Automated Steel Joint Detailing via Rule-Based Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional steel structure construction process is inefficient due to the involvement of multiple disparate entities, manual engineering and detailing of joints, high costs, and engineering uncertainty, particularly in the exchange of information and the time-consuming nature of manually processing hundreds to thousands of joints.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates a computer-aided modeling system with a connection processing subsystem, allowing for the automatic engineering and detailing of joints based on load-bearing requirements, facilitating the exchange of information between entities, and utilizing a cloud-based server to streamline the process, enabling efficient and cost-effective engineering and detailing of steel structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual engineering and detailing of joints is performed by multiple disparate entities, then connection expertise and structural integrity are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the joint detailing process into distinct functional modules: structural model processing, connection parameter extraction, connection design selection, and detailing generation. Each module handles a specific aspect of the process, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall time while maintaining the expertise of specialized connection engineers through the rule-based engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of joint detailing with an automated computer-based system. The rule-based engine and algorithm automatically extract parameters, evaluate connection options, and generate detailed drawings, substituting human manual work with computational processes that are both faster and equally reliable.
2Reliability
If manual detailing of hundreds to thousands of joints is performed, then connection-specific expertise is applied, but productivity is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated detailing where the software autonomously processes structural models, extracts necessary parameters, selects appropriate connection types based on predefined rules, and generates detailed drawings without requiring manual intervention for each joint. This maintains connection expertise through embedded rules while dramatically increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-driven automation where changing input parameters (structural geometry, material properties, load conditions) automatically triggers the rule-based engine to recalculate and regenerate connection details. This allows rapid adaptation to different joint configurations without manual re-analysis, maintaining expertise while scaling productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional disparate systems are used for structural modeling and connection detailing, then specialized functions are maintained, but information exchange efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural modeling system and connection detailing system into an integrated workflow. The structural model from the first system is directly imported and processed by the rule-based engine in the second system, eliminating manual data transfer and reducing information loss. The systems maintain their specialized functions while communicating through standardized data interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for engineering and detailing joints in a steel structure includes a compute device that is electronically linked with a web-enabled server. In use, the system engages in an automated process of connecting the various joints in the steel structure by first collecting basic connection preferences via the compute device. Additionally, raw data is extracted from a computer model of the steel structure on the compute device. Using the connection preferences and raw data, the server analyzes framing interrelationships and engineers the connection details for each joint based upon connection preferences and load requirements. Taking into account the connection details of other local joints in the steel structure, the server utilizes an iterative engineering process to ensure that the connection details satisfy structural loads in a cost-effective fashion. Upon completion, the engineered connection details are uploaded back into the computer model of the steel structure on the compute device.