Title: Spreadsheet Template for Concrete Box Design

Author(s): W. J. Irwin

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 111

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 73-86

Keywords: computer programs; frames; microcomputers; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; structural analysis; structural design; General

DOI: 10.14359/3649

Date: 12/1/1988

Abstract:
The features of commercial spreadsheet software can be used effectively to create templates that analyze and design reinforced concrete structures on microcomputers. Such a template was developed and used to prepare standard drop inlet box designs for a forthcoming ASTM Standard and is presented as an example of a template application. This template analyzes a symmetric concrete frame considering finite joint sizes and axial compression and designs the required reinforcing steel. The results are verified with general purpose structural analysis software and with published design solutions. The benefits of using templates for engineering work is maximized with a layout format that places all input and output results on the main screen for quick refining of trial designs. The main advantages of template development over computer language programming are layout logic, intermediate calculation accessibility, and lack of formatting requirements for data entry and printed results.