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CROSS Safety Report

Computer aided design

Report ID: 10 Published: 1 November 2005 Region: CROSS-UK

This report is over 2 years old

Please be aware that it might contain information that is no longer up to date. We keep all reports available for historic reference and as learning aids.

Overview

Concerns are raises after it was discovered that the steel design element of a software package did not automatically allow for nominal moments in the design of columns for simple structures.

Key Learning Outcomes

For civil and structural design engineers:

  • It is good practice to check and validate all design outputs from proprietary design software

  • If you are concerned with any of the output’s, consider raising this with the software technical support team and seeking clarification

Full Report

Find out more about the Full Report

The Full Report below has been submitted to CROSS and describes the reporter’s experience. The text has been edited for clarity and to ensure anonymity and confidentiality by removing any identifiable details. If you would like to know more about our secure reporting process or submit a report yourself, please visit the reporting to CROSS-UK page.

 

There has been a report that the steel design element of a software package does not automatically allow for nominal moments in the design of columns for simple structures.

Expert Panel Comments

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Expert Panels comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-UK Expert Panels page.

This is an example of an issue previously raised by CROSS and others about the problems of validating the software model and verifying the output.

The advice is to check results, possibly using more than one software package, and check that the computer aided design is to the relevant codes of practice. Designers must remember that it is they, not software suppliers, who are responsible for design.

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