This paper aims to present a state-of-the-art review of the use of computers in RC detailing and scheduling. It concentrates on the various aspects of the use of computer programs and of their incorporation in the design process rather than on the merits of their engineering content. It finds that the reason for the number of such programs being small may be the difficulty and cost of initial adaptations to their use. Simon Bensasson
I would like to make a comment on the introduction that appeared in the November 1977 issue to the paper 'Teaching towards an improved understanding of structural behaviour' by D. M. Brohn and J. Cowan. J.V. Lemprière
The President: Do you discern any trends for the future, in either basic designs or detailing, owing to new methods of fabrication? At the same time, bearing in mind the multiplicity of factors involved, what uses do you see for computer programming of optimisation of design, which is currently exercising the minds of the academic world?
This paper describes the latest GENESYS developments in the field of reinforced concrete design and detail. In 1974, with the advent of a new design Code of practice, work commenced on rewriting the existing CP l14 'RC-BUILDING l' programs. The programs subsequently developed are now known as the GENESYS 'CP ll0 SUITE OF PROGRAMS'. Anthony Craddock
Several examples of concrete bridges which have prominent features, built in Japan during the last decade, are cited and may be considered to have served as guide posts and inspiration for the builders of the many bridges erected since. The outlines of these bridges and the experiments and studies undertaken with regard to their structural designs and construction practices are described, while the contributions made and problems remaining for future clarification are discussed. Fujio Machida
Some aspects of the design process, as applied to calculations for reinforced concrete structures, are considered. The benefits of an interactive system of design as a means of employing computers in this process are discussed and it is concluded that such a system requires only the use of a small computer. The DECIDE system, written specifically for small machines, is described briefly as an example of how design calculations for reinforced concrete may be written into an interactive system. A.W. Beeby
The GLADYS computer system was developed in the London office of Ove Arup and Partners. The various programs and their method of operation are described, with particular emphasis on user language aspects and data checking. The use of the system over a period of 2 years is also described and analysed. D.D. Croft
We have mentioned in earlier issues the lapse of time there is between the copy for this column leaving our desk and its appearance in the Journal. It has been 3 months in the past, with the result that, from the time a correspondent writes his letter until the time he sees a reply to it from another reader, at least 6 months have gone by. Thanks to the cooperative attitude of our printers it is hoped that these intervals can be reduced to 2 and 4 months respectively; not quite up to Wimbledon standards of stroke and counter, but a great improvement which it is hoped you will find agreeable. Verulam