Civil Engineering Computer Applications
The computer has become a valuable tool for problem solving, ranging from performing simple tasks, to complex problems which could not be solved without the
computer's speed and efficiency. Despite their reputation, computers cannot think on their own, or provide solutions without an explicit set of instructions.
This is done through the use of programming languages such as FORTRAN, PASCAL, C, C++, etc. The compiler then translates these English-like expressions to
machine language, which the computer understands. Generally, the instructions that form any given language are not difficult to learn, but requires precise use
of these instructions, and an understanding of the most efficient way to accomplish any given task.
The computer has opened the door to a host of
projects that could not be done without the computer's computational speed. Some of the most advanced military and commercial aircraft are now designed entirely
on the computer and the high cost of wind tunnel testing has been virtually eliminated in many aspects of the design. The exploration of oil and natural gas
reserves has expanded to the deep ocean; thanks to new concepts in offshore structures.
To ensure the safety of the occupants, and reliability of the
structure, the necessary analysis required the use of FORTRAN programs. These programs perform the analysis in minutes, which would take humans lifetimes to
accomplish. If not for computers, vast stores of natural resources would go untapped, as the design of these structures would be too costly to consider.
Keep in mind that the computer program cannot substitute for sound engineering skills. However, the correct application of computers by skillful engineers has
enhanced the irreplaceable human ability to create.
Listed Below some of the most common computer applications used in Civil Engineering various fields:
STAAD Pro
| Field: | Structural Engineering |
| Publisher: | Research Engineers International (REI) |
| Latest version: | Staad.Pro 2006 |
They said about it:
- The most popular structural engineering software for 3D modeling.
- Provides multi-Design materials such as; steel, timber, cold formed steel, concrete and aluminum.
- Has building codes for most countries including US, Britain, India, Japan, and Denmark.
- More are constantly being added.
- Simple graphical user interface based on industry standards, where complex models can be quickly and easily generated.
- Generates custom reports for management, architects, owners etc.
Official website
SAP2000
| Field: | Structural Engineering |
| Publisher: | Computer and structures,inc (CSI) |
| Latest version: | 10 |
They said about it:
- Suitable for engineers working on transportation, industrial, public works, sport and other facilities.
- Used for simple 2D static frame analysis to a large complex 3D nonlinear dynamic analysis.
- Contains ready bridge templates for generating bridge models quickly.
- Automated bridge analysis and design.
- Advanced Analytical technique allow for step by step large deformation analysis, multiple P-delta, Eigen and Rits analysis, cable analysis,
buckling analysis and more.
Official website
| Field: | Structural Engineering |
| Publisher: | Computer and Structures, inc (CSI) |
| Latest version: | 9 |
They said about it:
- Used mainly for building analysis and design.
- Fully integrated program that allows model creation, modification, execution of analysis, design optimization, and results review from within a
single interface.
- A wide variety of automated templates allow a quick start for almost any building.
- State of the art static and dynamic, linear and nonlinear analysis options.
- Animated display of deformed shapes, mode shapes, stress contours and time history results.
- The integrated model can include Moment Resisting Frames, Braced Frames, Staggered Truss Systems, Frames with Reduced Beam Sections or Side
Plates, Rigid and Flexible Floors, Sloped Roofs, Ramps and Parking Structures, Mezzanine Floors, Multiple Tower Buildings and Stepped Diaphragm
Systems with Complex Concrete, Composite or Steel Joist Floor Framing Systems.
- Winner of the Top Seismic Product of the 20th century award.
Official website
SAFE
| Field: | Structural Engineering |
| Publisher: | Computer and Structures, inc (CSI) |
| Latest version: | 8 |
They said about it:
- Special purpose program that automates the analysis and design of simple to complex concrete flat plates and foundation systems using powerful
object based modeling.
- The program can analyze and design slabs or mats of arbitrary shapes and varying thickness, drop panels, openings, edge beams and
discontinuities.
- Foundations can be combinations of Mats, Strip Footings or Isolated Spread Footings.
- Comprehensive export option from ETABS is available that will automatically create complete SAFE models of any ETABS floor or foundation for
immediate design by SAFE.
Official website
Primavira
| Field: | Construction Engineering |
| Publisher: | Primavira.Inc |
| Latest version: | 5.0 |
They said about it:
- It is the clear choice of project professionals in the engineering, construction, architecture, utilities, and telecommunications industries.
- Control large and complex projects efficiently.
- Manage multiple projects in a multiuser environment.
Official website
Flow Master
| Field: | Hydraulics Engineering |
| Publisher: | Haestad Methods |
| Latest version: | --- |
They said about it:
- Used mainly for Hydraulic analysis for open channels, pipes, weirs, and orifices.
- Solve for any unknown property, design for any desired characteristic, and produce detailed reports and rating curves on the fly.
- solve for discharge, normal depth, channel dimensions, slope, or roughness, and compare the results using different friction methods.
- Perform a quick check or design by plugging in the known information and automatically solving for pipe length, start and stop elevations and
pressures, discharge, diameter and roughness.
- Design rectangular, circular and generic orifice structures accounting for submergence with rating tables of graph for tailwater elevation.
- Create summary reports or complete records of your analysis and design.
Official website
SewerCAD
| Field: | Environmental engineering |
| Publisher: | Haestad Methods |
| Latest version: | --- |
They said about it:
- Wastewater collection modelling and design.
- The most advanced design, analysis, and planning tool, handling both pressurized force mains and gravity hydraulics with ease.
- Analyze the system under extreme flow conditions, and use SewerCAD's automated design features to find cost-effective sewer designs.
- Use common friction methods like Manning, Kutter, Darcy-Weisbach, and Hazen-Williams, and calculate structure headloss with a variety of methods
including FHWA HEC-22 and AASHTO.
- Turn pumps on and off with customizable controls based on time, flows, pressures, and wet well levels among other criteria
Official website
TransCAD
| Field: | Surveying |
| Publisher: | Caliper Corporation |
| Latest version: | --- |
They said about it:
- Designed specifically for use by transportation professionals to store, display, manage, and analyze transportation data.
- Trans CAD can be used for all modes of transportation, at any scale or level of detail.
- Provides Mapping, visualization, and analysis tools designed for transportation applications
Official website
