Development of finite element structural analysis computer program

Abstract

As Hong Kong is an international commercial city with high population, there is large demand in residential, commercial and institutional developments and thus the structural engineering designs. So, it is favorable to have structural analysis and design programs which are tailor-made for Hong Kong situation. Moreover, the program should also be simple to use, relatively small in storage size, flexible in adjustment and highly compatible. According to the research done by StefanPohl (2016), using the data from ComputerBase, which is a German information technologies online magazine, the market shares of Apple Macintosh operating system is gradually increase in 2002 to 2016. The statistic indicates the demand of structural analysis program for Macintosh platform. More specifically, structural analysis program will compatibility and file-exchange ability for both Microsoft Windows platform and Apple Macintosh platform would be the future trend in development. Besides, the storage size requirement of the analysis programs should be as small as possible to save storage memories for handling larger quantities of data of mega size developments. Smaller storage size requirement also benefits engineer in saving time in installation stage. Structural design and generation of element detailing drawings should also be compatible to the regulation and practices in Hong Kong which can greatly reduce the post-analysis adjustments after the structural design. Thus, the development of new structural analysis and design program or modifications are demanding. The objective of this Final Year Project is to develop a prototype of such a computer program that fulfil the requirements listed above.