Structural and Foundation Computer-Based Design

Philosophy and practices adopted by an engineering and construction design office for effectively using computers are described. Design practice of engineer input in the form of words and sketches, translated into Problem Oriented Languages by well-trained technicians and entered by remote batch to a multiprocessing computer, is postulated as the best method of engineer-computer communication. Numerous options in the engineering design process are provided in the form of multiple entry and output points, including: (1) Component analysis and design; (2) structural analysis, design, plot, and optimization; and (3) foundation analysis, design, and optimization. Specifications, criteria, and method for several phases of the design system, including floor beam design, plate girder design, frame design, maximum moment envelope, and foundation design, are summarized. An outline for computer analysis, design, optimization, and plot of structures and foundations, with an example problem, are presented.