OBSESSION IN COMMERCIAL COMPUTER SOFTWARES APPLICATION FOR PROBLEMS SOLVING

OBSESSION IN COMMERCIAL COMPUTER SOFTWARES APPLICATION FOR PROBLEMS SOLVING by Muhammad Azmir

In the old days, engineers relied on an intuitive and highly developed sense of structural behaviour. As time passes, the invention of computer software is sought to expedite the problem solving processes and to cater for the current design complexity.

In typical small talk between two consulting engineers, the prime subjects normally will be the ongoing projects and the software they use. I'm not against the usage of any commercial softwares, be it ESTEEM, ORION, TEKLA, STAAD PRO, PLAXIS, just to name a few. In this new era, it is inevitable and unavoidable for engineers to incorporate the softwares to achieve the desired outcomes.

The underpinning issue is in regard to quality software operators vs quality engineers. Quality software operators are the one that understand the steps to produce the results as stipulated in the manuals. By attending any short courses, any individuals can become a software operator. With adequate practicing, they will become quality software operators.

Quality engineers on the contrary not only know how to use the softwares but also possess the appropriate knowledge and comprehension of the mathematical modeling, assumptions and limitations in the softwares they use. The undeniable convenience of the computer software is not without its risks. Garbage in-garbage out, as firmly stressed by my ex-boss is the subtle risks that may provide an illusory solution for that particular engineering problems.

Computer software simulations and analyses modeling may look "cool" but they often lack wisdom. The wisdom comes from quality engineers that able to detect flawed design, cross-check outputs by using "hand" methods, understand the practicability of the design and construction sequence, able to visualise the deflected shape of a loaded structure and predict the types of forces in the members prior to carrying out the analysis.

What looks good on paper doesn't always translate into corresponding practical experience on site.

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