Some Aspects of Interactive Structural Design

The experience gained in the Department of Civil Engineering, Liverpool University in the use of a computing system for interactive structural design is discussed. The design process is examined and reveals the necessity for efficient man-machine communication between designer and machine. Conversational mode of operation and visual
display facilities are shown to provide a convenient means of achieving such communication. The engineer retains control of the design process at all stages, and uses the speed and memory of the computer to assist him in the evolution of a satisfactory scheme. Examples of three diverse applications are presented.

F. Sawko and R.J. Cope