Moment-curvature plots and moment-axial force interaction diagrams are essential tools for understanding the load-deformation behavior of structural elements. To make the use of these tools simpler, a user-friendly spreadsheet-based program was created that can generate moment-curvature plots and moment-axial force interaction diagrams for reinforced concrete sections. These plots can include the effects of confinement provided by transverse reinforcement on the stress-strain relationship of concrete. The spreadsheet contains a series of macros written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and can be downloaded for free with the electronic version of this article.

The 4th International Workshop-Structural Concrete in the Americas took place April 20-21, 2007, in Atlanta, GA. Held in conjunction with the ACI Spring 2007 Convention, more than 80 experts from 21 countries participated. Special efforts were made to identify, select, and invite young practicing engineers as speakers. The technical sessions and recommendations from the Workshop are summarized in this article.

Construction of this twin box-girder bridge over the Tanaro River in Alessandria, Italy, not only used the innovative segmental launching method, it also included a variation in which the first box-girder was launched and then shifted to the side to make way for the second box-girder. This allowed the construction of only one set of temporary supports, decreasing the cost and shortening the construction duration for the project.