AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR DESIGN OF STEEL BUILDINGS USING NEW LRFD EGYPTIAN AND AMERICAN CODES

Abstract

This research consists of two mam parts. The first part covers the design of different structural steel elements such as axially loaded (tension, and compression), flexure (beam), and beam-column members in accordance with the latest Egyptian (ECP-205 ASD-200 1 & LRFD-2007), and American (AISC Specification ASD & LRFD-2005) codes of practice. Design programs, and aid charts for design of members were developed. The most common steel profiles were utilized like HEA, HEB, HEM, IPE, UB, UC, and W shape for steel grades ST 37, and ST 52. The second part covers the development of an Expert fu'stem for §.teel

§.tructures Design of rigid portal frames (ES3D) according to the latest Egyptian, and American Code of Practice. ES3D was developed using the VISUAL BASIC programming language, and it contains many friendly graphical user interfaces. The system enables the designer to specifY all building parameters, i.e. width, length, height, loads, design parameters for all members and number of column and rafter segments. ES3D generates automatically ten input STAADPRO files (*.std), which contain geometry, joint coordinates, member incidences, properties, supports, loads, design parameters and steel take off. ES3D recommends the optimum design of ten types of steel rigid frames, i.e. Mono Slope, Single, Double, Triple, and Forth Portal with/without interior columns. The system is used to solve ten buildings simultaneously with different dimensions up to 1OOm width, and 1OOm length, giving each time the system with minimum weight.