The paper presents the development of an expert system, called ERDES whose main goal is to assist the engineer and/or architect in the conception of the structural system of multi-storey reinforced concrete buildings, optimizing the building's seismic behaviour and cost. The program assists the engineer in important design decisions regarding the configuration, the proportions, the load resisting system and the details that can affect the seismic safety of buildings. ERDES comprises three main subsystems: the expert system, an algorithmic programme for analysis and sizing, and an intelligent user-system CAD interface. The expert system configures the building's structural system and makes suggestions to the designer regarding the location and preliminary size of structural elements. The alternative suggestions are presented through the CAD interface. Once the user makes a selection, the analysis programme proceeds with the more detailed sizing of elements, the calculation of stresses, displacements and overall seismic performance of the building, and the corresponding volume of concrete, weight of reinforcement and a cost estimate. ERDES was tested and evaluated, using real building design cases, which concluded that the expert system offers the engineer the capability of improved earthquake-resistant design and greater economy in the building cost.

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