The Structural Engineering Podcast Episode #9 - Computer Science within Structural Engineering
Feb 10, 2019
Douglas Danu, a computer scientist with a master's in GIS software, dives into the vital intersection of coding and structural engineering. He highlights how enhanced computer literacy can improve seismic safety for high-rises, stressing the importance of functional recovery in earthquake resilience. The discussion reveals the struggles with finite element analysis on personal computers and the need for cloud solutions. Doug shares insights on transitioning from proprietary software to open-source tools, encouraging engineers to embrace programming for better design outcomes.
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City-Led Seismic Resilience Shift
- San Francisco formed a seismic committee to evaluate resilience and plan a 30-year earthquake safety program for high-rises.
- The focus shifts from life-safety to functional recovery to preserve economic value after quakes.
Functional Recovery Over Life Safety
- Functional recovery standards aim to keep buildings usable after earthquakes, not just prevent collapse.
- This approach recognizes economic and social value beyond basic life-safety performance.
Begin With Python
- Start learning a high-level language like Python if you have no coding background.
- Python lets you prototype tools quickly and is easier to teach newcomers than C++.