Title:
Liability Concerns Require Adaptable Design Software
Author(s):
Marcus Ansley
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
19
Issue:
12
Appears on pages(s):
37-38
Keywords:
computer systems programs; design software; documentation;
source codes;
DOI:
Date:
12/1/1997
Abstract:
This article discusses the problems with the present "black box" nature of engineering design software. As an alternative, it suggests that programs written in recently developed interpreted languages allow the engineer access to the source code. An example of a box culvert design program that uses an interpreted language to mimic an engineer’s hand calculations is given. The point is made that the ability to rewrite source code is very necessary since the design engineer shoulders the final liability aspects of any project.