The structural frame is an essential element of any large building, influencing its short and long-term performance. Studies of current practice with regards to frame choice indicate that structural frames tend to be selected based on heuristic decision-making processes dominated by subjectivity and qualitative reasoning. This paper reports on the development of a decision support framework aimed at making the process more systematic and transparent. Following a literature review and industry survey, a framework for comparing the performance of structural options against agreed criteria was developed, using two measures, Importance (I) and Performance (P), which can be used to calculate a Performance Weighted Score (PWS). This framework was then incorporated into a Virtual Reality (VR) simulator as a means of assessing ‘soft’ criteria, alongside cost and programme. The final product is a simple to use and yet highly informative tool that can be used from the earliest concept stage to objectively guide structural frame selection. It was devised to consider the full range of concrete and steel frame options and can be applied to virtually any building type. Initial feedback from industrialists collected through its application on two case studies and demonstration ‘road shows’ have revealed the tool’s capabilities for both informing the frame choice process and ensuring that the most appropriate and best value decision is made with regards to structural frame type
