Computer technology in the 1980s has changed drastically. Microcomputers perform functions that only large and expensive mainframe computers performed a decade ago. Computers are used today by a rapidly growing majority of construction firms. This paper investigates computer applications in various aspects of the construction industry, such as planning, surveying, designing, graphics, pre-bidding, budgeting, scheduling, quality and cost control and equipment management. It also includes the results of a questionnaire directed at the construction industry concerning: 1) types of construction (e.g. design, construction management, etc.); 2) the company’s annual dollar volume of work; 3) types of computers used; 4) usage of commercial software and percentage of usage for various activities within the construction industry; and 5) the extent the computer utilization has advanced the construction industry, etc. In the construction industry, small and minicomputers predominate in types of computers used. Commercial software is more commonly used which required constant revision and improvement. Overall, the research findings indicate that computer use has helped the construction industry and the number of users will continue to increase. The computerization of scheduling techniques and construction material codings have helped improve speed and accuracy of computer data entry. To completely harness the computer technology and to produce tangible cost savings, it is necessary for the construction industry to enhance user capability.

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

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £78 +P&P)