Computerization of building regulations

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Computerized Building Regulations

by D.J. Vanier

Appeared in

Proceedings of the International Conference on Municipal Code Administration

Building Safety and the Computer,

Winnipeg, Manitoba. September 24

-

28, 1989, p. 43-62

(IRC Paper No. 1645)

Reprinted with permission from the

Manitoba Building Officials Association Inc.

NRCC 31390

I R C

Depuis la venue des ordinateurs, l'industrie &.la construction a parrain6 beaucoup de travaux de recherched6veloppement en vue d'assurer l'infinmatisation de la reglementation du bbtiment. Malheureusement, il n'en est gubre dsult6 d'applications informatiques qui fassent actuellement l'objet d'une large utilisation. Pourtant, les utilisateurs d'ordinateurs cherchent et exigent des moyens automatis& qui aideraient

B

_{comprendre la dglementation}

du bltirnent et faciliteraient l'accbs aux dglements, codes et normes du bgtiment, et les utilisateurs plus exp6rimentCs souhaiteraient int6grer l'information contenue

dans

les codes aux systbmes de conception assist& par ordinateur.

Les technologies Cmergentes, par exemple l'intelligence artificielle, les systbmes experts

B

base de connaissances, la p r o ~ ~ a t i o n B _{base d'objets, l'hypertexte et les bases de} donnCes relationnelles, offrent de nouveaux environnernents et concepts pour l'infonnatisation de la dglementation du bitiment. Elles permettent de mettre au point des outils assurant un acds rapide, intelligent et global

B

_{cette dglementation. Rtkemrnent, les}

systkmes experts ont comu une grande faveur sur le plan

de

l'accbs 21 la dglementation du bbtiment, mais il se peut qu'ils n'offrent pas

B

_{moyen terme une solution complhte. Par}

ailleurs, l'hypertexte, qui pennet de rechercher rapidement & l'information contenue dans des textes, peut

B

_{court terme dpondre}

B

_{d'autres besoins. Ce sont les tables de dkision}

qui offrent la solution la plus complbte mais leurs mise au point et dvision sont trbs onCreuses.

Ce document pr6sente 1 s en matibre

d9informatisation de la reg excellence au

niveau de la recherchedv

un

_{r6le clC sur}

ce plan et comporte des

n

_{- -- - -} h lerche. On y

-

d6crit aussi en detail - - - domaine de

l'informatisation de la

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(du travail de

production d'une versioa pt

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liste

Computerization of Building Regulations

Dana J. Vanier

National Research Council Canada Institute for Research in Construction

Abstract

Since the advent of computers, the construction industry has sponsored considerable research and development for computerizing building regulations. Unfortunately, few of these developments have resulted in computer applications that

are

currently available in wide

use

in practice. In the meanwhile, computer users

are

seeking and demanding automated solutions to assist in comprehending building regulations and in facilitating access to existing building regulations, codes and standards and more sophisticated users

are

interested in the integration of code information with computer-aided design systems.

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, knowledge-based expert systems, object- oriented programming, hypertext, and relational databases,

are

providing new environments, as well as new concepts, for computerized building regulations. These new technologies

are

a possibility for developing tools for fast, intelligent, and comprehensive access to building regulations. Most recently,. expert systems have received considerable favour for building regulation access, but they may not provide a full solution in the intermediate future. Alternatively, hypertext provides the potential for quick retrieval of text-based infomation and may address other needs in the short term. Decision Tables provide the most comprehensive solution but are extremely expensive to develop and maintain. This paper presents a bibliography of international activities in the development of computerized building regulations. It locates centres of excellence -for research and development, identifies key players in these activities, and abstracts the research projects and products. The paper also details the many Canadian activities for computerizing building regulations and specifically outlines the work

in

producing

a

hypertext version of the National Building Code of Canada and an automated check list for code compliance.

KEY

WORDS: Building Codes, Building Regulations, Building Standards, Hypertext, Computer-aided design, Architecture, Engineering, Buildings, Construction

Computerization of Building Regulations

Dana J. Vanier

National Research Council Canada Institute for Research in Construction

Building codes, regulations and standards (i.e. codesl), are an essential part of the construction industry, cleatly defining

how

to construct safe, durable and reliable structures. "The National

Building

Code of Canada

is

_{essentially a set of minimum provisions respecting the safety of buildings}

with reference to public health, fire protection, and structural sufficiency. Its primary purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of appropriate uniform building standards throughout C a n a h " [NBC85

3

"The NBC is drafted in such a way that it may be adopted or enacted for legal use by any jurisdictional authority in Canada." [NBC85] Most provinces use the National Building Code (NBC) in its original form, however, four provinces make alterations to suit their provincial preferences and presently publish their own editions. The changes are normally small technical edits and can include additional Clauses to augment the NBC. _{However, the provincial codes}

_are

_{the legal document in Canada and}

these in turn are enforced by the municipalities. This divided responsibility and authority identifies

some

of the difficulties in producing an automated version of the code. The cost per year for the production of Canada's codes is in the order of millions of dollars and scores of man years of intellectual thought, practical experience, Iaborious administration, and contributing research. It would be foolhardy to consider that a computerized system could replace

or

_{replicate such a process.}

International aspects further complicate the situation.

In

some countries the code can contain either prescriptive, performance or procedural provisions manis] or can be based on precedence rather than well-defined laws or rules. Even in individual national codes the format may vary and the provisions may delineate the vagaries of environmental conditions and terrain marris]. Therefore, it would be extremely difficult to model any code after another

or

_{model any automated version after another}

electronic implementation.

It is for these above reasons that there has been relatively little commercial development in computerized building regulations.

There have been many attempts to automate time-consuming or laborious activities in the construction industry. FORTRAN, BASIC, computer-aided design, relational databases, knowledge-based expert systems and intelligence all play their part in the progressive evolution of a wide assortment of automated tools for designers, code officials and builders.

I The development of electronic building codes has been a focus of many national programs with scores

of researchers attempting to address the needs of this application area with the most advanced computer technologies. Although millions of dollars have been expended internationally to date to produce I building codes in a usable, robust, or cost-effective electronic format, none have gained wide user

.

acceptance and there are no commercial systems currently available. The reasons for the lack of a

I comprehensive electronic code machine include: limited electronic tools available in the past, national

I 1 _{In this text the term "codes" will be used to mean building codes, regulations or standards and can refer to either}

national codes or provincial codes. The Canadian National Building Code will be referred as the National Building

and regional code differences, a poor understanding of the needs of the building code user community, and inadequate knowledge of the internal structure of building codes.

Apart from the word processor, which is a recent application, there isn't a strong foundation for the efficient use of .text-based systems; computers have been concentrating largely on numerical operations. It is only with the recent popular interest in hypertext systems that computer technology is addressing the needs of the text-based applications [Vanier]. Beside, computers were just too expensive 5 years ago and the NBC "blue book was cheaper, smaller, and lighter and could fit in a briefcase.

Building

codes are legal documents and undergo considerable review by a number of technical, editorial

and

legaJ code committees. Many of the: existing computer prototypes "actively alter" the

codes; that is, r e s t r u m the code information to present it in the automated form. This means that the automated versions will also hare to undergo the same rigourous scrutiny by the code governing bodies for

each

and every individual provision prior to official benediction; a task that is proving to be impossible.

The development of most building regulations are the responsibility of the national government of each country, therefore there tends to be a national collective thought on the development of standards for both manual and automated implementations. In Canada the development of building regulations is also a national effort. As was mentioned before, this results in faur slightly different provincial codes with one national code serving the remaining provinces and all federal construction. In the United States there are three model codes: the Uniform Building Code of the International Conference of Building Officials [ICBO], the Basic Building Code of Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. [BOCA] and the Standard Building Code of the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.[SBCC].

With such a wide variety of players, software users, legal responsibilities and computeri tools it is difficult to initiate a research program or software development in code automation. It is also difficult to select suitable software for an organizations. This paper will attempt to provide a foundation of information on the topic by presenting an annotated bibliography of international research and development and a review of existing Canadian packages and prototypes.

I

dian Code Automation Activities

A number of different implementations of building codes are currently available in Canada. The versions investigated in this paper are the major Canadian development activities and include products from Megalith, CodaBase, Canadian Construction Information Service (CCIS), Alberta provincial government, and the National Research Council. The capabilities and systems design of the various prototypes and products are listed below.

I

Word Processor Systems

One type of automation for building codes is a word processing document. This type is mentioned because it is relatively inexpensive to develop and may suit needs of specific client groups. In this format the NBC or provincial code is accessed using a generic microprocessor word processor. The search and retrieve functions are similar to those currently available on most microprocessors. These include text string search which can be extended to a Article number search. The limitations of this type of automated code is the speed of the word processor and the limited vocabulary searching; but most current word processors are indexing the full text and providing amazing speed for word searches. However, since most codes use a formal writing style and use a well-defined vocabulary, the searching of text using keywords is severely limited because the same words occur many times. Another problem is that of "not" terms, the word processor does not recognize the grammar of a sentence and can not differentiate between "sprinklered and "when the fire compartments on both

sides of the fire separation

are

not sprinklered. In both examples the word processor would find both occurrence of "sprinklered"; but clearly the latter is a false hit. This same problem will occur with keyword indexing systems, unless the negation is included in the indexing. No commercial systems were evaluated owing to the limited functionality of this type of implementation.

Databases Systems

IRC Database

-

A Macintosh' database version of the NBC was developed by Alistair Aikrnan of the Institute for Research in Construction (IRC) of the National Research Council Canada but originated with his activities at Saskatchewan Environment and Public Safety. It was first developed by Mr. Ailanan as an in-house administrative tool and uses a keyword system'for every Article of the NBC. The user can perform a Boolean search on desired terms. This version is not commercially available, but it was ported to a mainframe computer by CCIS.

Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, Building M-24, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA OR6 (613) 993-9960

Canadian Construction Information Service, Ltd.

-

CCIS provides an "on-line" service with

a

user-friendly interface to a mainframe computer for a number of construction databases. The most recent editions of the NBC and the Ontario Building Code (OBC) are currently available; their NBC version was created using the IRC database mentioned above. The records of the CCIS code databases

are

the NBC or OBC Articles; an additional feature is that every word in the texts is indexed. In both codes, a Boolean search of keywords can be performed to extract desired Articles. That is, if the user wishes to see all Articles related to "bracing", "exterior walls", and "wood-frame", the Boolean function would produce the list of Articles that contain all three terms. In addition, every Article is enhanced with keywords that can provide access to implicit information in the documents. An example of the need for this facility is Article 9.23.18. Suppose "bracing", "exterior wall", and

I _{"wood-frame" are the desired search terms; as "wood-fme" does not appear in the text of the Article,}

but Section 9.23 is "Wood-Frame Construction", the Article is enhanced with that term to pennit the

I - _{detection of 9.23.18. as a suitable Article. The vocabulary- switching system developed by CCIS}

I

overcomes the problems of an uncontrolled vocabulary [Reid] permitting the user to transparently browse variations in spellings (i.e. British versus American) and inflected forms (plurals). Graphics, tables, and appendices are now available on both versions of the CCIS codes. An benefit of all "on- line" services is that the most up-to-date code information is always available to the user.

Canadian Construction Information Service, Ltd., 1450 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2x7 (41 6) 445-664 1

Building Plans Examination System

-

The Plans Registration and Examination System (P.R.E.S.) of the Alberta Labour Building Standards Branch is a database information storage and retrieval computer program developed by Synerlogic, Inc. of Edmonton to assist plan examination for Alberta municipalities. It consists of three modules: the Plan Registration Segment is an administrative segment to accept and monitor new plans; the Plan Examination Segment provides a checklist for Parts

I 3 and 9; and the Alberta Building Code (ABC) Database Segment accesses the 1985 code and the

S tandata Bulletins (Director's Rulings, Director's Interpretations, and Information Bulletins).

The ABC Database can be searched on single or multiple keywords (3500 keywords) or by provision number. Information from a l l three modules can be exported to applications such as a word processor and project reports can be generated outlining code violations. The system runs on runtime database shell on a 640 Kilobyte IBM2 Personal Computers and requires approximately 12 Megabytes of

Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

storage space. Future plans include "mini-code" versions and the development of the electronic 1990 code.

Alberta Labour Building Standards Branch, Program #705, 10808-99 Ave.; Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 0G5.

I

Keyword Indexing Systems

Codabase

-

Codabase is a private corporation offering services to the public. The database is running on-line on a super-mini computer and access is via a standard packet carrier. The documents available include the 1985 Ontario Building, Fire and Plumbing Codes and the Building Code Commission Rulings. The electronic version includes a full indexing of all words in these documents and allows the accessing of OBC Definitions. The provisions of the OBC are divided into the smallest referenced unit (Subclauses in some cases) and the words in these provisions

are

treated as unique records. A problem with this type of implementation is that if the records can be either Articles, Sentences, Clauses

or

_{Subclauses, the implicit information in the smallest records contained in parent records}

cannot be searched, however a keyword enrichment feature provides the capability to augment the words in the text with additional information. The software searches all "records" for occurrences of the search terms and lists the Article numbers of "hits" within seconds. The user can then selectively choose which Articles to view and in what sequence. The software also provides the capability to view each Article in the context of adjacent Articles in the code. The company supplies terminal emulator packages for a wide variety of microprocessors and are anticipating the release of an "artificial intelligence" version of the OBC in the near future [Johnstone].

Codabase Corporation, 208 Evans Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 157 (416) 259-8449

Megalith

-

Ontario Ministry of Housing commissioned Megalith Corporation to produce an electronic version of the 1985 Ontario Building Code (OBC) in Compact Disk format (CD-ROM). CD-CODE has been completed recently and the product is available for $85 CDN for the software or approximately $1400 CDN bundled with a CD ROM reader. The software product includes not only the full version of the OBC but Guidelines and Illustrations for Parts 3 and 9, Building Code Commission and Building Materials Evaluation Commission Rulings and Technical Buildings Branch Opinions. The program is running under MS DOS on a run-time database shell. Plans are to re-issue the CD-CODE every year with the 1990 OBC to be ready by mid-1990 [Arlani]. The text portion of the CD-CODE is approximately 10 Mbytes in size and access time is estimated at approximately 12 seconds (machine dependant) for each search. The system consists of one contiguous file and the user is moved through this document using keyword search, keyword proximity calculation and "side search" functions. A Boolean interface permits the user to enter search strings. The resulting "hit titles" are displayed to the user who can select which ones to view. A glossary is included for these word search for OBC definitions, keyphrases and multiple word phrases. A "side search" capability allows the user to access referenced Articles or other documents [Birch]. The electronic code can also be updated within one week of modification of the original document.

Megalith Corporation 148 Colonnade Road, Unit lC, Ottawa, Ontario, K2E 7R4 (613) 225-2300

I

Hypertext Systems

National Research Council

-

The recent interest in hypertext [Vanier] encouraged the Institute for Research in Construction to produce a user-friendly version of the NBC. This was completed under contract in February 1989. The software was developed for both the IBM PC and the Macintosh platform and runs on the OWL1 Guide hypertext software. The user interface is identical for both

implementations; the IBM PC version requiring a runtime version of Microsoft Windows for the graphical inputloutput. Features of both systems include: interactive user browsing of the entire text, programmed links to referenced Articles, interactive pop-up NBC definitions, and standard text string and Article number searching. The average time to access a related Article is to the order of 2 seconds depending on the size and speed of the computer's main memory. In addition, an electronic version of the checklist for plans examination modelled on the manual checklist from City of Scarborough was integrated with the NBC. This permits the user to browse a checklist of over 600 items and quickly .access the associated code Article. The software was delivered to 20 field trial sites for evaluation and the results indicate that the user community is extremely interested in products of this type, that the computer did aid in the search requirements, that the computer tool was fast enough and that add-ons such as the checklist were invaluable in accessing information. Comments concluded that it was a useful product and one of the best designs for code implementations seen so far. However, many felt that the program did not assist the new user and indexes would be required to help browse through the system. The multi-window environment was identified as confusing and there was need for more associated documentation (fire code etc.) and better us& manuals.

A subsequent prototype was developed at IRC based on recommendations from field trial users. The new prototype concentrates on Part 3 of the NBC and now includes three access points into the code. The Table of Contents performs

as

a table of contents; outlining the Parts, Sections, Subsections and Article numbers. It also permits the user to "word search" Article numbers in this small file and quickly access the Article in the main code. The "Back of the Book" index is an electronic implementation of the index of the NBC and permits the user to browse the index words or search for specific terms. The index Article number then brings the user to that code article. The Checklist for Part 3 performs as described above; but an modification has the Checklist pointing directly to the Sentence level, that is 3.1.2.2.(4), and not the Article level, as before. This brings the user to the exact location of the Checklist reference and not the Article reference 40 lines away.

The system appears to have numerous advantages; is relatively inexpensive to produce; and will

run

on a number of personal computers. The Macintosh version is available for evaluation.

Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, Building M-20, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA OR6 (613) 993-9699

Conclusions

I

All of these systems were recently released or are still in a prototype stage. As a result, it is not clear _{how, when, and where the tools will be used in the construction industry. There is still considerable}

I

work needed to identify marketplaces and to identify the functionality needs of the user communities. On the other side, there is considerable interest in the use of computers to access code documents from software developers, building officials, code writers, and building designers. This paper has attempted to present the status of computerization of building regulations by providing an overview of existing Canadian products and by identifying international research .and development in code automation. It is hoped that these two reviews will assist software companies in the development of new products and will make the audience more aware of the vast amount of existing information on this topic.

Internationally, therk have been numerous attempts at code automation with many key players at a number of centres of excellence. The bibliography divides the activities into basic technologies and then ident8.e~ key players, the research centre and related publications. All of the papers that were not read or reviewed in the course of this bibliographic study include, whenever possible, an author's abstract and are indicated as such. A classification type has been included in the header of each paper to indicate the audience for each paper. A number of Additional Readings follow each technology heading.

Centre: VTT

-

Technical Research Centre of Finland

Citation: Kiihk6nen, Kalle; BjGrk, Bo-Christer, Computerization of Building Standards, Research Report 484, Technical Research Centre of Finland (VlT), ESPW, Finland 1987 Audience: General, Designers, Architects, Engineers

This publication is a critical review of the theoretical foundations and the software tools for computerizing building regulations. Research programs from the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom are also briefly reviewed. This is an excellent publication outlining the need for standards, how standards

are

used in industry, and how computerization will assist the building industry.

It presents an outline of code activities in Finland, how the codes are structured and the difficulties encountered in reading and interpreting code provisions. It also give examples of expert systems and integrated CAD systems and their relationship to building codes. It &tails the prototype development in Finland. The authors say that rules-based systems tend to be the natural way to represent expertise and other knowledge related to building regulations; but there must be knowledge gained from sources such as code experts. The paper outlines short, medium and long range plans for code research and development. They conclude by saying that CAD systems of the future will be based on object-oriented programming and on other applications of new programming techniques, especially logic programming and knowledge engineering, permitting the full integration of building regulations into the CAD system database.

Additional Readings I

Beavers, Linda, ed, Proceedings of the NBS/NCSBCS Joint Conference (6th), Technical Seminar on I

Streamlined Administrative Procedures, Computers in Construction, and Fire Safety Technology,

Denver, Colorado, Sept. 11, 1984.

I

Cooke, Partrick W.? ed, Proceedings Of The 1st NBS/NCSBCS .Joint Conference on Research and Innovation in Buil&ng Regulatory Process, Providence, R.I., USA, 21-22 Sept. 1976

tive S v s t e ~

There are many systems developed for monitoring and controlling building permits and code infractions that were developed by municipal, state or provincial governments. These

are

important in their context but in most cases are not related to research and development for code automation.

Examples of specific administrative developments are listed below.

i

Centre: American Institute of Architects Research Corporation

Citation: Masterson, C., The Development of Computer Based Systems For Building Codes, Proceedings Of The 1st NBS/NCSBCS Joint Conference on Research and

Innovation in Building Regulatory Process, pp 349-68, Providence, R.I., USA, 21-22 S e ~ t . 1976

Audience: ~dneral, Building Officials, Code Writers, Specification Writers .

The author from the American Institute of Architects Research Corporation outlines the

advantages of computers for building regulations and outlines a Master Plan for the AIA for the development of computer-based systems for building codes.

Centre: Austin Building Inspection Dept.

Citation: Jaeger, S.; Harelik, L., Automation of the Building Code Compliance, National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards, Research and Innovation in the Building Regulatory Process: Proceedings of the NBS/NCSBCS Joint Conference (6th), Technical Seminar on Streamlined Administrative Procedures, Computers in Construction, and Fire Safety Technology, Denver, Colorado, Sept. 1 1, 1984,8p.

Audience: Building Officials, Code Writers, Designers, Engineers

The authors describe a system developed at the University of Austin to check code compliance for the Uniform Building Code 1982 Standard 90A-1980 "Energy Conservation in New Building Design" and Chapter 33 of the UBC "Exits". The paper describes a design tool tied to the building code.

Centre: Charlotte USAC Project

Citation: Charlotte USAC Project: Code Enforcement Module Computer Program Descriptions, Initial Task Completion Report, Charlotte, N.C., USAC Project, USAC- CNCO-0199 MIS-4302/017/01, Jul75, 1 4 5 ~ .

Audience: General, Building Officials, Specification Writers

(Author Abstract) The Module Computer Program Description document provides detailed technical information on the design, development and verification testing of the IMIS module computer program package. The document describes the entire computer program set for the Code Enforcement Module within the Charlotte IMIS system. Information is provided in sufficient detail to accommodate the transfer of responsibility for program adaption, error checking, and modification from the original program developers to other parties.

Centre: City of Palo Alto, California

Citation: Herman, Fred M., Take a "Byte" Out of the Paperwork, Building Standards v 56 n 5 Sep-Oct 1987 p 15-16,1987

Audience: General, Building Officials, Code Writers

Written by the Chief Building Official of the City of Palo Alto in California, this paper suggests that smaller jurisdictions implement a personal computer system, stresses the importance of an employee training program and identifies the need to "Sell the System" to managers, staff and politicians.

I

Centre: Department of Buildings, Chicago

Citation: Burke, W. J.; Moran, R.P., The Use of Computers and Microfilm in the Code Enforcement Program of the Chicago Department of Buildings, Proceedings Of The 1st NBS/NCSBCS Joint Conference on Research and Innovation in Building Regulatory Process, pp 377-82, Providence, R.I., USA, 21-22 Sept. 1976

I Audience: Building Officials

This paper describes a system for document issuance, information retrieval and management control for buildings in the City of Chicago. One of the main reasons for computerization was saving space, time and information. With over 240,000 buildings on the inspection list and

over 900,000 permits, the need for consolidated, centralized, reliable information cannot be overstressed. The paper describes both the computerization and microfilming project for the city. It details both the microfilming of the existing data and the addition of electronic information.

Centre:

Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey

Citation: Sterling, Bill (NJ Dep of Community Affairs, Trenton),

Comprehensive Data

Processing and Management Information System for State-wide Housing

Code Enforcement in New Jersey,

Urban Systems v 2 n 1 1977, p 45-61

Audience: Building Officials, Code Writers, Specification Writers

(Author Abstract) A unique approach to Housing Code Enforcement has been followed by the State of New Jersey, which has mandated State level housing code administration. By contractual arrangements with the State, the ability of local governments (94 municipalities) to perform inspections and solve code enforcement problems has been preserved and enhanced. The paper covers: legal parameters; systems design; file design; forms design; management reports; housing information system; operations; and a look into the future of wide scale code enforcement.

Centre:

Department of Health and Human Services, Washington

Citation: Chapman, Robert E. (Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC),

Cost-Conscious Guide to Fire Safety in Health Care Facilities,

National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC, NBSIR-82-2600,. Nov 82,69p.

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

The Fire Safety Evaluation System Cost Minimizer (FSESCM) program is written in FORTRAN and is based on linear programming method for allocating limited resources among competing activities'in an optimal way. The program provides a way to identify and quantify cost-effective levels of fire safety by optimizing costs for features such as construction type, interior finish, zone dimensions, hazardous areas, smoke detection and alarms, automatic sprii-iklers and installation of extra exit stairwells.

Centre:

Department of Housing and Urban Development. St. Louis

Citation Department of Housing and Urban Development. St. Louis,

Code Enforcement

Information System (CEIS),

1 Jul 73-30 Jun 74., University City, Mo, Report Number EWGIUC-0244.06.3-A, Jun 74, 170p.

Audience: Building Officials, Code Writers, Specification Writers

(Author Abstract) The report summarizes the design and development of a computer based Code Enforcement Information System (CEIS). Topics covered are: (1) CEIS objective; (2) The state-of-the-art in housing code enforcement systems; (3) development of comprehensive housing inspection procedures; (4) considerations involved in developing a common data base using sophisticated data base management software.

Centre:

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington

Citation: Sanderson, Richard L.,

Computer Use in Code Enforcement,

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC, 1978,5 1p.

Audience: General, Building Officials, Code Writers, Specification Writers, Architects, Engineers This report provides information on local government use

of

computer technology in code enforcement and contains case studies of computer use in a

number

of large US cities.

The

case studies contain information on computer system functions, work volume, and technology use. A review of all reported uses indicates that computers fill a variety of statistical and operational functions and provide a number of benefits, including improved sewice through

Sample Group Population (x 000) Assessor information Budgeting,accounting Departmental statistics Infonnation retrieval Inspection tracking Permit issuance Plan review

Property record data Word Processing Structural analysis.

Population (Continued)t Existing Equipment Small MediumLarger Largest (0- 10) (10-30)(30- 100)(>100) 16.3- 26.3 41.8 58.5 53.8 40.8 50.5 58.5 47.5 61.8 81.3 78.5 51.3 57.9 80.2 76.9 30.0 32.9 61.5 64.6 22.5 26.3 59.3 64.6

Additional or Future Plans Small Medium Larger Largest (0-10) (10-30)(30-100)(>100) 29.5 19.6 38.1 37.0 40.9 49.0 42.9 33.3 77.3 66.7 66.7 70.4 59.1 62.7 69.0 74.1 54.5 58.8 52.4 63.0 50.0 60.8 52.4 70.4 29.5 35.5 31.0 40.7 50.0 43.1 54.8 55.6 . 63.6 64.7 52.4 63.0 22.7 33.3 19.0 25.9 The general trends indicate that larger cities have more automation but all sample groups are planning to expand their computer resources. The figures indicate that the majority are using word processing, statistical and budgeting software and that only the larger cities are currently heavily involved with specific code productivity software such as assessor information, inspection tracking or permit issuance. An additional figure provided indicated that 43 % of the equipment is IBM, but no figures are given for the proportions of mainframe, mini or micro IBM.

The response to the question 'What help in the area of automation would you like to see provided by the ICBO?" provided these results:

1) Publish survey results 2) Provide catalog of software 3) Provide educational programs 4) Establish user support group

5) Maintain library of software and "requests for proposal" for code users 6) Provide standard forms on diskette for plan review checklists etc.

7) Provide on-line service to systems for evaluation report, code text, and code intexp~tation retrieval

8) Provide bulletin board service for new information.

Centre: Bison Corporation

I

Citation: Lawrence Jr., Henry J., Development of a Computerized Keywordl'I'hesaurus to the Model Building Codes, CIB 86, Proceedings of the 10th Triennial Congress of the

I

International Council for Building Research, Studies and Documentation, Washington,

i

Audience: Code Writers Sept 1986, vol2

This paper points at the problem of multiple model building codes in the United States and the inconsistency of the vocabulary across these codes. The author suggests a controlled vocabulary that

will

eventually form an indexing system for a database retrieval system for the codes. A design of .he model was implemented and the system was tested using construction professionals and building officials. Boolean logic was used to access the keywords and

specific sections of the code could be searched. The system also handles inflected forms (plurals ) of words.

There are a number of applications in both the energy analysis and structural design disciplines where building regulations have been embedded in procedural languages and used for verification of code compliance. Examples of this work

are

included below.

Centre: University of Manchester, Manchester, England

Citation: Morris, L. J., Design Rules for Connections in the United Kingdom, Journal of Constructional Steel Research v 10 1988 p 375-413

Audience: Code Writers, Engineers

(Author abstract) In recent years the computer analysis of steel structures has made the sizing of numbers relatively easy, with the result that there has been a growing interest in the behavior and performance of the connections between members.

Centre: Atkinson-Noland and Associates, Inc.

Citation: Noland, J. L.; Bedell,

R.,

Automated Checking of Simply-Supported Prismatic Reinforced Concrete Beams for Compliance with Code Requirements, Proceedings of the NBSINCSBCS Joint Conference (6th), Technical Seminar on Streamlined Administrative Procedures, Computers in Construction, and Fire Safety Technology, Denver, Colorado, Sept. 11, 1984, 8p.

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

This paper demonstrates the use of the Decision Logic Tables outlined in the Fenves [Fenves] work at Camegie Mellon University. It is specifically far checking simply supported prismatic beams.

Centre: Visual EdgeITechtrol Ltd. Citation: Dr. Michael Ackroyd, Unpublished Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

This can be defined as the most progressive code prototypes in existence. In this program the desired structural system is input using a digitizer sketching tool. The user interface has been developed to duplicate the ','back of the envelope" sketching for the early structural design phase. Lines are interpreted as either columns or beams depending on the direction and dimensions are handwritten and interpreted by the program. An expert system provides the processing power to calculate the primary and the dependant dimensions. Load conditions are added graphically by the user and the program calculates the required structural design. Over and under loading conditions are indicated to the designer through the use of coloured members. Although this version is not referenced in scientific literature, the American Institute of Steel Construction is developing a commercial version to be marketed in 1990.

Additional Readings

Noland, James L., Computer-Aided Structural Engineering (CASE) Project: Decision Logic Table Formulation of ACI (American Concrete Institute) 3 18-77 Building Co& Requirements for Reinforced Concrete for Automated Constraint Processing

-

Volume 1, Atkinson-Noland and Associates, Inc., Boulder,

CO,

Report Number ATC-TR-86-5-VOL- 1, Jul86,489p.

Centre: IBBC-TNO, Delft

Citation: ' Tolman, F. Westermam, R., A Pilot Version Of 'A Building Code Independent CAD-system, CAD In Medium Sized and Small Industries. First European Conference On Computer Aided Design in Medium Sized and Small Industries MICAD 80, Paris, France, 23-26 Sept 1980, p 477-86

Audience: General, Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

The use of CAD for building design has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that it is more economic and fast. The disadvantages are the user himself. The user, often without any knowledge of the program and even the machine itself, faces many problems. The author shows a method for interfacing the user to the computing machine.

