AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF R.C. BUILDINGS

Abstract

The knowledge gained in the field of earthquake engineering over the last two decades has progressed considerably. The specialist has a duty to transfer his knowledge to practicing engineers in an accessible form. Till now design codes are being used as the means of transferring knowledge. The knowledge In the design codes is usually widespread and ill-structured which in turn means that obtaining the necessary information Is a tedious job. In view of current development of earthquake engineering, an expert system is more than a simple necessity, because a greater part of professional knowledge in the field of earthquake engineering can not be translated in usual algorithmic programs but it can be built into the knowledge basis of expert system. Thus expert system may be an effective means of transferring the knowledge of specialists. Aft attempt has been made in this dissertation to develop the knowledge base of an expert system using IS: 1893-1984 for the seismic analysis of reinforced concrete framed buildings and to use this knowledge a computer program for the analysis of R.C. framedr:buildings for horizontal forces has been developed. It has been concluded that use of the expert systems In the field of design codes is possible and necessary and the work in the development of the design codes as expert systems can have a retroactive effect on the preparation of the codes. In the future each code can be prepared as a knowledge base in advance. ii