Towards a more economic and better understanding of the design of structural sections using a different interactive approach to software development

Whilst analysis has been made more and more exact by the use of computing power in, for example, the development of finite element analysis software, design still remains rooted to a codified approach. That is, design software tends to be the code of practice procedures offered in a convenient and time solving manner. The authors contend that this is not a proper use of computer power and have provided examples of reinforced concrete column design to show how a return to the basic principles of code of practice formulation cannot only result in a more economic structure, but can also result in the development of a better understanding of structural behaviour.