How can you balance CAD with manual calculations in bridge design?

1 Understand the limitations of CAD

CAD is a powerful and versatile tool, but it is not flawless or infallible. CAD software may have errors, bugs, or limitations that can affect your design results. For example, CAD software may not account for all the factors that influence the behavior of a bridge, such as nonlinear effects, dynamic loads, or environmental conditions. Therefore, you should not rely solely on CAD for your design decisions, but use it as a complement to your engineering judgment and manual calculations.

2 Use standard codes and specifications

One way to balance CAD with manual calculations is to use standard codes and specifications for your bridge design. These are sets of rules and guidelines that define the minimum requirements and criteria for bridge design, such as safety, durability, and performance. By following these standards, you can ensure that your design meets the expectations and regulations of the industry and the authorities. You can also use these standards as a reference for your manual calculations, and compare them with your CAD results to check for consistency and accuracy.

3 Perform quality checks and reviews

Another way to balance CAD with manual calculations is to perform quality checks and reviews of your design throughout the design process. Quality checks and reviews are systematic and objective methods to evaluate and improve your design quality, such as checking for errors, omissions, or deviations from the standards. You can use both CAD and manual calculations for quality checks and reviews, depending on the type and level of detail of your design. For example, you can use CAD to perform preliminary checks and reviews of your design geometry, layout, and dimensions, and use manual calculations to perform detailed checks and reviews of your design forces, stresses, and deflections.

4 Document and communicate your design

A final way to balance CAD with manual calculations is to document and communicate your design clearly and effectively. Documentation and communication are essential for presenting and explaining your design to your clients, stakeholders, and peers. You should document and communicate both your CAD and manual calculations, and show how they support and validate your design. You should also use appropriate formats and tools for your documentation and communication, such as reports, drawings, tables, graphs, or software files.

By balancing CAD with manual calculations in bridge design, you can achieve a high-quality and reliable design that meets the technical and functional requirements of your project. You can also enhance your skills and knowledge as a civil engineer, and demonstrate your professionalism and competence in the field.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?