Integrating Standards and Synthesis Knowledge Using the YMIR Ontology

We illustrate the importance of a well-defined ontology for representing and integrating different types of engineering design knowledge with examples taken from bridge design. In particular, we focus on two types of knowledge: synthesis knowledge about the generation of design products, and design standards against which the generated products have to be evaluated. It is shown how both types can be represented using YMIR, an ontology for engineering design. By using the same ontological basis for the synthesis knowledge and the design standards, both types of knowledge can be used in an integrated way by the design process.