Integrated Systems

Centre: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

Citation: Beant, D. A.; Dains, R. B., A Theoretical Basis and Implementation for Computer Assisted Architectural Design Evaluation, Proceedings Of The 1st NBSINCSBCS Joint Conference on Research and Innovation in Building Regulatory Process, pp 349-68, Providence, R.I., USA, 21-22 Sept. 1976

Audience: General, Building Officials, Code Writers, Specification Writers, Architects, Engineers

This

paper describes

SEARCH

(Systematic Evaluation and Review of Criteria for Habitability)

of

the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory of the US Army Corps of Engineers. This work was started in the late 1970's as part of the CAEADS (Computer Aided Engineering and Architectural Design System) integrated construction software. The software was a procedure-based system detailing the code regulations for the US Army. The program consisted

of

two parts, one being the performance code requirements (entered and tested for consistency), the other

was

the design layout checker. A recent conversation with the leader of

the CAEADS indicated that this project has ceased and no similar projects are contemplated

[Spoonamore].

This technology development has been on-going for the past twenty years at a number of research centres in the United States, Decision Tables are a presentation of provisions or criteria in a given situation in a highly ordered form. Data Items or Datums could represent all the information elements occurring in a building code ( i.e.Height of Building, Design Live Load, Type of Construction); they can be either numeric, member of a set, Boolean or satisfied/ violated. A datum can be either an ingredient (is required for another datum) or a dependent (depends on other ingredients). The provisions of the code

are

classified with the datum structure outlined and.Decision Tables

are

created to represent the logic of the code. The user can then query the information network for answers to design questions. The work on Decision Tables forms an integral part of SASE (Standards, Analysis, Synthesis, and Expression), an automated method to analyze existing standards and to modify or synthesize new code provisions. An example of a decision table for "Requirements for Landing Clearance" is shown below.

Decision Table Example

[Fenves]

Requirement for Landing Clearance

(T

-

True, F

-

False)

Front of building T T F F T F

Projecting beyond building line T - F .

.

T .

Counterbalanced stair to street T F .

Alley or thoroughfare <30 ft wide F . T F . T Height of lowest landing 2 14 ft. T . . F

ce

below

acce& 8 1n.T

T T T . .

Action

-

Requirement = satisfied X X X X

Action

-

Requirement = violated

X X

Recent conversations with

a

member of the team at the Center for Building Technology in Washington indicate that the project has been stalemated [Reed].

Centre:

Center for Building Technology (CBT) of National Institute for Standards

and Technology and Carnegie-Mellon University (CMU)

Citation: Fenves, Steven J.; Garrett, James H.,

Standards Representation and Processing,

Steel in Buildings, IABSE ECCS Symposium (vol48), Luxembourg, 1985. Audience: General, Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

This paper summarizes the work in Decision Tables at both CBT and CMU and could be used as an introduction to Decision Tables for code applications. The paper defines the tenn used in Decision Tables and provides simple examples of the use of the terms and the tables. The paper outlines a logical structure for conventional code provisions. It provides a good starting point for individuals investigating code structures. The paper outlines the possibilities of automated code checking using a computer-aided design system.

The paper also outlines Lopez's SICAD (Standard Interface for Computer Aided Design), a knowledge-based system interface which incorporates the model presented (see Lopez below). In addition, the paper outlines Holtz's CONMAN woltz] for the symbolic manipulation of standards which presents the possibility of using design constraints for a "design" as well as "checking" function. .

Citation: Lopez, Leonard A.; Steven L. Elam; Richard N. Wright,

Mapping Principles For The

Standards Interface For Computer Aided Design,

NBSIR 85-31 15 U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, 1985.

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

The paper points at problems for the integration of codes data with construction application programs. The authors state that the codes infomation should be integral but distinct from the resident program because of numerous problems such as legal responsibilities and updating of codes. The Knowledge Based Expert System is described as a demand driven, backward chaining inference engine. The paper concludes by saying that "application environments for integrated computer aided design should support independently developed components for standards

..."

and that the SASE model could be used to form an executable program in the ICAD environment. The authors outline future work in three areas: extend SASE to support automated formulation of integrated project criteria, additional research in the heuristics in the mapping process, and studies in database management to explore moving the contextual data to a database.

1

Citation: Stahl, F. I., Common Format for the Model Building Codes: An Application

I of Advanced Techniques for Standards Analysis, Synthesis and Expression,

Proceedings of the NBS/NCSBCS Joint Conference (6th), Technical Seminar on Streamlined Administrative Procedures, Computers in Construction, and Fire Safety Technology, Denver, Colorado, Sept. 11, 1984,24p.

Audience: Building Officials, Code Writers; Architects, Engineers

This paper outlines the need for a common format for the construction industry. The author stresses the need for code officials to write simple sentences in the active case to allow analysis of the code provision and to make specific the implicit portions of the provision. The paper outlines the series of proposed activities starting at adding new code conditions and proceeding

to decision tree structures for evaluating the building design. The paper describes techniques to

allow the model building codes with their 1000 individual requirements and 1700 classifiers to be stored in a specialized database.

Citation: Wright, Richard N.; Fenves, Steven J.; Harris, James R., Modeling of Standards: Technical Aids for their Formulation, Expression and Use, NBSIR 80-1979-1 National Bureau of Standards, 1980.

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

This paper provide an excellent summary of "codes" and what they are and provides considerable insight into the use of national codes in the &sign environment. It states that codes are "the primary communication and control mechanism used to describe building practices and products in communication between the various participants in the building process". The paper describes techniques to improve the organization, expression and interpretation of the information contained in a standard. It describes the formation of codes, problems .with developing codes, problems with obsolete standards, and potential problems with automation. It describes the use of Decision Tables in detail and the presents the advantages of such a system for explicitly defining the relationships and cross reference with .code provisions. It also describes the use of this system in the development and modification

of standards by code officials.

Citation: Harris, James Robert; Richard N. Wright, Organization of Building Standards: Systematic Techniques for Scope and Arrangement, Building Science Series 136, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,Washington, D.C.

Audience: General, Building Officials, Code Writers, Specification Writers, Architects, Engineers This paper presents an in-depth explanation (267 pages) of the organization and structure of standards. Its hypothesis is that an individual should be able to find information from a code with ease and confidence. The authors assert that Decision Tables provide this structure. The paper states that a classification system is a fundamental element of the structure and provides the network for searching infomation within the code. It also describes a faceted classification system for identifying levels of information that would accommodate a wide variety of users. The paper also outlines many of the advantages and opportunities for improving the existing models for organization.

Citation: Wright, R. N., Data-Base Requirements at the Engineering Stage, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD, Center for Building Technology, 1985,6p. Audience: General, Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

Data on requirements and engineering standards for design are outlined for discussion from a Workshop conducted by National Research Council Advisory Board on the Built Environment.

