Title:
Design of Columns and Retaining Walls with Interactive Software
Author(s):
Ronald O’Kane
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
24
Issue:
12
Appears on pages(s):
49-52
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
12/1/2002
Abstract:
As a design professional, I have found that good designers have a “feel” for the calculations they perform and the formulae they use, developing a sensitivity to the variables involved in design. We have all seen engineers use computer programs without a real understanding or feel for the output. While most have no desire to go back to the days of manual design, engineers need to understand what they are designing to be able to interpret computer output. Frustration with iterative design processes and available software led me to develop two programs, one for reinforced concrete column design and another for retaining wall design. I wanted the programs to allow the engineer complete freedom to make decisions and get instant feedback. This allows the engineer to make quick, intelligent decisions based on reliable output.