A methodology for the analysis of structures using an object-oriented representation of the structural model

Abstract

A prototype of an object-oriented structural analysis program is presented in order to explore object-oriented programming as a viable alternative to procedural programming. Modeling concepts are discussed with respect to procedural programming and object-oriented programming. Through the constructs provided by object-oriented programming, the program's components and component behavior are modeled as one-to-one analogies of their respective real world counterparts. Thus, like a real world structure, a structure in the program is composed of nodes, elements, and loads. The traditional fixed global stiffness matrix is replaced by a dynamic node network allowing the structure to be constructed dynamically. Implementing vector algebra with object-oriented programming removes the need for any explicit global to local or local to global coordinate transformations. These techniques provide a foundation for constructing a visually-oriented analysis and design environment.