Structural Design: Technology and Computerization Not the Problem

Abstract

The building industry is a double-faced demon. On one hand, it takes upon itself to help contain the challenges of overpopulation and urbanization by providing infrastructure and shelter to the current explosive population.

On the other hand, it remains an unrepentant contributor of CO² emissions to the environment up to 30% (N. Subramaman, 2007). It also remains the biggest consumer of extracted materials such as steel, bauxite and sand wined from the environment. The process of extracting these materials to satisfy this need often leave the environment depleted and polluted. The advent of computers has further exposed the industry to much complexities. Engineers have adapted to the use of computer based software to perform designs, analysis and specifications for buildings and structures. The advantages being the improvement in the accuracy of results, efficiency and reduction in time. However, these softwares can also impact negatively on the designs and sustainable construction. It is in this regard that this paper presents the results of an analysis and design of a G+5 building from STAAD Pro and ETABS respectively. The methodology employed involved the calculation of loads in both software according to the load combinations defined in IS 456:2000. The load is categorized analyzed as dead load (IS 875: Part 1), live load (IS 875: Part 2). The loads analyzed were then used to size the structural members. The following factors; resource conservation, cost efficiency and design for human adaptation were targeted for satisfaction.It was observed that the user must possess enough experience, knowledge in structural behavior, have a strong grasp of structural analysis to be able to manually check reports from the computer as well as have the ability to creatively think about the problems that are to be analyzed in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the design. It has also been observed from the percentage of steel data from ETABS, that, the cost of the project can be greatly influenced. The total quantity of reinforcement of 227374 N of 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm and 25mm diameter bars were provided by STAAD Pro where as ETABS provided only areas of steel reinforcement. These provisions were compliant with the provisions of IS 456:2000 upon verification. Smart and cost effective as well as efficiently designed buildings can thus be employed to make construction sustainable.

Keywords: computers, analysis, cost, efficient design