Agent Based Modelling of Smart Structures

Abstract

Smart structures are complex systems situated in even more complex and large scale urban environments. This chapter opens the field of agent based modelling and simulation (ABMS) to civil engineers. ABMS offers a wide range of tools for implementing simulation models of systems with high degrees of interconnectivity and a large number of component subsystems. The ease of use for specialized engineers and the capabilities of integration with existent technologies and infrastructures, make agent based models a very attractive way to incorporate the social system in the design process of buildings. Moreover, ABMS allows for the testing and validation of structure wide control and automation systems. This chapter presents past and current efforts of using agent based modelling for smart structures, as well as the main challenges brought by this new interdisciplinary research domain.