to consider the application of the product to the design and construction of the building structure to be evaluated.

[0220] Hereinafter, the processing flow of the design support system of the second application example will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0221] 1) First, the designer accesses the NW server and registers user information and property information on the NW server.

[0222] 2) Next, the manufacturer downloads the designer's user information and property information from the NW server.

[0223] 3) Next, the manufacturer stores the obtained designer's user information and property information in its own management server.

[0224] 4) Next, the manufacturer inputs the original design data based on the obtained property information and sets target values (such as steel weight and CO2 emissions, etc.) based on the conversation content with the designer.

[0225] 5) Next, the manufacturer generates intermediate data for replacement design based on the original design data.

[0226] 6) Next, the manufacturer makes replacement proposals for members and floor specifications, etc. based on the original design data.

[0227] 7) Next, the manufacturer performs frame analysis on the design data after the replacement proposal.

[0228] 8) Next, the manufacturer performs various tests on the results of the frame analysis.

[0229] 9) Next, the manufacturer outputs the design data after the replacement proposal that has passed the test.

[0230] 10) Next, the manufacturer generates a structural calculation sheet based on the output design data after the replacement proposal.

[0231] 11) Next, the manufacturer sends the generated structural calculation sheet and the certification documents of each member and construction method used for replacement to the designer.

[0232] 12) Next, the designer sends the structural calculation sheet to the constructor.

[0233] 12) Next, the designer sends the confirmation application drawings to the administrative window.

[0234] Thus, the processing by the design support system of the second application example is completed.

[0235] (Third application example) FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third application example of the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the design support system shown as the third application example in FIG. 18, the provider of the product is a material procurement company instead of a designer.

[0236] Hereinafter, the processing flow by the design support system of the third application example will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

[0237] 1) First, the designer sends the property information of the property to be applied to the material procurement company.

[0238] 2) Next, the material procurement company accesses the NW server and registers the user information and property information on the NW server.

[0239] 3) Next, the manufacturer downloads the user information and property information of the material procurement company from the NW server.

[0240] 4) Next, the manufacturer stores the acquired user information and property information of the material procurement company in its own management server.

[0241] 5) The manufacturer inputs the original design data based on the acquired property information and sets target values (for example, steel weight, CO2 emissions, etc.) based on the conversation content with the material procurement company.

[0242] 6) Next, the manufacturer generates intermediate data for replacement design based on the original design data.

[0243] 7) Next, the manufacturer makes replacement proposals for members and floor specifications, etc. based on the original design data.

[0244] 8) Next, the manufacturer performs a frame analysis on the design data after the replacement proposal.

[0245] 9) Next, the manufacturer performs various tests on the results of the frame analysis.

[0246] 10) Next, the manufacturer outputs the design data after the replacement proposal that has passed the test.

[0247] 11) Next, the manufacturer generates a structural calculation sheet based on the output design data after the replacement proposal.

[0248] 12) Next, the manufacturer sends the generated structural calculation sheet and the certification documents of each member and each construction method used for replacement to the material procurement contractor.

[0249] 13) Next, the material procurement contractor sends the structural calculation sheet and a copy of the ministerial certification to the designer and consults with the designer regarding the adoption or non - adoption of the replacement proposal.

[0250] 13)' Next, the designer replies to the material procurement contractor regarding the adoption or non - adoption of the replacement proposal (if adopted, the material procurement contractor proceeds with the arrangement of structural materials).

[0251] 14) Next, the designer sends the structural calculation sheet to the constructor.

[0252] 14)' Next, the designer sends the confirmation application drawings to the administrative window.

[0253] Thus, the processing by the design support system of the third application example is completed.

[0254] As described above, the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention receives a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure. The design support device evaluates the original design data of the building structure by the objective function. Further, the design support device acquires information on at least one product of a manufacturer that can be replaced with a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method included in the original design data. The design support device makes a design change to replace at least one structural member, structural specification, or construction method included in the original design data with at least one product based on at least one objective function. The design support device evaluates the replaced design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function. Then, the design support device outputs information indicating the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the replaced design data.

