Computers Aren't Infallible
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...
Micro-CAD: Can It Pay for Itself
A simple financial analysis is presented that forecasts the payback period on an investment in a microcomputer drafting system. The payback period is calculated in months using productivity...
The High-Tech Civils
Computers are entering virtually every aspect of our lives. Two civil engineers are easing the way computers enter the life of the engineer. Charles Miller, president of CLM/Systems, Orlando,...
Damage Mechanics and Continuum Modeling
Historically, the structural and mechanical engineers are conditioned to model a material in a purely phenomenological sense with little or no regard to underlying physical phenomenon...
Managing Computers
The papers in this book address the impacts of computers on the organization, the individual, and project management. On the organizational level, topics include managing the introduction...
Making Project Control Systems Work
This publication contains four papers that offer both theoretical and practical advice on how to make control systems more effective on design and construction projects. The use of automated...
Putting CADD to Work
Case histories show that engineering with CADD is no longer experimental. Projects reviewed in this article include an office/shop building for an electrical utility, a flood plain site...
Portables Pay Off
A portable microcomputer with appropriate software, utilities and copies of job related records can establish a field office for almost any project. Examples of applications for the onsite...
Accounting for CADD Center Costs
The purpose of developing a CADD cost center is to segregate all costs related to the CADD operation so that you may receive fair compensation for CADD usage and to ensure fair charges...
Data Base in Your City's Future?
The city of Bellevue, Wash. computerized its public works maps in 1979 because Bellevue was using the county's maps, and their updating wasn't keeping up with suburban growth. Now this...
Advances in Short Span Steel Bridges
Applying recent research to the design of short span steel bridges can lower their cost and maintenance. Such research involves improved limit state criteria, more uniform lateral load...
What Do Pavements Cost?
Life-cycle costing is a rational tool used to forestall problems with highway infrastructure. Currently this tool is still an imprecise one. The Federal Highway Administration has a system...
Microcomputer Applications Within the Urban Transportation Environment
The advent of microcomputer systems has created an opportunity to enhance the productivity and efficiency of transportation operations through improved decision-making capability. The...
Contracting for Software
Custom programs are very expensive; risks are high. The quality of software depends on how well the buyer can define his needs. A checklist is presented for those considering to have their...
Can Digital Terrain Data Cut Route Selection Time?
The use of photogrammetry in the collection of digital terrain and the use of a computer to process data is not being used to its fullest. Use of these two tools together increases access...
Big Organizations: Restructure Them into Small Ones
Engineering firms and agencies grow in two ways: horizontally as the number of specialized support divisions increases, and vertically through new positions in the hierarchy. The traditional...
Curved Sewers: Yes or No?
A study of curved sewer use in Southern California examines sewer design and maintenance of curved versus straight sewers. A telephone survey of personnel in design and maintenance of...
Civil Engineering Productivity�Can It Be Boosted?
In the past 20 years, construction labor productivity has declined while private business productivity has risen. And construction's percent of U.S. GNP has dropped nearly...
Probabilistic Mechanics and Structural Reliability
Computing in civil engineering has gone through serious adjustments in recent years. With the advent of computer-aided design and drafting systems (CAD) and microcomputers, computing capability...
Experiences with Micros in Project Controls
The experience of one and one-half years of microcomputer use in project controls is related, with the intent of helping the system buyer anticipate useful applications, and suggesting...
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