WASHINGTON, D.C., December 7, 1998 -- A new computerized design system from The Aluminum Association is now available to engineers who work with aluminum to increase their speed, accuracy and productivity.

The Aluminum Design System (ADS) is a computerized version of The Aluminum Design Manual that is far more powerful because it not only explains how to solve a problem, but also actually performs many of the required calculations. The software also includes the ability to perform parametric analysis, solving problems using multiple input variables in order to determine an optimum solution.
This comprehensive, up-to-date resource includes Allowable Stress Design (ASD) specifications; building Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) specifications; design guide; materials, material properties and section properties; design aids and illustrative examples of design.

"The purpose of ADS is to provide both a searchable electronic version of The Aluminum Design Manual that guides users to the needed information and also to perform many of the calculations needed" to check the conformance of aluminum structural members with the design specifications, said J. Stephen Larkin, president of The Aluminum Association.

The Aluminum Association contracted with Desktop Engineering Int'l Inc., (DEI), based in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, to develop the ADS. DEI pioneered the concept of the computerized engineering handbook and has developed some of the best examples of this technology used by the engineering community.

"This system will allow the engineer to concentrate on the engineering rather than the bookkeeping aspects of aluminum design," said Dan Schiavello, president of Desktop Engineering Int'l Inc.

The ADS also includes a subset of The Desktop Engineer, a computerized handbook developed by DEI that provides solutions to beam formulas and other commonly used engineering applications.

"The ADS accelerates the process of designing aluminum components by providing quick access to aluminum design information and automating many common design procedures," Larkin said. "We hope to see every design engineer that uses aluminum with an ADS on their computer."

The cost for the ADS is $695 for current owners of The Aluminum Design Manual. To purchase both tools, including a subset of The Desktop Engineer, is $795 and $395 for academia. An upgrade to The Desktop Engineer, Professional Edition, is also available with a purchase of ADS Plus.

To order, contact DEI at 1-800-888-8680 or order by email at sales@deiusa.com.

The Aluminum Association, based in Washington, D.C., represents primary producers of aluminum, recyclers, and producers of semi-fabricated products. Member companies operate approximately 200 plants in 35 states.