Book Reviews: Computer Programs For Construction Management

BOOK REVIEWS
Boundary Element TeChniquesin E n g i n e e r i n g

C. A. Brebbia and S. Walker
Newnes-Butterworth, B o r o u g h G r e e n , 1980. 1 3 . 5 0
Computer Programs for Construction Management.

DOC, London. 12 The Design Omce Consortium is an association of computer users and this is the fourth in their series of reports on applications programs. It is intended for contractors or project management organizations. No knowledge of computing is assumed and descriptions are :given in general terms of the advantages and some of the pitfalls which c a n be expected with particular emphasis on small systems. Problems of selection are discussed and the need for sound advice is emphasized. Account and financial management is competently dealt with and advice is given on the scope of payroll, ledger analysis and general management programs. The report continues with a section for estimators and planners and a case history from a medium sized contractor who used in-house machines. Benefits in terms of improved information handling are clear, but some indication of cost effectiveness would have been welcome. " Future trends and the impact of computers on contracting are covered and the point is made that hardware costs may represent only 25% to 35% of a data processing budget taking into account software, maintenance, staff, supplies and space. The second half of the report contains a ~comprehensive list of programs. Some 220 are listed in categories of payroll, ledger analysis, integrated accounting, management reporting and planning, plant recording and control, stock recording and control, fixed asset accounting, discounted cash flow, cash flow forecasting, estimating, costing, network analysis NEDO formulae and valuations. Program names and sources are given and this is the most comprehensive list available. Information sheets on 40 of the programs describe their purpose and operation, together with the hardware configurations and methods of access or aquisition. The choice is large, but no recommendations are made, nor can they be under the terms of reference for the report. Many users will want a 'best buy' recommendation, but the resources to run benchmark tests and evaluate results are beyond the present scope of DOC. The organization will, however, give specific advice on a consulting basis to enquirers. The work which provides an excellent introduction to the subject for new users and a definitive directory of programs for those with experience. It is well worth the 12.00 required from non-members of DOC.
This book is a natural extension of Dr. Brebbia's earlier book The Boundary Element Methodfor Engineers. The same topics are covered as in the earlier book but in greater depth and the authors go on to show how the boundarY element method may be applied to more complex problems. The method is introduced as a weighted residual technique similar in concept to other numerical techniques such as finite elements or finite differences. The method is demonstrated in both the direct and indirect formulations by applying it to the solution of potential problems, and the interpolation functions required for various useful elements are discussed. The concept of the 'fundamental solution' is discussed at some length and a general method of formulating this fundamental solution even when it is not known in analytical form is presented. A table of analytical fundamental solutions is given for all the differential equations commonly encountered in practice and for which an analytical form of the solution is known. A chapter on elastostatics shows how the method may be applied to problems in linear elasticity. Time dependant and non-linear problems are discussed, in particular, problems in transient and steady state elastodynamics, viscoelasticity and plasticity. A final chapter discusses how to combine boundary element regions of different properties and how to combine boundary elements with finite elements. The boundary element technique is likely to prove attractive to practicing engineers because of the greatly reduced data preparation required. To anyone involved in exploiting this technique this is a most useful book to have on his or her bookshelf.
D. J. Danson
Proceedings of Eurographics 79
Bologna, Italy The first two sections of the proceedings deal with graphics standards and interactive graphics systems. For those engineers interested in the facilities that will be available in the future, several papers are presented describing implementations of graphics packages which follow the proposed 'core system' for 'standard' device independent graphics systems. A paper on the SYSTRID 1 system gives details of its use in the field of CAD/CAM for the interactive building of 3D objects. The objects may then be placed on a database, from which drafting and N/C machine information can be obtained. Improvements in graphics hardware are discussed in several papers, from extending the use of storage tubes with 'write thru' refresh facilities and powerful input devices, through to the use of shaded colour raster graphics for producing TV-like pictures of 3D objects. The paper by Crowhurst and Newman describes the extension of an existing graphics package GINO-F to drive a cheap colour raster scan display which has the facility of polygon area fill. Examples of the use of the system in integrated circuit layout and electromagnet design are presented. Another example of the use of a colour raster display in MOS IC layout is described in the paper on the SIDS system. The system aids in the layout and checking of integrated circuit masks, reducing chip development time. The use of a TV camera and monitor attached to a computer system for the input of information on objects, subsequent editing and display is presented in two papers in the section on pattern recognition. The third paper in this section describes a system that enables a user to input a hand drawing of an object via a digitizer, which is then 'moulded' to the required final shape. The section on surface and volume modelling deals with many of the problems in the computer modelling of mechanical parts. In particular the paper by Armstrong et al. discusses the use that industry could make of computer systems right from part specification through modelling, checking and analysis to the art work, costing and N/C machine manufacture. To summarize, the proceedings contains papers that will be of interest not only to the computer scientist developing techniques, but also to the engineer in industry who is looking for aids in manufacturing.
A. J. M. Soane
Summer Computer Simulation Conference P r o c e e d i n g s

J u l y 1979, O n t a r i o , C a n a d a The above titled volume represents the 1979 proceedings of the Summer Computer Simulation Conference, an annual event which on this occasion was held at the Sheraton Centre, Toronto. The conference aims to project the multi-disciplinary nature of computer simulation. This was certainly reflected in the 39 parallel session meeting. Over 500 participants met for three days to hear some 170 papers and panel discussions. This 1000 page volume coritains a digest of each paper (i.e. 4-5 pages) without discussion. In fact, these proceedings were issued at the conference to aid participants in their choice of session. The subjects covered included traditional aspects, such as, continuous and discrete simulation techniques, hybrid systems, simulation credibility and validation plus a plethora of applications to the chemical and physical sciences, environmental sciences, biomedical systems, managerial and social sciences, energy, system engineering and the use of simulation in training. With so many papers there are bound to be some which are rather weak. However, the general standard of the sessions I attended (and consequently, read) was quite good. One or two papers were really outstanding especially that by Silveria and Cohen on predicting the behaviour of the sea at specified locations, taking account of the worldwide weather influences. There was also a very interesting panel discussion on how to use simulation to help prevent further Three Mile Island disasters. Finally, Lance Leventhal chaired a very lively session on the likely advance of micros into simulation during the next decade. By covering so many subjects, this volume probably has something for everyone (albeit in summary form) and provides a reasonable state-ofthe-art review of simulation in the late 1970s.
Brian Bramer
M. Cross
Adv. Eng. Software, 1980, Vol. 2, No. 3
147

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BOOK REVIEWS

Boundary Element TeChniquesin E n g i n e e r i n g

Computer Programs for Construction Management.

Summer Computer Simulation Conference P r o c e e d i n g s

Adv. Eng. Software, 1980, Vol. 2, No. 3

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