[0255] By having such a configuration, the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention can quantitatively evaluate and visualize the effects caused by applying a product. Thereby, the design support device can easily motivate a user who intends to repeatedly apply the product.

[0256] Also, as described above, when there are a plurality of products of a manufacturer that can be replaced with a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method included in the original design data, the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention identifies one product that optimizes the evaluation by the objective function. The identification method may be performed by a convergence calculation based on an arbitrary mathematical law.

[0257] By having such a configuration, the design support device according to an embodiment of the present invention can present a product that is the optimal solution in the set objective function even when considering the application of a plurality of products. Thereby, the design support device can eliminate the need to repeatedly conduct application studies for each product, and thus can reduce the burden on the manufacturer regarding the application study of the product.

[0258] According to the above-described embodiment, the design support device includes an objective function setting unit, an original design evaluation unit, a product information acquisition unit, a product replacement unit, a post-replacement design evaluation unit, and an output unit. For example, the design support device is the user side 150a(X) in the embodiment, the objective function setting unit is the objective function setting unit 231 in the embodiment, the original design evaluation unit is the original design evaluation unit 233 in the embodiment, the product information acquisition unit is the product information acquisition unit 234 in the embodiment, the product replacement unit is the product replacement unit 237 in the embodiment, the post-replacement design evaluation unit is the post-replacement design evaluation unit 243 in the embodiment, and the output unit is the output unit 245 in the embodiment.

[0259] The above objective function setting unit receives the specification of at least one objective function for evaluating the design data of the building structure. The above original design evaluation unit evaluates the original design data, which is the initial design data of the building structure, by the objective function. The above product information acquisition unit acquires product information regarding at least one second product that can be replaced with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data. For example, the second product is a product of a manufacturer in the embodiment. The above product replacement unit makes a design change to replace at least one first product with at least one second product. For example, the design change is the product replacement process in the embodiment. The above post-replacement design evaluation unit evaluates the post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function. The above output unit outputs information indicating the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the post-replacement design data.

[0260] In the above design support device, when the objective function setting unit receives the specification of a plurality of objective functions, it receives the specification of the priority order of each objective function. In this case, the product replacement unit may make a design change in consideration of the priority order.

[0261] In the above design support device, one of the objective functions may be the total weight of the building structure.

[0262] In the above-described design support device, one of the objective functions may be the weight of at least one member constituting the building structure.

[0263] In the above-described design support device, one of the objective functions may be the total processing cost of the members used in the building structure.

[0264] In the above-described design support device, one of the objective functions may be the processing cost of at least one member constituting the building structure.

[0265] In the above-described design support device, one of the objective functions may be the total CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of the structural members and fireproof coatings used in the building structure.

[0266] In the above-described design support device, one of the objective functions may be the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of at least one structural member and fireproof coating constituting the building structure.

[0267] In the above-described design support device, one of the objective functions may be the construction period of the building work of the building structure.

[0268] The above-described design support device may further include a communication unit and a storage unit. For example, the communication unit is the product information acquisition unit 234 in the embodiment, and the storage unit is the product information storage unit 235 in the embodiment. The communication unit is communicatively connected to a server that stores product information. For example, the server is the server 120 in the embodiment. The storage unit stores the product information acquired from the server.

[0269] The above-described design support device may further include an intermediate data generation unit. For example, the intermediate data generation unit is the intermediate data generation unit 236 in the embodiment. The intermediate data generation unit generates intermediate data that reduces the processing load related to design changes by combining duplicate items included in the original design data into one. In this case, the product replacement unit performs design changes using the intermediate data.

[0270] In the above-described design support apparatus, the design change may include a change in the cross-section of a structural member used in a building structure.

[0271] In the above-described design support apparatus, the design change may include a change in the quantity of lateral bracing members used in a building structure.

[0272] In the above-described design support apparatus, the design change may include a change in the fireproof coating quantity of a beam used in a building structure.

[0273] In the above-described design support apparatus, the design change may include a change in at least one of the materials or components of concrete in a floor slab used in a building structure.

[0274] In the above-described design support apparatus, the design change may include a change in at least one of the materials or components of concrete in a concrete-filled steel tube column used in a building structure.

