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Civil-Comp Proceedings
ISSN 1759-3433
CCP: 4/5
PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING COMPUTING
Edited by: B.H.V. Topping
Paper IX.2

WASP - A Problem-Oriented Language to Estimate Wind Action on Structures

H.P. Snato

Center for Mechanics and Structural Engineering, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal

Full Bibliographic Reference for this paper
H.P. Snato, "WASP - A Problem-Oriented Language to Estimate Wind Action on Structures", in B.H.V. Topping, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Civil and Structural Engineering Computing", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, pp 223-228, 1987. doi:10.4203/ccp.4.9.2
Abstract
A command-structured, problem-oriented language designed for the computer estimation of wind action on structures is introduced. The language, named wasp (for wind action on structures, problem-oriented language), provides all resources for the engineering professional to assess the effects of wind on structures, particularly bridge decks. It allows an easy, speedy way t o evaluate the performance of structures under wind loads, especially for cases not covered by existing codes and a preliminary definition of geometry for further wind-tunnel tests.

The command structure is flexible and user-friendly. All design parameters can be readily obtained, such as wind forces and shape factors. Extensive graphical possibilities are incorporated, including forces, velocity and pressure fields and contour plots.

The processing unit relies on the finite element method, giving accurate results that compete with the corresponding experimental counterparts. It is finally argued that reliable numerical methods, state-of-the-art software and equipment may gradually substitute traditional experimental tests, in analogy with other areas of structural engineering.

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