Synopsis
The design process for constructional steelwork is essentially a sequential one, in which many decisions made at the conceptual and member-sizing stages affect the downstream activities of detailing, fabrication, and erection. The objective of the work described here is to improve the quality of the design through the making of better informed decisions that are based on a wider range of features than is usually possible using traditional approaches. This is achieved using novel information technology tools that will facilitate such an infirmed and integrated process of design.