Stress presentation in structural designs prepared for checking - Spain

Abstract

1. A new way to present stresses on the ends of load-bearing members to make design checking easier is discussed here. 2. Normally design stresses are checked for major errors on the basis of previous experience and using simplified methods and non-evident errors are detected recalculating the structure preferably using a programm different than the one used in the original design. 3. Charles S. Buck recommends in «Responsibilities for Computer aided Design» (Civil Engineering, ASCE, June 1972) that the designer avails himself of at least two different programms to analyse the same structure, each based on a different analytic method and with different limitations and he thinks it dangerous to accept the results of a single analysis just because they seem correct. The concern for possible errors in computer aided calculations is also reflected in the Spanish Standards for Reinforced and Prestressed concrete by providing that the programme name, computer type and computer centre name, calculation method used in the programme, its basis and any simplifications shall be included in the presentation. It also recommends that an analysis of the results should be carried out to verify them through simplified methods. 4. With the method presented here, confidence in the programme and on the material and human resources applying the programme is replaced by an objective control not requiring any consideration of the methods or resources used to obtain the results given in the design documents.