Question

A structural engineer used a newly developed software for analysis and design. Later he found that the design is not safe due to software bug. It could cause the supporting columns to buckle. What should the engineer do?
1. Destroy all evidence of the analysis.
2. Tell the client to sue the software developer.
3. Hire a good defense lawyer to defend action in case of failure or damage to structure.
4. Disclose the problem to client and try to negotiate a way to reinforce the columns.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Disclose the problem to client and try to negotiate a way to reinforce the columns.

The correct answer is Disclose the problem to client and try to negotiate a way to reinforce the columns.

Concept:

Euler buckling load for a column is given by,

\({{\rm{P}}_{\rm{E}}}{\rm{\;}} = {\rm{\;}}\frac{{{{\rm{\pi }}^2}{\rm{EI}}}}{{{\rm{L}}_{\rm{e}}^2}}\)

Where, Le is the effective length of the column that depends on the end support conditions, and EI is the flexural rigidity of the column.

Now, effective length (Le) for different end conditions in terms of actual length (L) are listed in the following table:

Support Conditions	Effective length (Le)
Both ends hinged/pinned	Le = L
One end hinged other end fixed	Le = L/√2
Both ends fixed	Le = L/2
One end fixed and the other end free	Le = 2L