The use of minicomputers in structural analysis

Currently available small computer systems and their potential use in the design and analysis of structures are summarized. The use of expensive main-frame computers in structural analysis is being challenged by the availability of inexpensive minicomputers and microprocessors. However, the use of this new equipment has not been fully exploited due to the lack of software which must be tailored for small computers.The development of interactive, computer assisted, structural design has not progressed significantly in the past due to expensive computer hardware or remote time-sharing costs. The availability of powerful inexpensive computer systems within small design firms will allow the design engineer to gradually integrate interactive computer assisted design into the design process without a major investment in computer hardware.The total cost of a small computer with extended BASIC and FORTRAN IV languages is less than $10,000. In addition to the ability to perform engineering computations the same computer system can be used for administration functions such as accounting, inventory, cost estimates and word processing associated with the writing of specifications and engineering reports. The total cost of a small microcomputer may be completely justified by its use as a high or low speed remote terminal to a larger computer.