Computer Errors?Who's Responsible
This paper proposes that both the program developer and the program user share the responsibility for preventing errors in the use of computer programs for engineering design and analysis....
Advanced Microcomputer Simulation for Construction Managers
The concept of simulation allows the analysis of complex and dynamic systems such as those encountered in construction operations. In particular, the technology orientation of construction...
The Engineering Workstation at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
The computer group at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has developed a unique workstation environment which aids both the generation of information in the design phase, as well as the...
Microcomputer-Based Engineering Expert Systems
Expert systems may be developed by programming an inference mechanism and knowledge representation module, or by using commercially available expert system building tools (shells). The...
Computers in Structural Engineering Practice The Issue of Quality
The dilemma of affordable and easy access to computing versus uncertain and dangerous pitfalls will be a continuing one for the profession. Since the pitfalls include problems associate...
How Do I Find the Information I Needed Yesterday?
One reason that the professional has not been more effective in learning from failures is that the information disseminated has not always reached the right people. The Architecture and...
The Charles River Project
The Charles River Project received the 1984 Presidential Award for Design Excellence in Architecture, Engineering, and Urban Planning. Sited between Charlestown and Boston's...
Solving Complex Urban Design Problems
Waterfront redevelopment projects under construction today should be a designer's dream. They offer an opportunity to apply a unified, large-scale vision to unusually large...
The River Walks of San Antonio Move to Providence
At the historic heart of Providence, Rhode Island, three rivers divide the city into three areas. Nearly one mile of river corridors have been abused over the last century, resulting in...
Reflections on Racine's Rebound
The existing harbor in Racine has approximately 110 acres of water surface bounded on the north and south side by one-half -mile long concrete breakwaters and on the west by the city....
Design and Effectiveness of Urban Retention Basins
Retention basins are recommended by practicing engineers and regulatory agencies for stormwater management in new land developments. They may require considerable space which limits their...
Techniques for Rapid Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability
Under the impetus of a growing awareness of seismic hazards, there is an increasing effort being devoted to assessing the seismic vulnerability of existing buildings. For many professionals...
Evaluation and Upgrading of Wood Structures
Case Studies
The need to evaluate and upgrade existing wood structures stems from concerns of safety and serviceability. These concerns are caused for a variety of reasons which include plans for continued...
Modeling Human Error in Structural Design and Construction
Human error is recognized as the major cause of structural failure. Moreover, it may greatly exacerbate the damaging effect of other hazards, such as earthquakes. The objectives of this...
Recent Developments in Structural Optimization
This publication contains seven papers that emphasize the recent findings of mathematical formulations, numerical results, and algorithms in structural optimization. Among them, two deal...
Bridging the Joints in Bridges
Most bridges are designed with gaps in them. The cracks allow bridges to expand and contract as the temperature changes. But water can enter these gaps and foul bearings and structural...
The Rise of the Tall Building
The development of the high-rise frame in the U.S. was the result of a collision of many factors. The destruction of Chicago in the great fire of 1871 was one major factor in the start...
Designing for Flow
Geotextiles used for in-plane drainage can carry surprisingly large amounts of water within their structures. These composite drains, known as sheet drains, prefabricated drainage composites...
Designing for Shock Resistance
If a product or structure is subject to shock loadings, and is unable to take them without unacceptable damage, it must be insulated from the shock. The decision may be to redesign the...
Isolating Earthquakes
The Foothills Communities Law and Justice Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is the first U.S. building to rest on base isolators for protection against a possible earthquake of 8.3 Richter....
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