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UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CIVE 1007 Y
Submitted by:
VEERAMAH Avinaash
Submitted to:
Dr. J.Rana
Date: 04.February.2014
Table of contents
Abstract..1
1.0 Introduction..........2
1.1 Software Applications..2
1.11 Main branches of Civil Engineering and their specialised softwares.2-3
1.12 Facts and Figures....4
1.2 Hardware Applications.5-6
1.3 Civil Engineering education.6
1.4 Conclusion6
Appendix....7
References..8
Abstract
A quarter century ago, the use of computers in the civil engineering industry or any other
industry, was only a novelty. Both employers and employees could only dream about having
such fascinating technologies at their disposal, which would have, undoubtedly, lessened their
workload to a significant extent. But all of the latter now forms part of history. During the last
decade, one of the greatest revolutions brought forward to the civil engineering industry has
been the introduction of specialised computer hardware and software to ease and change the
way engineers deal with their daily business. With time, industrialisation and modernisation of
the world, the civil engineering industry has grown into one of the most dynamic, challenging
and competitive industries worldwide. Hence, in todays era, due to the complexity and
demands of undertaken tasks, the use of computers in the engineering world is more of a tool
than a luxury. Any engineering firm, which does not capitalise on the various attributes of the
modern computer, is very likely to run out of business sooner rather than later since
computerisation has greatly changed the way the main entities of a project interact. Also, they
have had a great hand in improving the efficiency of delivery and increasing the productivity
within the engineering office.
This report looks at the different applications of computer hardware and software within the
different branches of the civil engineering industry. A mention has also been made for the use
of computers in civil engineering programmes at university level to better equip future civil
engineers with the basic knowledge of the skills required to manipulate these softwares and
hardwares.
1.0 Introduction
Computer software refers to the non-tangible components of a computer system, commonly
known as programs whereas hardware refers to the physical tangible components, such as the
keyboard (Wikipedia, 2014). Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that
deals with the analysis, design, construction and maintenance of the natural and man-made
environment (Wikipedia, 2014). Apart from these previously mentioned tasks, civil engineers
also carry out 3-D modelling, drawing of plans, report writing, project management, and
delivery of presentations amongst others. While some of these tasks can be done manually,
others simply cannot. To be able to work in a more efficient manner and deal with complex
problems, with less errors and increased accuracy and precision, engineers have integrated the
use of computer hardware and software in their daily routine.
Program
Ms Word
Purposes
It is used for the writing purposes, such as letters, reports, memos etc...
Ms Outlook
Ms Excel
Ms
Powerpoint
Ms Project
Year
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Figure 1
As shown, over the years, there has been a significant increase in the use of software used by
civil engineers. This increased use coincides with the advancement of technology in the modern
world, helping to develop all sorts of computer programs, which eases the given tasks.
2. Some branches of Civil Engineering, depending upon the type and complexity of a
given task, require a higher use of computer programs than others. The following piechart represents the percentage distribution of the use of computer programs in the main
branches of Civil Engineering (Sitaram, 2012).
Hydraulic
Figure 2
Surveying
Coastal
Environmental
Monitor
Keyboard
3
4
Mouse
Printer
Plotter
Random
Access
Memory
(RAM)
Purpose(s)
It acts as the display unit of the computer. Usually due to the
simulations, designs and 3-D modelling that civil engineers usually
carry out, a high resolution monitor is preferred.
Just as for all computer users, the keyboard allows data entry into the
computer.
It is used as a pointer/selector. For ease of use, civil engineers often
prefer optical mice (cordless).
Used to print all kinds of paperwork such as reports, letters etc...
It is a type of printer, usually used for printing vector graphics. This is
usually used in computer applications such as computer aided designs,
to eventually produce blueprints or structural drawings.
Programs such as AutoCAD & Flow 3D, are powerful ones which need
a high working memory to run conveniently and fast enough. Thus the
higher the RAM capacity, the more convenient it is for civil engineers.
These include pen drives, external hard disk drives and other storage
devices which are required to store project reports, cash flow reports,
Optical Drives drawings etc...
Video
This card defines the display of the monitor. Thus high resolution
Graphics Card display, preferred by engineers, need high quality graphics cards.
Modem
10
Scanners
11
Webcams
12
Motherboard
It is worthy to be noted that, the usual personal computer which includes the monitor, keyboard,
mouse and other common computer parts, are not used nowadays due to its restrained mobility
for a civil engineer. Thus, nowadays, the latter prefers the use of a laptop, which includes all
the components of the personal computer and can be more powerful than the latter. On top of
that, the laptop is mobile and can be used anywhere, without power supply.
1.4 Conclusion
If not today, tomorrow will surely be the day when computers will become the main
protagonists within any civil engineering discipline, either in academic institutions or in the
industry since technology is taking the entire world by storm. With a decreasing percentage of
human involvement and interaction in day-to-day tasks within the civil engineering
community, the applications of specialised computer softwares and hardwares will be on the
increase.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, an engineer should have the necessary
attributes consistent with the professions aspirational vision and one of these attributes is to
know how to deal effectively with the appropriate computing applications for ease of work and
to maximize productivity (ASCE Steering Commitee , 2006).
Thus it is in the dearest interest of all those involved in this particular field to familiarise
thoroughly with the present and upcoming developments of computer softwares and hardwares.
Appendix
The following is an expanded list of the main civil engineering softwares used worldwide (Civil
Engineering Portal, 2012).
Software
Brief Description
STAAD Pro
AutoCAD
ETABS
Haestad
STRUMECH
HEVA COMP
GEO 5
AS CAD
Auto TURN
10 BOSS International
11 Ezicad
12 GEOPAK
13 Soakaway Design
14 Rockgrout
15 Rcolumn
16 PG Super
17 Inlet Master
18 ELPLA
19 MWH Software
20 Spencer Engineering
References
(2014, January 29). Retrieved from Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geotechnical_engineering
(2014, January 29). Retrieved from Plaxis NL: www.plaxis.nl
Architecture, Engineering and Construction. (2014, January 29). Retrieved from
Construction: http://www.autodesk.com/industry/architecture-engineeringconstruction/construction
ASCE Steering Commitee . (2006). The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025. Virginia:
ASCE.
AutoDesk. (2014, January 29). Retrieved from Architecture, Engineering & Construction:
www.autodesk.com/industry/architecture-engineeringconstruction/Structural_Engineering
Bentley. (2014, January 29). Retrieved from GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite V8i:
www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/GEOPAK+Civil+Engineering+Suite/
Bentley. (2014, January 29). Retrieved from GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite V8i:
www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/GEOPAK+Civil+Engineering+Suite/
Correa, C. (2013). A Signature Stadium. Customer Success Story, 1-2.
Flow Science. (2014, January 29). Retrieved from Water & Environmental Engineering:
http://www.flow3d.com/apps/hydraulics/water-environmental-engineering.html
Kincho H.Law, ASCE member. (1998). Computing in Civil Engineering Curriculum: Needs
and Issues. New York: ASCE Journal Press.
Sitaram, H. J. (2012). Computer Diligence For Civil Engineers.
Use of IT in Civil Engineering. (2013). ASCE Publications.
Wikipedia. (2014, January 24). Retrieved from Civil Engineering:
en.wikipedia.org/Wiki/Civil_Engineering
Wikipedia. (2014, January 24). Retrieved from Software: en.wikipedia.org/Wiki/Software
Wikipedia. (2014, January 29). Retrieved from Traffic Engineering:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_Engineering
Civil Engineering Portal (2012). Retrieved from Civil Engineering Software:
http://www.engineeringcivil.com/softwares