While disciplines such as structural analysis are reaping the benefits of computer implementation, temporary works design lags well behind. Some of the reasons given by temporary works designers are that their designs are very practical and depend largely on the designer's experience and engineering judgement. By designing a highly interactive user friendly interface, a comprehensive program that runs on IBM compatibles has been developed. The program can be used t o design formwork for walls and soffits using traditional timber and/or proprietary formwork components. The program incorporates many features commonly associated with business oriented software interfaces, placing special emphasis on the ease of use and at the same time allowing users t o incorporate their own engineering judgement. The user interface features include the use of bar menus, windows and data entry screens. Formwork design may involve the use of material components from different sources, therefore, it is highly data dependent. Consequently, a Database Management System (DBMS) is used t o manage a database of material properties, costs and other attribute data. Formwork members are designed using a rational approach to BS 5975: 1982 and the recommendations of the Concrete Society's text "Formwork: a guide t o good practice" . The program produces design details, a schedule of quantities, a cost comparison between purchased and hired proprietary formwork and a cost estimate.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £20)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £78 +P&P)