AI isn’t new, just in the national news lately. Recently, I visited a former student who did his PhD research on AI applications about 35 years ago at Texas A&M University. During our conversations, he shifted to the AI subject in his current work and suggested I try using it—just for fun. He suggested I try ChatGPT, https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt. Being interested in engineered wood construction, I went to the program and entered the following text:
What are the advantages of wood trusses versus stick framing?
ChatGPT replied as follows:
“Wood trusses and stick framing are two common methods used in construction for framing roofs. Each method has its advantages, and here are some advantages of wood trusses compared to stick framing:
1. Cost-effectiveness: Wood trusses can be more cost-effective than stick framing because they are typically manufactured off-site and delivered to the construction site ready for installation. This reduces labor costs and construction time.
2. Structural efficiency: Trusses are engineered to provide optimal structural support. They can span longer distances without requiring intermediate load-bearing walls or posts. This allows for more open floor plans and flexibility in designing the interior spaces.
3. Consistency and accuracy: Wood trusses are factory-built using precise engineering and manufacturing techniques. This ensures consistent quality and accuracy in dimensions and angles, reducing errors during construction. Stick framing, on the other hand, relies on on-site measurement and cutting, which may be prone to human error.
4. Speed of installation: Trusses are pre-assembled and delivered to the construction site, ready for installation. This can significantly reduce the time required for framing the roof compared to stick framing, where each individual piece of lumber needs to be cut, positioned, and secured.
5. Design versatility: Wood trusses can be designed to accommodate various roof shapes, slopes, and architectural styles. They offer flexibility in creating unique roof designs, such as vaulted ceilings, complex angles, and multiple levels, which may be challenging to achieve with stick framing.
6. Reduced material waste: Trusses are engineered to use the minimum amount of lumber required to achieve the desired structural strength. This reduces material waste compared to stick framing, where excess lumber may be cut and discarded.
7. Long-term durability: Wood trusses are designed to withstand the loads and stresses imposed on the roof structure. Their engineered construction and use of high-quality materials make them durable and reliable over time.
It’s important to note that stick framing also has its own advantages, such as greater design flexibility during construction and the ability to make on-site modifications easily. The choice between wood trusses and stick framing often depends on factors like budget, project requirements, design complexity, and personal preferences.”
It’s amazing that a “computer system” based on public information from the internet could instantly generate a “draft” document for the User, largely capturing the benefits of truss construction over stick framing.
ChatGPT Applications for CMs
Being new to the subject, some obvious applications might be for creating a first draft of business letters, generating text for marketing including your website, helping your children in school to conduct research, and teaching them about how to properly use a computer tool, such as AI. The lesson to be learned is that the output of an AI system is not valid information until the User independently reviews and researches the validity of the information presented. For example, CMs use computer software and structural analogs that have been tested for 50 years, both by full-scale tests of trusses and tests of plated truss connections. CMs use their software to design and rely on it because they know the “computer models” have been tested for decades.
Contrast my use of a “computer model” in this article wherein I asked an AI program from the internet this question: What are the advantages of wood trusses versus stick framing? It’s up to the User to determine if the generated output has merit, is accurate, free of errors, unbiased, credible, and factual. The point to remember is that the answer generated by the ChatGPT program and others is based on information, as well as mis-information, available today on the “internet worldwide.”
Frank Woeste, P.E., is Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech and a wood construction consultant. Frank, along with his colleagues, has developed and presented continuing education programs for more than 30 years. He is a member of the ANSI/TPI 1 Project Committee for revision of the truss design standard and the AWC Wood Standards Design Committee, and serves as the ALSC Consumer Representative (Alternate). Comments are welcome and can be sent to fwoeste@vt.edu.