StructuralComponents: A software system for conceptual structural design

Conceptual design is the starting point of the design process. The conceptual design stage comprises the formation of several ideas or design concepts to meet the imposed constraints. StructuralComponents is a software application that attempts to provide the designing engineer with a suitable set of tools for this stage. It facilitates the exploration of the early design space with the proper balance between accuracy and the ability to explore. Using parametric-associative modelling, a structural design concept can be composed of parameters and object relations. Built-in design and analysis knowledge returns immediate output to guide the design process. The major development is a redevelopment of the software architecture as a client-server system in support of emphasising design exploration and a system of design plurality and directed optimisation.Structural EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience