Knowledge-based assistant for earthquake resistant design

In order to maximize the utility of the valuable knowledge learned from destructive earthquakes, a novel approach is proposed for presenting the performance evaluation and behavior of buildings stressed or damaged during earthquakes using the expert system approach. A prototype knowledge-based expert system, called WQUAKE, has been developed for presenting the knowledge of the behavior and damage evaluation of the structures stressed or damaged during the 1987, Whittier (California) earthquake, using GURU expert system development environment and Turbo C. The knowledge base of WQUAKE contains lessons learned from the engineering reconnaissance reports. Knowledge of structural behavior and damage is presented through relational databases and production rules.