This paper describes a computer aidedrafting system designed specifically to produce general arrangement plans and rein forcement details for floor slabs, together with bending and cutting schedules and quantities of the reinforcement. It is designed for use by draftsmen with little knowledge of computing procedures and has no restrictions on floor layouts or hole positions. It is a particular application of a general system that can be applied to the location and scheduling of any items that are normally specified on building plans, and that has also been extended to items, such asprecast concrete units, that are best specified and located in terms of three dimensions rather than two. The instruction menus used in the system are described in detail. G.M.J. Williams and T. J. Parsons
This paper outlines some of the ways in which the basic facilities provided by computer graphics have been used to enhance the output from design programs. It then goes on to discuss in general terms the problems of developing computer methods for the production of drawings per se. It illustrates the problem by reference to six currently available drafting systems examined by the author as part of a study contract from the Property Services Agency of the Department of Environment. The paper gives conclusions on the systems studied and the current state of computer drafting systems generally. I. Hamilton
This paper considers the routine production in the design office of reinforced concrete detail drawings for beams, columns, and slabs. Automated ways of doing this by computer and plotter are illustrated by the BARD system whose development and capabilities are described. Experience of using the system on real jobs has shown savings in time and cost, although it is accepted that the extent of these savings will vary considerably. Conclusions are drawn about office procedures most likely to produce good results, and future developments are outlined. Finally, a warning is given about the limitations of automated systems. B.C. Best and M.R. Hollington
The CADRAW computer drafting system was developed in the London office of Ove Arup & Partners. The objectives of the development, the various programs and their method of operation are described, and examples are given of the drawings produced. R. Whittle and P. Morreau
This paper outlines experience of using computers to assist the production of information required to fabricate structural steel. The computer aided production system (CAPS) is now widely used by the UK steel fabricating industry. The system has been developed to the point where it can handle the very diverse requirements of different fabricating companies and the wide variety of irregular connections encountered in steel frames. E.F. Boyle
Much of the controversy surrounding CPllO is, to some extent, engendered by the belief among engineers that the determination of flexural reinforcement for beams and columns is so complex that a volume of design curves (Part 2) is required. B.E. Clark
Man with a secret Most engineers, scientists, scholars, having conceived something new, unhesitatingly rush into print, especially if there is no pecuniary advantage in eschewing disclosure. Not so Mr John Nayler, who believes that he may possibly have rediscovered a simple solution to an important proposition. He writes: This submission may be 2400 years late! After I had explained the uses of Pythagoras’ theorem to a bright evening class of would-be builders and clerks of works, I checked with several encyclopaedias, and it seems that there is no known simple proof of this theorem. Correct me, please, if I am wrong. Euclid stated an alleged proof 300 years after Pythagoras, and it is not simple. Verulam