(Author Abstract) Current research at the NIST Center for Building Technology (CBT) supports development of a common format for the model building codes. This study demon- strates an application of advanced techniques for standards analysis, synthesis and expression to code format development. By 'mapping' the technical contents of existing model codes onto various candidate formats, each candidate may be evaluated as to the extent to which it adequately contains and rovides access to code provisions. Results of CBT's research will facilitate the more ration !a development of a common format for model building codes.

Citation: S tahl, F. I., Standards Interface for Computer- Aided Design, National Bureau of Standards (NEL), Gaithersburg, MD. NBSIR 83-2671, 1983,6p.

Audience: General, Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

It outlines improved interfaces to computer applications to provide a more effective utilization of computers in construction. It reviews ICES (Integrated Civil Engineering System)

/

STRUDL (STRuctural Design Language) and GENESYS (GENeral Engineering System), two integrated construction packages embodying structural design constraints. In STRUDL the design constraints

are

"hard coded" in the program logic and are not data, a definite software update and verification problem, The version of GENESYS reviewed consists of

a

number of program suites running independently without a single data model. The package assists the design of smcturd elements using the British Code of Practice 1 10. The paper outlines Decision Tables and presents this as a recommended approach for resolving the stmdards interface.

The

project is in the process of "seeking to characterize critical aspects of design and construction automation, develop measures of design and construction technology performance and specify effective performance requirements necessary in the manufacture

a .

procurement of such technologies".

Additional readings

Fenves, Steven; Slava, May T.; Barnett, James P., SASE: Standards Analysis, synthesis, and Expression Program: User Manual, NBSIR 87-3514, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards.

Holtz, N.M., Symbolic Manipulation of Design Constraints

-

An Aid to Consistency Management, Technical Report DRC-02-12-82, Design Research Center, Carnegie-Mellon University, April 198. Lopez, Leonard A:; Steven L. Elam, SICAD: A Prototype Knowledge Based System for Conformance Checking and Design, Technical Report, University of Illinois, 1984.

Stahl, F. I., Standards Interface for Computer-Aided'Design: An Overview of Some Technical Problems Associated with Automated Design Checking, National Bureau of Standards (NEL), Gaithersburg, MD. Structures Division, 1984, 8p.

Wu, SKF, Decision Table Processing of the Canadian Standards Association Specification S 16.1, University of Alberta, Structural Engineering Report # 52, 1976.

Knowledge-Based Expert Systems

Centre: Department of Architectural Science, Sydney University

Citation: Rosenman, M. A.; Gero, J.S., Design Codes as Expert Systems, Computer Aided Design (GB), vo1.17, no.9 399-409, Nov. 1985

Audience: General, Code Writers, Architects, Engineers I

(Author Abstract) Design codes contain a large amount of causal and experiential knowledge. However there are two primary difficulties in using them: they are large and complex; and they

require substantial understanding on the part of the user. One of the significant dificulties in implementing expert systems is in acquiring the appropriate knowledge. However, design codes already represent knowledge in a codified form, albeit an ill-structured one, and are therefore ripe for the application of this technology. An expert system shell written in Prolog has been implemented and examples of the use of the system with the Australian Model Uniform Building Code are presented to demonstrate its capabilities. Finally, some ideas about the future development of a comprehensive expert system and its environment are presented. Centre: Commonwealth Scientific Institute Research Organization

Citation: Thomson, John Bird, Steven; Thomson, Douglas; Marksjo, Bertil; Sharpe, Ron, Extending Prolog to Provide Better Support for Design Code Expert Systems, Microcomputers in Civil Engineering v 3 n 2 Jun 1988, p 93-109

Audience: General, Building Officials, Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

The paper describes and outlines in detail, WINDLOADER an expert system to evaluate wind loading on buildings based on the Standards Association of Australian (SAA)

-

Wind Forces. The paper outlines the work done in other expert systems for fire regulations (Prove), window water penetration (Waterpen) and the SAA Timber Code (Timber Expert) and a shell for buildings research (BX Shell) The paper identifies problems with calcuIations in PROLOG and problems with tables from the code. As of September 1987, the authors state that 20 % of the code had been implemented and it was expected that a major prototype would be in place by February 1988.

Citation: Marksjo, B. S.; Hatjiandreou, M., Developing- Knowledge-based Systems for Building-design Approval, National Engineering Conference: The Community and Technology

-

Growing Together Through Engineering, Melbourne, Australia, 1985 Mar 2- 8 National Conference Publication

-

Institution of Engineers, Australia n 8511. Published by Institute of Engineers, Australia, p 206-210, 1985.

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

(Author Abstract) An expert system using PROLOG could be applied to the more routine queries in the building-design approval process and hence reduce delays. Such a system would act as an information source on Codes and Regulations, have tailor-made additions for local interpretations and by-laws, and be able to give the reasons for 'how' and 'why' certain recommendations are made. Examples are given from the Victoria Building Regulations and the SAA Steel Structures Code.

Centre: IBBC ITNO, Delft, Netherlands

Citation: Oey,

KH;

Passchier, E, Complying with Practice Codes, Building Research and Practice, V21 n 1 1988

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

This paper outlines the work in the Netherlands to develop a pilot-project for a stand-alone expert systems called BRAM based on the Dutch standards for construction of high-rise residential buildings. The final goal is to replace the existing manual standard. The authors outline the advantages and disadvantages of the expert system shell and discuss the problems in elicitation information, learning the code, and implementing BRAM. The information extracted from the code is laid out in a tree structure of truelfalse rules and the user is guided through the system by responding to questions. This approach will provide an electronic version of an existing standard providing that rule tree structure can be extracted by knowledge engineers.

Centre:

Scottish Development Department, Scottish Office

Citation: Stone, Davis; Wilcox, David A.,

Formulation of Building Regulations using

Interactive Logic Programs,

CIB 86, Proceedings of the 10th Triennial Congress of the International Council for Building Research, Studies and Documentation, Washington, Sept 1986, vol2

Audience: General

This is a general paper outlining the possibilities of using logic programming for analyzing building regulations.

