INTRODUCTION TO AI

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • LO1 Application (C3) – ADOPT Ai for wide span building structure concept

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE [AI] GENERAL OVERVIEW

• The phrase "artificial intelligence" gained widespread popularity following the 1956 "Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence."

  • Goals:

  • AI is defined as a collection of computer science tools for:

    • Perception

    • Modelling

    • Planning

    • Action (including search, logic programming, probabilistic approaches, and machine learning).

  • AI is described as "the study of intelligent agents that receive percepts from the environment and perform actions."

    • Each agent is realized by a function that translates percepts to actions.

    • Various approaches are utilized to encode these functions (Russell and Norvig, 2021).

INTRODUCTION TO AI EXAMPLE: OPTIMIZATION ISSUES

• Optimization is the discipline dealing with the determination of useful models in applications, employing efficient methods to identify an optimal solution.

GENERATIVE MODELLING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION OF A LARGE SPAN STRUCTURE

OPTIMIZATION ISSUES

• STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION:

  • 1.2.1 Sizing Optimization

  • 1.2.2 Shape Optimization

  • 1.2.3 Topological Optimization

INTRODUCTION TO AI PARAMETRIC MODELS

• Parametric Design:

  • Defined as the process of defining parameters or data inputs associated with the modeled objects.

  • Changes to one parameter automatically cause all affected model objects to update (e.g., increasing a deck's width or adding more columns).

  • Advantages of Parametric BIM:

  • When used alongside appropriate parametric BIM applications, parameters can drive information-rich BIM data, extending beyond basic geometry.

  • Enables:

    • Simplification of complex geometry modeling.

    • Enhanced collaboration during the design process via improved cross-disciplinary visualization and simulation.

    • Significant increases in productivity by reducing design modification times.

    • Major efficiency gains in designing intricate structures like bridges and junctions.

  • This approach facilitates designing recurring geometries such as similar connections or geometries following new alignments, driving computations in real-time within the model.

SOFTWARE PARAMETRIC DESIGN

• Major Software used for Parametric Design includes:

  • Grasshopper 3D

  • Autodesk Revit

  • Autodesk Dynamo

  • CATIA

  • etc.

EXPLORE GRASSHOPPER

• Elements of Grasshopper:

  • Interface includes functions to model curves, surfaces, and meshes, and run simulations.

  • Tools available for diverse modeling activities such as:

  • Command Commands:

    • Standard CPlanes

    • Set View

    • Display Configuration

  • Example Tutorial: How to make 4 basic tensile structures using Rhino/GH

  • Links to walkthroughs:

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIUSFdpxEA4

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-pa9MhGzdw

CONSTRUCTION MEMBRANE IN GRASSHOPPER

• Displays construction options within the Rhinoceros software interface, harnessing Grasshopper capabilities for efficient design processes.

• Visual interface features:

  • Manipulating file settings, viewing commands, and managing Grasshopper settings for optimal performance in design tasks.

ASSIGNMENT

• Task: Explore AI programs based on computational analysis within the subject taught.

REFERENCES

• Russell, S. J., & Norvig, P. (2021). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th ed.). Pearson.

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MSP.2017.2765202

• Utku Pasin, U. (2021). Generative Modelling and Artificial Intelligence for Structural Optimization of a Large Span Structure. Rel. Giuseppe Carlo Marano. Politecnico di Torino, Corso di laurea magistrale in Ingegneria Civile.

• Additional tutorial links:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlUSFdpxEA4

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89SJrpz46EA&t=471s

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-pa9MhGzdw