PSI - Issue 78

Galileo Tamasi et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 883–890

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examples and even pre-compiled codes for common engineering applications, highlighting the crucial role of these machines in the design workflow of the era. 8. The enduring value of simplified design methods In modern engineering, where complex "black box" Finite Element Method (FEM) software is prevalent, using simplified historical tools like 1970s programmable calculators offers significant benefits for design validation. This practice improves consistency and helps catch subtle errors by forcing engineers to implement algorithms with limited resources, fostering a deeper understanding of fundamentals. It's also excellent for quick pre-analysis and verifying FEM results (Perretti et al., 2007). This approach enhances engineering judgment and aids in reverse-engineering existing structures. Critically, performing calculations with different algorithms, languages, and hardware (e.g., modern computers vs. HP67/97 calculators) creates computational diversity (Thomas, 2003). Comparable to dissimilar redundancy in aerospace systems like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A3XX flight controls (Sommerville, 2016), this diverse computational approach significantly reduces the risk of systematic errors, boosting confidence in design integrity. Beyond validation, it serves as a powerful educational tool, teaching students how complex problems were solved with limited means, ultimately strengthening core structural engineering principles for more resilient designs. 9. Conclusions and future developments This work concludes that "simulated design" effectively reconstructs 1970s bridge design logic using period tools like HP67/97 calculators, serving as a alternate validation tool for modern FEM analysis by reintroducing algorithmic transparency and strengthening engineering judgment. It underscores the importance of preserving historical computational methods. Future developments aim to expand algorithm implementation across various calculators, including Texas Instruments and Olivetti, and apply the methodology to multiple case studies, notably the simulated numerical analysis of a 1970s Italian highway viaducts, integrating it into structural assessment protocols for existing infrastructure. Acknowledgements The author extends sincere gratitude to Lorella Timpano (Head of the Lending Service, National Central Library of Rome), Maria Vittoria Delbarba (Director, Engineering Library, University of Brescia), Enrico Fornoni (Expert, Engineering Library, University of Brescia), and Paola Bernardi (Director, Interdepartmental Library of Civil Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome). Their invaluable assistance in providing crucial bibliographic resources was essential for this paper's development and underlying research. References Ausiello, G., Gambosi, G., 2021. Theoretical Computer Science in Italy: The Early Years. IEEE Ann. Hist. Comput. 43, 44 – 56. https://doi.org/10.1109/MAHC.2021.3099878 Bencivenga, P., Buratti, G., Cosentino, A., De Matteis, G., Morelli, F., Salvatore, W., Zizi, M., 2022. Evolution of Design Traffic Loads for Italian Road Bridges, in: Pellegrino, C., Faleschini, F., Zanini, M.A., Matos, J.C., Casas, J.R., Strauss, A. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 1st Conference of the European Association on Quality Control of Bridges and Structures, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp. 1351 – 1358. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91877-4_154 Benvenuto, E., 1991. An introduction to the history of structural mechanics. Springer, New York Bianco, C., 1979. Costruzioni di ponti : tavole e dettagli di elementi costitutivi e di insieme strutturale. Boglione, M. <1959- >, 2003. Le strade dei cannoni : in pace sui percorsi di guerra, Natura e ambiente. Blu, Peveragno. Buratti, G., Cosentino, A., Morelli, F., Salvatore, W., Bencivenga, P., Zizi, M., Matteis, G.D., 2019. Alcune considerazioni sull’evoluzione normativa dei carichi da traffico nella progettazione dei ponti stradali in Italia. Campbell-Kelly, M., Aspray, W., 2000. Computer: a history of the information machine, 8. Dr. ed. BasicBooks, New York, NY. Cignoni, G.A., 2013. Dall’aritmometro al PC : la storia del calcolo personale nelle collezioni del Museo degli strumenti per il calcolo, Quaderni della Fondazione Galileo Galilei ; 2. Pisa university press, Pisa. Colombo, G. <1836- 1921>, 1971. Manuale dell’ingegnere civile e industriale, 80. ed. ed. Hoepli, Milano.