Production and Classification-Based Active Structural Design Databases
Paul C. Xirouchakis · 1995
Abstract We consider the beam section design problem domain and its representation using the LOOM knowledge representation and reasoning database system. We use LOOM’s concept classification capabilities to built a taxonomy of terms describing the beam section design process. This allows LOOM to automatically classify concepts and instances of objects in the proper location in the taxonomy of terms. This classification-based reasoning is what distinguishes LOOM from other knowledge or object-oriented database systems. We also use LOOM’s two behavioral programming features: object-oriented and rule-based in our beam problem domain. This way we define the beam concepts of flat bar, exactly one flange, exactly two flanges and box type. We also define three versions of a section area calculation method that fires depending on the type of the beam section. Finally, we define a production that fires when the type of an object changes to tank boundary. As a result the applicable beam design pressure is changed accordingly.