The question description:

You are required to make a C++ program to conduct timber component (beam and column) structural design according to EC5 (all the relevant design codes have been uploaded onto the Blackboard). It is limit state design, various sets of factors are applied to both actions and material strengths with different factors being used for different conditions. You need to compare design actions with the design strengths.

Part 1: Fundamental requirements

C++ program:

1 Design and implement a program to conduct Timber Structural Component design - beam or column only, no need to design slab or the entire timber structure - this is computing module, not a design module.

2 Your program should be able to repeatedly asking for inputs from user.

3 You program should demonstrate good programming skills including: defining variables, using control structures, using repetition structures, using array and functions, dealing with data file operations.

4 Your program should have reasonable comments / explanations.

Report:

5 Your report should come with flow chart, function designs etc. to further explain your "timber design tool".

6 Test Case: you should design some test cases to test your program. Please explain all of your test cases, the meaning you choose those test values, and use some screen shots in your report.

Part 2: Advanced part (not compulsory)

1 Try to add graphical interfaces to your program - by any means, such as matlab / sketchup / or using visual studio;

2 You program should be able to successfully deal with advanced data file operation, for example, to convert the timber strength class into datafile in a feasible way, and you program should be able to locate any relevant data out of that datafile;

3 When your program calculates the external actions, can it recognize one-way slab or two-way slab? Can it check the structural models? (use the following information)

BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 P57

4 Beam: length >= 3*depth

5 Slab: length (shorter) >= 5* thickness

One-way: two sides; length ratio >=2

Two-way: length (larger) / length (shorter) <2

6 Column:

Section depth <=4 * width

Height >= 3* section depth

7 You can state any other advanced features that implemented in your program to earn extra marks.