Integrated knowledge-based system for containership lashing bridge optimization design

An integrated optimization design system for containership lashing bridge based on Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) approach has been developed. The professional knowledge, design standards, rules, domain knowledge and expert experience of lashing bridge design are stored in the knowledge base under this proposed knowledge-based system. Based on the basic knowledge base, the system realizes the design, calculation, analysis, and optimization of the lashing bridge structure. A series of advanced template files is established in this paper, including templates for CAD structural graphics, FEM graphics and knowledge. Knowledge templates are comprised of design specifications, design rules, expert experience, constraint rules, expressions, macros, etc. The repetitive modeling work is avoided while the knowledge is being reused and the duration of the engineering design phase is effectively shortened. The knowledge engineering-based optimizing design system can provide support and suggestions for optimizing the structure, effectively avoiding errors and conflicts, and eventually attaining the lightweight structure.