A coupled expert system for optimum design of bridges

A prototype coupled expert system has been developed for optimum design of truss bridges, called BTEXPERT. The scope of BTEXPERT is limited to the optimum design of four types of truss bridges, i.e. Pratt, Parker, parallel-chord K truss and curved-chord K truss for a span range of 100-500 ft. The approach to the expert systems used in BTEXPERT is novel in at least two respects. First, mathematical optimization is introduced in the expert system. Second, the knowledge base of BTEXPERT contains not only heuristic rules and experiential knowledge but also knowledge obtained by machine experimentation.<
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