A design process model for computer integrated structural engineering: Design phases and tasks

Abstract

Computer integrated design systems will require an improved understanding of the engineering design process, including formalized notions of (1) the structure of the process, (2) the design tasks that need to be performed, and (3) the information required to carry out these tasks. An organizational model for the structural engineering design process, termed themultilevel selection-development (MSD) model, has been outlined in a recent paper. The current paper continues development of the MSD model by providing more detailed descriptions of the specific design tasks that must be carried out. The MSD model is briefly reviewed, and a simple example is presented. The design tasks are then classified and described.