Use of Structural Analysis Programs in Consulting

Current consulting practice in structural engineering relies heavily on the use of computer programs. In this paper, the writers present their views on the general use of structural analysis programs and the modeling of real structures by consultants for design purposes. Specific items are identified and addressed as they relate to user considerations and features of commercially marketed computer programs. Included in the discussion is a reiteration of how crucial it is for the analyst to verify the computer output results before incorporating them into the design. Basic checks for static and dynamic analyses are suggested. Throughout the paper, comments are made on the educational aspects of the basic engineering training that undergraduate students require in preparation for their work environment. More emphasis should be placed on teaching the principles on which computer programs are based, rather than how to get them to run. One of the objectives of this paper is to generate further discussions on some of the points raised, including the institution of “certification” requirements for computer programs.