APPLICATION OF VISUAL BASIC PROGRAM TO ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF TIMBER STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
This work essentially illustrates the application of visual basic (VB) programming language in the development of a computer program for the analysis and design of timber structural elements (simply supported beam, compound beam and column) to BS5268. Flow charts for structural elements were designed and corresponding VB codes were developed. The program accepts data such as dimension of the elements, grade stresses, modification factors, span type, and load combination. Using these data, the program analyses and checks the adequacy of the given section in addition; it displays the maximum load the element can withstand before failure. To check the reliability and accuracy of the results obtained using the program, the same data was analysed manually and the results obtained were compared with analysed results obtained using the program. Obtained results (using manual as well as the developed program) were found to be similar with zero percentage error. However, the analysis done using the developed program was found to be speedier, easier and less cumbersome than the manual analysis.
Authors : C. E. Osakwe, Z. A. Mustapha and S. D. Garnvwa
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 3(1) Date Uploaded : 25th March 2018