Computers in Structural Engineering Practice The Issue of Quality
The dilemma of affordable and easy access to computing versus uncertain and dangerous pitfalls will be a continuing one for the profession. Since the pitfalls include problems associate...
Personal Computer Environment for Minicomputer Users
Users find that personal computers can perform most functions previously available only on minicomputers or even mainframe computers. Companies have an imbedded investment in existing...
Selection of Computer System
To buy a system is a major decision undertaken by the user. It has major impact on the financial and the manpower aspect of the company. To enable the user to arrive at a rational decision,...
Selection of Software
Software selection is an important consideration as part of implementation of computer system. Various factors involved in the selection process are described. To determine whether the...
Purchasing a Small Computer System with the Aid of a Specification Document
Organizations can purchase equipment that meets their needs through the use of a performance specification document. Rather than specifying the 'nuts and bolts'...
Management of Microcomputer Systems
This paper is primarily concerned with the day-to-day management of microcomputer-based systems before, during, and after acquisition. Topics covered include areas overlooked by organizations...
Integration of Computer Methods into the Civil Engineering Curriculum
Enhancements of the civil engineering curriculum at the University of Louisville are described. These enhancements are intended to help achieve a high degree of computer literacy in graduating...
Computer Usage in Civil Engineering
With the expanding availability of computer facilities in the universities, there seems to be a growing trend to emphasize the use of large computer codes, originated as general purpose...
An Interactive Model for Project Planning and Scheduling
This paper presents the development and use of an interactive, microcomputer-based model for project planning and scheduling. The model is general enough to handle both deterministic (CPM-based)...
Finite Element Analysis of Structural Details in Large Steel Bridge Superstructures
Various approaches for the finite element modeling of the connection details in large steel bridge superstructures are presented. It is noted that an accurate analysis of these details...
Experiences with Rapid Computerization in Educational Institutions
Rapid computerization in educational institutions, such as establishment of departmental computer facilities, requires realistic planning to implement and incorporate the new capabilities...
Computer Simulation of the Overload Behavior of Steel Multigirder Bridges with Cracked Girders
Various approaches of determining the structural response of steel multigirder bridges with cracked girders are presented. It is noted that linear finite element packages with three dimensional...
Facing Failures: Alleged or Actual
Every practitioner, in a large or small office, faces the possibility of an accusation of causing, directly or indirectly, a failure. The resulting embarrassment, frustration, regret,...
Quality Assurance in a Large Firm
This paper will describe the formalization of the Quality Assurance Program in a large consulting engineering firm. Although Quality Assurance and Quality Control have been a part of normal...
Failures: Who Did It - How Did It Happen?
The forensic engineer investigates the cause of failures and determines, from an engineering viewpoint, who was responsible for that failure. These failures need not be catastrophic but...
How Do I Find the Information I Needed Yesterday?
One reason that the professional has not been more effective in learning from failures is that the information disseminated has not always reached the right people. The Architecture and...
Westway - The Little Word that Killed the Big Highway
The Westside Highway Project, better known as Westway, received a construction permit on February 25, 1985 from the Army Corps of Engineers. Signed by the author, the permit was invalidated...
Computer Use in Structural Analysis
Acquisition of computer hardware and software in order to establish distributed processing and a local area network at the Air Force Weapons Lab has greatly streamlined two structural...
Designing People Places
Designing people places on the waterfront relies on first satisfying people's needs. The needs of people in public places (both on and off the waterfront) include at least...
The Changing Configuration of Commercial Ports
The ports of the world are constantly changing. The present day concept of a ship or barge entering a harbor, being unloaded, reloaded and 'sailing' out is not...
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