I believe that it is common for structural engineers to treat finite element analysis (including conventional computer frame analysis) like a tiger which might turn nasty and give you a mauling or worse. While there is justification for this attitude, a major problem lies in the fact that engineers are not trained to control the tiger. They are taught about the anatomy of the tiger, about what it eats but not how to go into its cage and come out unscathed. In this article I discuss the reasons for this situation and how can be avoided. The Institution of Structural Engineers report The use of computers for engineering calculations published in 2002 promotes a set of five activities for doing structural analysis: plan, model, equip, calculate, review. For the purposes of this article I conflate this into three activities: 1. Model development 2. Calculation 3. Review.
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