Introducing Civil

Engineering Computer
Methods

Andres Winston C. Oreta

Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
De La Salle University - Manila
 Main Topics of the
Presentation
 Overview of the course on Computer
Methods in Civil Engineering
 Description and Demo of Software
Applications and Games
 Use of Software and Games in the
Classroom
 Computer Courses in the Civil
Engineering Curriculum

 ENGCOMP
 3 unit programming
course
 C Language
 CIVCOMP
 Common course  1 unit lab course
 2nd year  CE Computer
Methods
 4th year
 Guiding Principles in
CIVCOMP

 Garbage in, garbage out

 Knowing how to run a program is not the
same as knowing how a program runs.
 The professional engineer is responsible
for all his designs including computer-
generated outputs.
Civil Engineering Computer Methods
(CIVCOMP) – 1 Unit Lab Course in CE
 To develop an interest on
software development
 To appreciate the usefulness and
limitations of software
 To develop simple software
applications in civil engineering
 Present Trend in Software Development
 Windows-based application
 Graphics Users Interface (GUI)
 Object Oriented Programming
 C++, Java, Delphi
 Visual Basic

Visual Basic is an easy to

use object oriented
programming language
for the Windows OS.
Software Application Development
 Developing an application software requires mastery
of math and engineering fundamentals and computer
programming skills

 Understand the theory

 Derive & apply equations and formulas
 Use analytical and/or numerical methods
 Formulate an algorithm
 Design a graphical user’s interface (GUI) -
Input & Output
 Write a VB program
 Execute and debug the program
 Check results
 Use the software to understand concepts
How the classes will be conducted
 Self study
 Teach yourself how to program using Visual Basic
 Use the References (Textbook and
InternetResources)
 Exercises on Visual Basic concepts to be
completed during classes – 20%
 Save your work in a USB Flash Memory
 Exercises will be checked on correctness
 Two Individual Projects – 50%
 Group Project – 30%
Text Book

 Textbook: David I. Schneider, An

Introduction to Programming Using
Visual Basic 6, 4th ed., Prentice-Hall,
1999
Internet Resources

 VB Tutorial
(http://www.vbtutor.net/vbtutor.html)
 Visual Basic 6- Beginner’s Tutorial -
http://visualbasic.freetutes.com/learn-
vb6/
 Visual Basic 6 Programming for
Beginners -
http://www.profsr.com/vb/vbintro.htm
Development of Software
Applications
 Calculator-Type Software

Solve
Button
Input

Relevant to
the subjects Output
on Strength
of Materials,
Structural
Analysis

Deflection and Slope of a Simply Supported

Beam with Overhang
 Elastic Bending Stresses

Relevant to the subjects on Strength of Materials, Structural Analysis

 Deflection and Bending
Stresses of a Cantilever Beam

Relevant to the subjects on Strength of Materials, Structural Analysis

 Curved Beams

Relevant to the subjects on Strength of Materials and Structural Mechanics

 Open Channel Flow

Relevant to the subjects on Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics

 Development of
Computer-Based Games
 Computer-Based Games
in the Classroom

 Games create an enjoyable and fun activity

for students
 Student competition and teamwork can be
developed through games
 Repetition and drill can be incorporated in
games
 Review and recall of important concepts
and equations can be emphasized in the
games
 Reaction Game

Relevant to the subjects on Statics, Strength of Materials,

Structural Analysis
Hangeneering - Reactions

Relevant to the subjects on Statics, Strength of Materials,

Structural Analysis
 Jeopardeng

Appropriate in a review class in civil engineering or student competition

 Tic-Tac-Toe

Appropriate in a review class in civil engineering or student competition

 ConCraze
Test your knowledge in RC Principles
 Free Download of Executable Files
http://mysite.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty/oretaa

Download
Now !
 Email me at
andyoreta@yahoo.com
Using the Software in the
Classroom
 To explore and answer “ What If
” type of questions. Input data
and display output.
 To observe the effect of various
parameters on the behavior of a
system. Vary the input data and
observe the trend.
 To generate numerical values
to be used in tables or graphs.
Case Study : What is the value of w that
will produce a zero deflection at the free
end for a given P?

W is varied while P = 50 kN
0.2

-0.2

Deflection (mm)
-0.4
W = 44.8
kN/m
-0.6

-0.8

-1
B
-1.2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
w (kN/m)
Case Study: What is the value of P that
will produce a zero slope at B for a
given w?
P is varied while w = 50 kN/m
0.0007

0.0006

0.0005 P = 78 kN

0.0004

Slope (rad)
0.0003

0.0002

0.0001

-0.0001
0 20 40 60 80 100
P (kN)
 Using Software & Games in the
Classroom
 Computer technology can be used innovatively in
the classroom in various ways.
 Simple software applications and games may be
used to enhance the teaching and learning of civil
engineering courses.
 Use of simple software applications are effective in
understanding concepts since the software are
focused on a specific topic and are easier to use .
 Alternative class activities such as student
competitions using computer-based games and
software can be conducted to facilitate retention
and emphasize important civil engineering
concepts.