[0275] In the above-described design support apparatus, when there are a plurality of second products that can be replaced with the first product, the product replacement unit may specify one second product that optimizes the evaluation by the objective function.

[0276] In the above-described design support apparatus, the product replacement unit may specify one second product by a convergence calculation based on an arbitrary mathematical law.

[0277] In addition, the above-described design support apparatus may further include a conversion unit and a structural calculation unit. For example, the conversion unit is the data conversion unit 238 in the embodiment, and the structural calculation unit is the frame analysis unit 251 of the integrated structural design program 151 in the embodiment. The conversion unit converts the post-replacement design data into conversion data that is data in a format capable of integrated structural calculation. For example, the integrated structural calculation is the frame analysis in the embodiment. The structural calculation unit performs integrated structural calculation using the conversion data.

[0278] Incidentally, the above-described design support apparatus may further include a reconversion unit. For example, the reconversion unit is the data reconversion unit 239 in the embodiment. The reconversion unit reconverts the conversion data used in the consistent structure calculation into the post-replacement design data.

[0279] Incidentally, the above-described design support apparatus may further include an inspection unit. For example, the inspection unit is at least one of the member stress inspection unit 240, the interlayer deformation inspection unit 241, and the ultimate strength inspection unit 242 in the embodiment. The inspection unit performs at least one of an inspection regarding member stress, an inspection regarding interlayer deformation, and an examination regarding ultimate strength on the result of the consistent structure calculation. In this case, the output unit outputs the result of the inspection.

[0280] Part or all of the design support device in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize it. Here, the "computer system" shall include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, etc., and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to something that dynamically holds a program for a short time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and may also include something that holds a program for a certain period of time, like a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in that case. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and may further be something that can be realized in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, or may be realized using hardware such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0281] Note that the design support device in the above-described embodiment may be implemented using a plurality of information processing devices communicably connected via a network. In this case, each functional unit included in the design support device may be implemented in a distributed manner across a plurality of information processing devices.

[0282] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained with reference to the drawings. However, it is clear that the above embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Therefore, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes may be made to the components without departing from the technical idea and gist of the present invention.

[0283] In addition, although the present invention has been described with a building structure as a specific embodiment, the object of the present invention is not limited to building structures only. Therefore, within the scope not departing from the technical idea and gist of the present invention, the present invention may be directed to civil engineering structures such as bridges and levees.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0284] 1…Design support system, 100…Structural design support system, 110…Network, 120…Server, 130…Manufacturer side, 131, 131a…Input / output control program, 140…Processor side, 150, 150a…User side, 151…Integrated structure design program, 231…Objective function setting unit, 232…Original design data acquisition unit, 233…Original design evaluation unit, 234…Product information acquisition unit, 235…Product information storage unit, 236…Intermediate data generation unit, 237…Product replacement unit, 238…Data conversion unit, 239…Data reconversion unit, 240…Member stress verification unit, 241…Interlayer deformation verification unit, 242…Ultimate strength verification unit, 243…Design evaluation unit after replacement, 244…Difference evaluation unit, 245…Output unit, 251…Frame analysis unit, 500…Bus, 501…Control unit, 502…Main memory unit, 503…Auxiliary memory unit, 504…Communication unit, 505…Input unit, 506…Display unit

Claims

1. A target function setting unit that receives a specification of at least one target function for evaluating design data of a building structure; An original design evaluation unit that evaluates original design data, which is the original design data of the building structure, by the target function; A product information acquisition unit that acquires product information, which is information about at least one second product that can be replaced with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data; A product replacement unit that makes a design change to replace at least one of the first products with at least one of the second products; A post-replacement design evaluation unit that evaluates post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the target function; An output unit that outputs information indicating a difference between an evaluation result of the original design data and an evaluation result of the post-replacement design data; A design support device comprising the above.

2. When the target function setting unit receives specifications of a plurality of the target functions, it receives a specification of the priority order of each of the target functions, The product replacement unit makes the design change in consideration of the priority order. The design support device according to claim 1.

