The construction industry's efforts toward computerization of building specifications and the technical data have made a huge volume of information more manageable and easier to use. The design profession would benefit from a similar attempt to develop some consistency among these specifications and their legal counterparts, the model building codes. Development of a preliminary key word index/ thesaurus for code searches would be a tool for promotion of consistent code interpretation and development, and is the main component of this research effort. The pr 'ect Oi requires the combination of two areas of interest: architectural research and computer expertise. Therefore, "Bison Corporation" and "Computer Systems Resource", two small businesses, are working together to investigate computer applications of the model building codes, Phase I will be a pilot pr 'ect and will consist of six parts: preliminary research and development; development of a thesaurus for language consistency; development of a data base; test projects; technical review panel-, and future plan development. Phase 11 will be adjusted in scope to include additional cross-indexing of model codes and an expanded thesaurus.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The research will provide a means of cross-indexing for microcomputers, a data base for mini-computer or mainframe computer, a tool for cross-referencing model building codes, and NFPA 101 and educational programs and texts for designers and building officials.
