the rapid production of clear and accurate design

calculations for reinforced concrete elements. The

contents are intended to be sufficient to allow the
design of low to medium-rise multi-storey concrete
framed buildings.
Spreadsheets allow users to gain experience by studying
their own what if scenarios. Should they have queries,
individual users should be able to answer their own
questions by chasing through the cells to understand
the logic used. Cells within each spreadsheet can be
interrogated, formulae checked and values traced.
Macleod[8] suggested that, in understanding structural
behaviour, doing calculations is probably not a great
advantage; being close to the results probably is.
Other benefits include quicker and more accurate
reinforcement estimates, and the possibilities for
electronic data interchange (EDI). Standardised, or at
least rationalised, designs make the checking process
easier and quicker.

Appropriate use

In its deliberations[9] the Standing Committee on

Structural Safety (SCOSS) noted the increasingly
wide-spread availability of computer programs and
circumstances in which their misuse could lead to
unsafe structures.
These circumstances include:
. People without adequate structural engineering
knowledge or training may carry out the
structural analysis.
. There may be communication gaps between
the design initiator, the computer program
developer and the user.
. A program may be used out of context.
. The checking process may not be sufficiently
fundamental.
. The limitations of the program may not be
sufficiently apparent to the user.
. For unusual structures, even experienced
engineers may not have the ability to spot
weaknesses in programs for analysis and detailing.
The committees report continued: Spreadsheets are,
in principle, no different from other software With
regard to these spreadsheets and this publication,
The Concrete Centre hopes to have addressed more
specific concerns by demonstrating clear evidence of
adequate verification by documenting the principles,
theory and algorithms used in the spreadsheets. The
spreadsheets have also had the benefit of the Advisory
Groups overview and inputs. Many, especially the
spreadsheets to BS 8110, have had several years
use and maintenance. Inevitably, some unconscious
assumptions, inconsistencies, etc. will remain.

Liability

A fundamental condition of use is that the user

accepts responsibility for the input and output of the
computer and how it is used.
As with all software, users must be satisfied with the
answers these spreadsheets give and be confident
in their use. These spreadsheets can never be fully
validated but have been through Beta testing, both
formally and informally. However, users must satisfy
themselves that the uses to which the spreadsheets
are put are appropriate.

Control