3. One of the target functions is the total weight of the building structure. The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One of the target functions is the weight of at least one member constituting the building structure. The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. One of the target functions is the total processing cost of the members used in the building structure. The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. One of the objective functions is the processing cost of at least one member constituting the building structure The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. One of the objective functions is the total CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of the structural members and fire protection coatings used in the building structure The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. One of the objective functions is the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacture of at least one structural member and fire protection coating constituting the building structure The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. One of the objective functions is the construction period of the building work of the building structure The design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A communication unit for communicatingly connecting with a server that stores the product information, A storage unit for storing the product information acquired from the server, The design support device according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. An intermediate data generation unit that generates intermediate data for reducing the processing load related to the design change by combining duplicate items included in the original design data into one further comprising, The product replacement unit performs the design change using the intermediate data The design support device according to claim 1.

12. The design change includes a change in the cross-section of the structural member used in the building structure The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11.

13. The design change includes a change in the quantity of lateral bracing members used in the building structure The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11.

14. The design change includes a change in the fireproof coating amount of the beam used in the building structure. The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11.

15. The design change includes a change in at least one of the materials or components of the concrete in the floor slab used in the building structure. The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11.

16. The design change includes a change in at least one of the materials or components of the concrete in the concrete-filled steel tubular column used in the building structure. The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11.

17. When there are a plurality of second products that can be replaced with the first product, the product replacement unit specifies one second product that optimizes the evaluation by the objective function. The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11.

18. The product replacement unit specifies one second product by a convergence calculation based on an arbitrary mathematical law. The design support device according to claim 17.

19. A conversion unit that converts the post-replacement design data into conversion data that is data in a form capable of consistent structural calculation, A structural calculation unit that performs the consistent structural calculation using the conversion data, The design support device according to claim 1, 2, 10, or 11, further comprising:

20. A data reconversion unit that reconverts the conversion data used in the consistent structural calculation into the post-replacement design data The design support device according to claim 19, further comprising:

21. An inspection unit that performs at least one of an inspection regarding member stress, an inspection regarding inter-story drift, and a consideration regarding ultimate strength on the result of the consistent structural calculation further comprising the output unit outputs the result of the verification The design support device according to claim 19.

22. A design support system having a design support device and a structural calculation device, the design support device an objective function setting unit that receives a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure; an original design evaluation unit that evaluates the original design data, which is the initial design data of the building structure, by the objective function; a product information acquisition unit that acquires product information, which is information about at least one second product that can be replaced with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data; a product replacement unit that makes a design change to replace at least one of the first products with at least one of the second products; a post-replacement design evaluation unit that evaluates the post-replacement design data, which is the design data after the design change, by the objective function; a conversion unit that converts the post-replacement design data into conversion data, which is data in a form that allows consistent structural calculation; a data re-conversion unit that re-converts the conversion data used for the consistent structural calculation into the post-replacement design data; an output unit that outputs information indicating the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the post-replacement design data; comprising the structural calculation device a structural calculation unit that performs the consistent structural calculation using the conversion data A design support system comprising.

23. an objective function setting step of receiving a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure; an original design evaluation step of evaluating the original design data, which is the initial design data of the building structure, by the objective function; A product information acquisition step of acquiring product information which is information regarding at least one second product that is replaceable with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data; A product replacement step of making a design change to replace at least one of the at least one first product with at least one of the at least one second product; A post-replacement design evaluation step of evaluating the post-replacement design data which is the design data after the design change by the objective function; An output step of outputting information indicating the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the post-replacement design data; A design support method having the above.

24. Causing a computer to: An objective function setting step of receiving a specification of at least one objective function for evaluating design data of a building structure; An original design evaluation step of evaluating the original design data which is the initial design data of the building structure by the objective function; A product information acquisition step of acquiring product information which is information regarding at least one second product that is replaceable with at least one first product indicating a structural member, a structural specification, or a construction method used for the building structure specified in the original design data; A product replacement step of making a design change to replace at least one of the at least one first product with at least one of the at least one second product; A post-replacement design evaluation step of evaluating the post-replacement design data which is the design data after the design change by the objective function; An output step of outputting information indicating the difference between the evaluation result of the original design data and the evaluation result of the post-replacement design data; A design support program for causing the above to be executed.

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