ASCE will be sunsetting the Civil Engineering Database (CEDB) in the coming months. We encourage you to start using the ASCE Library to perform content searches. In the ASCE Library, you can save your search results as well as receive email content alerts when new content relevant to your area of interest is published. Try it out today at https://ascelibrary.org.

 

Computers Aren't Infallible

by Corinne S. Bernstein, Civil Engineering Magazine, ASCE World Headquarters, 345 East 47th Street, New York City, NY.,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1985, Vol. 55, Issue 10, Pg. 44-45


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Blindly accepting answers just because they are computer-generated does not make for good engineering. Wrong answers may result from software, computer or input problems. Users and programmers are the main players in checking out computer answers. But reviewing and understanding the entire audit trail of a software package is not feasible for the average user. Verifying computer software is difficult at best, consultants agree. But, should we scrap our computers? No, they agree. As with any method of problem solving, verification of results rests with a thorough review of the computer product by experienced professionals.

Subject Headings: Computing in civil engineering | Computer software | Verification | Professional development | Consulting services | Computer programming | Audits

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search