Object-Oriented Data Exchange for the Integration of Design Processes in Structural Engineering

by Uwe R?ppel, Univ of Darmstadt, Germany,
Udo Meissner, Univ of Darmstadt, Germany,
Bernd M?ller, Univ of Darmstadt, Germany,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computing in Civil and Building Engineering

Abstract:

The computer integration of tasks, activities, tools, user and data exchange interfaces, management of knowledge etc. requires a new approach by object-oriented modeling in civil engineering. In order to ensure no loss of information within the data exchange between different sub-process, it is necessary to analyze the planning process carefully and to specify appropriate data exchange interfaces describing the various models. Owing to system independence it is also necessary to use a neutral interface, such as the international data exchange format STEP ('Standard for Exchange of Product Data', ISO) [STEP, 1992] which is commonly implemented in mechanical engineering. As this exchange format does not satisfy typical and basis demands of civil engineering problems, the 2D Building Subset STEP-2DBS [STEP-2DBS, 1989] was initiated by some leading companies in Germany. The syntax of STEP-2DBS, especially the definition of adequate AEC entities (Architecture, Engineering and Construction), allows the specification of object-oriented hierarchical data structures for the exchange of data describing product sub-modes [Rueppel, 1992]. The present article presents a decomposition of the design process in sub-processes with adequate product sub-models. The implementation of a structural and a static model in STEP-2DBS together with the accompanying Object Oriented Model Management (OOMM) in C++ is also demonstrated.

Subject Headings: Computer models | Structural engineering | Computing in civil engineering | Structural models | Structural design | Data analysis | Computer analysis | Germany | Europe

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