Computer program rapidly selects appropriate size steel columns and base plates for construction of multistory structures. The program produces a printed record containing the size of a section required at a particular elevation, the stress produced by the loads, and the allowable stresses for that section

Vissing, G. S.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

March 1966
	 Brief 66-10097 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Computer Program Simplifies Selection of Structural Steel Columns 
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The problem: 
The selection of appropriate steel columns and 
base plates for the construction of a multistory struc-
ture is usually a tedious process. A method is required 
whereby the designer can rapidly select the size of 
steel columns which fulfill the American Institute of 
Steel Construction (AISC) specifications for a par-
ticular application. 
The solution: 
A computer program that will determine the size of 
steel columns and base plates required for given axial 
loads at points of lateral support. The program pro-
duces an easily followed printed record containing the 
size of section required at a particular elevation, the 
stress produced by the loads, and the allowable 
stresses for that section. 
How it's done: 
To use the program, a data deck containing the 
specifications from the AISC manual is entered into 
the computer, together with code data pertaining to 
the yield stress and the modulus of elasticity of the 
steel to be used, the allowable bearing stress for the 
concrete, elevations, and loading. The computer then 
prints an output table which includes the elevation of 
each load application, the load data, the size of 
column section needed for that elevation, the actual
and allowable stresses on that section, and the size of 
base plate required. 
Notes: 
1. The program,. available from the address below, has 
been written in the FORTRAN language for use 
on the IBM 7094 computer. It can be modified for 
use on other machines with little difficulty. 
2. The original program was written at the time that 
the 1963 AISC specifications were in effect. Later 
specifications should have minor (if any) influence 
upon the program format. 
3. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
AEC-NASA Space Nuclear Propulsion 
Office 
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Washington, D.C., 20545 
Reference: B66-10097 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: G. S. Vissing 
of the AEC-NASA Space Nuclear Propulsion Office, 
Cleveland, Ohio 
(NU-0044) 
0	 Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Computer program simplifies selection of structural steel columns

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