Presents an optimum design for a given prestressed concrete member, chosen from an existing shape library and a given external load system. It is emphasized that, as part of the given data, the tendon diagram is determinant in designing a prestressed concrete member. The analysis is based on the elastic behavior of the member, and a realistic investigation of the capacity of the member is performed. The whole process implies an appreciable volume of computations and is suitable for digital computers. A design aid for the initial and final stages of the prestressed concrete member is also presented.

COLUMN is a computer program written to select cross sections for reinforced concrete columns by simulating the reasoning processes used by structural engineers. The logic used to select, evaluate, and, if required, modify a section is described. Provision is made for the designer to impose, a priori, any restriction on the concrete dimensions or reinforcement that may be desired. The program proportions and details tie dand spiral columns, braced or unbraced for either uniaxial or biaxial loading. Slenderness effects are considered using the moment magnifier method. The design of a tied column with examples of different user-imposed restrictions is included.

Concrete Mix Designer is a prototype expert system that provides the proportion of the trial mix of concrete in accordance with the ACI method. It was developed using the Personal Consultant Plus expert system development package. As most expert systems, this system can justify its conclusions, can be incrementally expanded, and has an easy-to-understand knowledge base. It also has a tutorial for fundamental questions of the proportioning of concrete. The system is very useful for civil engineering students as well as practicing engineers.

Potential advantages of using electronic spreadsheets in advanced reinforced and prestressed concrete design are presented. The power of this tool is demonstrated through a series of examples, including the moment-curvature relation of reinforced and prestressed concrete beams, the axial load-uniaxial and biaxial bending moment interaction diagram of reinforced concrete sections, and the tendon layout of simply supported beams prestressed with draped or straight tendons.

Reinforced and later post-tensioned slabs as foundations for residential and light commercial building were introduced in the 1950s. Low-cost and easy to build, they were constructed at an average rate of 1.5 million per year. In 1976, PTI (Post-Tensioning Institute) initiated research at Texas A & M University to improve the design method. The results were published in 1980. Responding to the complexity of required calculation, part of the climate-soil-structure modeling was calculated by computer and tabulated for quick use. Even so, the method requires computer-aided design, illustrated by the analysis of the failed slab. The printout indicates all weak points of the slab and the probable cause of failure. A structurally sound redesigned slab is calculated next. The printout shows all parameters in limits prescribed by the code. Minimal increase in initial cost can save thousands of dollars in repairs.