Automation Project of Structural Calculations for CAD Programs - Use of Digital Tools for Structural Calculations in the School of Architecture

This paper describes the implementation of Automated Structural Calculations For CAD Programs. We aim to develop a newly conceived software prioritizing the analysis and structural design in the conceptual aspect, linking the calculation with the usual graphic procedures by means of a specific application for local education methodology, that will be intellectual property of our University. It refers the methodology applied in the implementation of the program and the pedagogical aspect we considered. The software is developped as a macro programmed in open source code (Visual Basic Application) with data-input and data output generated in AutoCAD 2000. The specific objectives are: to obtain significant improvements in the habitual resolution standards of complex exercises, to obtain suitable software with free distribution for academic purposes with minimum costs and develop an adequate instrument to the specific architects . work modality in our faculty