Computer-aided implementation of a new procedure for design of end-plates and base-plates for traffic support structures

Many design procedures resulting from challenging engineering-research are never adopted by practicing engineers because of the intensive computational effort needed for their implementation. Advances in computer-development tools during the past two decades, and familiarity of engineers with these tools are certain to abridge the gap between research and implementation. This paper describes a computer-aided, spreadsheet implementation of a new procedure for design of end-plates and base-plates of sign, signal, and light cantilevered traffic support-structures and also for base-plates of span-wire-mounted traffic-signal structures. The procedure is based on beam-and-plate bending and torsion theories, and is intended for routine application by practicing engineers when designing plates of square configurations. A spreadsheet program implementing the procedure has been developed as an efficient tool for engineers designing these items. Using this tool will not only expedite the design process, but also facilitate optimizing plate sizes, because various design alternatives can be easily investigated and the optimal alternative rationally selected.