Automated choice of procedures in computerized structural analysis

Abstract

An efficient and general computer program for structural analysis allows the user to choose between a number of different procedures. New methods for computerized structural analysis are still being improved at a rapid pace. Consequently only a very few structural analysts can be expected to be well acquainted with all aspects of the technology, and will often find it difficult to use the sophisticated programs that presently are available. If dynamic loading or possible stability failure must be considered, the computer programs are becoming increasingly difficult to use. The trends in future computer programming for structural analysis must include efforts to facilitate the user's burden without significant loss of efficiency. This paper contains a discussion of the difficulties involved in modeling and in the choice of solution procedures. Special emphasis is placed on the possibility of designing computer programs so that sound selection of procedures can be made automatically if the user declines to state a preference.