The Computation of Influence Ordinates in Trussed Space Decks using an Iterative Reanalysis Technique

Abstract

The development of high speed digital computing has been accompanied by quite extraordinary increases in the engineer's ability to analyse large and complex structures. This has been enabled by extensive development of the stiffness method of analysis. It is now clear that, whilst modern analysis software is highly sophisticated and ‘user friendly’, it is not suitable for total integration with the design process as a provision for the reanalysis needed during design. It is shown that a more convenient basis for continuous reanalysis can be obtained at some sacrifice in processing speed and the provision of increased memory. The justification for this is the remarkable increases in processing capability and memory capacity of the modern computer and the virtual certainty of a continuation of this trend.