PIPECAR and BOXCAR are structural analysis and design programs for reinforced concrete pipe and box sections that were developed for the federal highway administration in the early 1980s. The programs applied state-of-the-art methods of design but were written for mainframe computers, making them relatively inaccessible to many designers. Reported herein is a description of updated versions of the programs that operate on ibm or IBM-compatible personal computers that have user-friendly input routines with the help screens that make access to and operation of the programs very simple, even for a computer novice. Program input is developed from a permanent file of typical or "default" design parameters; thus for a relatively simple design, the user can specify as little information as the diameter (span and rise for a box section) and the depth of fill. The default file can be modified to tailor the program to the particular default configuration needed by any user. For applications with unusual load or installation conditions, the user can modify almost all parameters to produce a suitable design. Structural design is in accordance with current american association of state highway and transportation officials standards. Reinforcing requirements are output in square inches per foot. If stirrups are required, an additional design routine is automatically invoked to allow the user to determine the size and spacing. Output files are written to computer floppy or hard disks, from which they may be viewed with standard text editor software or printed. Program output level is user controlled. At the maximum levels, the program output is sufficiently detailed to allow independent design review.
Abstract