The computing needs of professional civil and structural engineering practices have changed significantly over the last few years. While advances in computer technology have been partly responsible, there have been a number of additional factors which appear to be as important, if not more important, than the conventional need for computerisation of technical functions.

This paper presents a review of the Author's experience in dealing with enquiries concerning computerisation from consulting engineers and local authorities over the last three years. While great advances have been made in computer software for analysis and design, there appears to be a trend towards over-sophistication of technical software at the expense of other essential applications. The realities are that professional practices only require relatively straight forward technical software but considerably better semi-technical and project management applications.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £20)

go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £90 +P&P)