Centre:

.University of Massachusetts

Citation: Dym,GL; Henchey,RP; Delis, EA; Gonick,S.,

Knowledge-Based System for

Automated Architectural Code Checking,

Computer-Aided Design v 20 no.3 Apr 88, p137

Audience: ~ e i e r a l , Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

This knowledge based expert system (LSC Advisor) permits the review of CAD drawings and ascertains compliance to the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Prevention Association. The scope of the prototype relates to the type and number of exits, maximum distances to exits, and minimum fire ratings for walls and doors. The CAD information is a frame-based representation of the

floor

p h

and

is tied integrally to an expert system. This is an enlightened approach to c d e checking with an object-oriented hierarchical representation of spaces in a building. The frame based representation of the building components provides slots for data

from

LSC

Advisor, The rule interpreter will apply all rules to the appropriate facts from the building representation.

If

a component does not meet the requirement of the code, it is tagged with the information exmcted from the rule base, i.e. "Fire rating for this door is too low should be

>

2 hours". This forms the basis for the checking process. The paper explains in depth the frame based system and the inheritance required for objects in the representation. The frame based representation provides a unique method to capture CADD information and can use this intelligently across a wide variety of applications.

Centre:

Center for Building Technology, National Institute for Standards and

Technology

Citation: Reed, K. A.,

Applying Expert Systems to Building Standards,

Building Design and Construction, Nov 87, p.72,2p.

Audience: Code Writers, Architects, Engineers

The program in Construction Integrated Technology at CBT is described as three applications: expert systems to supplement or replace manual standards, programs to assist the development of standards, and information interfaces to support automated checking of CAD designs against standards. The third portion is done in conjunction with the University of Illinois and interfaces the American Concrete Institute's 318 Building Code with a drafting package and demonstrates the possibilities of checking members conformity to the standard.

Additional Readings

Fenves, Steven; Garrett, James H., Knowledge Based Standards Processing, Artificial Intelligence, 1(1), 1986

Gero, J.S., A Self-checking Database for the Australian Building Code, Computer Aided Design (GB) CAD 82, Conference Proceedings, Butterworths, pp119-125

Parks, Linda M., RECASE: Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Processing Existing Standards, Internal Report, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg,

MD,

1986

Rosenman, Michael A.;Gero, John S.;Oxman, Rivka, Expert System for Design codes and Design Rules, Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Problems, Proceedings of the 1st International Conference, Southampton, England, 1986, p 745-758

Stone, David; Hamilton, G.; Wager, D., Building Regulations and Knowledge-Based Systems, Papers presented at a seminar on expert systems for construction and services engineering : Baden Powell House, London, Thursday 13 November 1986

/

CICA Construction Industry Computing Association, BSRIA Computer Centre

Wager,

D.M.,

Expert Systems and the Construction Industry, CICA Publication, Cambridge, 1981 Zhao, F.; Maher, M.L., Using Analogical Reasoning to Design Buildings, Engineering with Computers, v 4 n 3 1988 p 107-119,1988

Natural Language Parsing

Centre:

.North Carolina State University

Citation: Rasdorf, W.J.; Parks L.M.,

Natural Language Prototypes For Analyzing Design

Standards,

-cia1 Intelligence in Engineering: Tools and Techniques 147-60. Aug.

1987. Cambridge,. MA Audience: Code Writers

This paper deals with the natural language analysis of model building codes. The prototype is an attempt at analyzing the structure of the formal writing style of code documents and developing a methodology to extract semantic meaning and syntactic structure from code provisions using natural language parsing techniques.. The goal of the project is to develop a system to make the computer understand the provisions of the code and to provide methods for extraction of provisions by computer applications such as computer aided design systems. The research outlines the major components of the system: Parser, RECASE and Query and details the functions and reasons for the components. The paper details the advantages of the system as well as the potential pitfalls of alternatives. The paper outlines the problems for parsing code provisions with natural language methods, such as inherent problems with: implied responsibilities, potential for multiple meanings, and implied data items. In addition, after parsing the suspect provisions would have to analyzed manually to extract the "true" intent of the code. The prototype responds to natural-language questions from the user by identifying the relevant code provisions and alerts the user of problems. Advantages include the possibility to enhance CAD systems with code information, to provide comrnunalities in the domain of building codes, and to provide standards writers with new tools to analyze their standards and new provisions. This system is defined as the first step in a building code research program to formalize knowledge acquisition, processing, and representation.

References

[Arlani] Conversation with A. Arlani, Ontario Ministry of Housing.

I

[Birch] Conversation with Tom Birch, Megalith Corporation.

I

[BOCA] Basic Building code; Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Chicago, Illinois.

PCB01 Uniform Building

Code,

International Conference of Building Officials, Whittier, California.

I

[Johnstone] Conversation with Fred Johnstone, Codabase Corporation

[Harris] Hanis, James Robert; Richard N. Wright, Organization of building standards : systematic

techniques for scope and arrangement, Building Science Series 136, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards,Washington, D.C.

[Holtz] Holtz, N.M., Symbolic Manipulation of Design Constraints

-

An Aid to Consistency

Management, Technical Report DRC-02-12-82, Design Research

Center,

Carnegie-Mellon University,

April 198,

[Fenves] Fenves, Steven; Wright, Richard N.; Stahl, Fred I.; Reed, Kent A., Introduction to SASE: Standards Analysis, Synthesis, and Expression, NBSIR 87-3513, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards.

[NBCSS] Canadian National Building

Code,

Associate Committee of the National Building Code,

National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada.

[Reed] Conversation with Dr. Kent F & d , Center for Building Technology, National Institute for

Standards and Technology, Apr 89

[Reid] Conversation with Soo Reid, Canadian Construction Information Service,

Ltd,,

Jul89

I

[Spoonamore] Conversation with Janet Spoonamore, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, CAEADS Group, Apr 89

[SBCC] Standard Building Code, Southern Building Code Congress International, Birmingham Alabama.

[Vanier] Vanier, Dana J., Hypertext

-

A Computer Tool to Assist Building Design, to be published in

This paper is being distributed in reprint form by the Institute for Research in Construction. A list of building practice and research publications available from the Institute may be obtained by writing to

the Publications Section, Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA 0R6.

Ce document est disuibuC sous forme de tire-8-part par 1'Institut de recherche en construction. On peut obtenir une liste des publications de 1'Institut portant sur les techniques ou Ies recherches en matiEre de biitiment cn krivant

A

la Section des publications, Institut de recherche en construction, Conseil national de recherches du Canada, Ottawa (Ontario), KIA 0R6.