The importance of understanding computer analyses in civil engineering

Sophisticated computer modelling systems are widely used in civil engineering analysis. This paper takes examples from structural engineering, environmental engineering, flood management and geotechnical engineering to illustrate the need for civil engineers to be competent in the use of computer tools. An understanding of a model's scientific basis, appropriateness, numerical limitations, validation, verification and propagation of uncertainty is required before applying its results. A review of education and training is also suggested to ensure engineers are competent at using computer modelling systems, particularly in the context of risk management. 1. Introductio

The role of virtual reality in built environment education

This study builds upon previous research on the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) within the built environment curriculum and aims to investigate the role of VR and three-dimensional (3D) computer modelling on learning and teaching in a school of the built environment. In order to achieve this aim, a number of academic experiences were analysed to explore the applicability and viability of 3D computer modelling and VR into built environment subject areas. Although two-dimensional (2D) representations have been greatly accepted by built environment professions and education, 3D computer representations and VR applications, offering interactivity and immersiveness, are not yet widely accepted. The study attempts to understand the values and challenges of integrating visualisation technologies into built environment teaching and investigates tutors’ perceptions, opinions and concerns with respect to these technologies. The study reports on the integration process and considers how 3D computer modelling and VR technologies can combine with, and extend, the existing range of learning and teaching methods appropriate to different disciplines and programme areas

Investigating user preferences in utilizing a 2D paper or 3D sketch based interface for creating 3D virtual models

Computer modelling of 2D drawings is becoming increasingly popular in modern design as can be witnessed in the shift of modern computer modelling applications from software requiring specialised training to ones targeted for the general consumer market. Despite this, traditional sketching is still prevalent in design, particularly so in the early design stages. Thus, research trends in computer-aided modelling focus on the the development of sketch based interfaces that are as natural as possible. In this report, we present a hybrid sketch based interface which allows the user to make draw sketches using offline as well as online sketching modalities, displaying the 3D models in an immersive setup, thus linking the object interaction possible through immersive modelling to the flexibility allowed by paper-based sketching. The interface was evaluated in a user study which shows that such a hybrid system can be considered as having pragmatic and hedonic value.peer-reviewe

Computer modelling of channel flow using an inverse method

We may not be able to command the water to stop but we can take steps to predict when and where it will invade and attack our lives, and provide solutions to deal with the problem. The research project reported in this paper is concerned with a study of unsteady free surface water flow, a hydrograph, resulting from a watershed just after the outlet station. The quality of flood predictions by numerical models depends on the accuracy of the inflow hydrograph, other control variables such as bed roughness, infiltration rate, and channel topography. However, none of these are well known, the values of each are uncertain. This research examines what effect these uncertainties have on the flood prediction. That is we find out how the uncertainties in control values propagate through the model. This is achieved by calculating the sensitivities of the flood predictions to changes (uncertainties) in control variables. The adjoint method is used to study the sensitivity of the flow to changes in the boundary and initial conditions. To achieve this aim we constructed a numerical hydraulic model to simulate the flow of water in the main stream based on the shallow water equation (SWE). The sensitivities are determined using the adjoint method which uses a variational technique to find the relationships between changes in channel flow conditions and changes in control variables such as the inflow hydrograph. This could be done at significant computational expense using multiple runs and ensemble techniques however the adjoint method presented here determines these sensitivities analytically in one run of the model

The reaction of slag in cement: theory and computer modelling

In this study, theoretical models available for the reaction of both pure slag\ud (alkali-activated) and slag-blended cement are reviewed. They were developed by using stoichiometric computations

Using Intelligent Agents to understand organisational behaviour

This paper introduces two ongoing research projects which seek to apply computer modelling techniques in order to simulate human behaviour within organisations. Previous research in other disciplines has suggested that complex social behaviours are governed by relatively simple rules which, when identified, can be used to accurately model such processes using computer technology. The broad objective of our research is to develop a similar capability within organisational psychology

К вопросу об организации раздела информатики «Компьютерное моделирование реальных процессов и явлений»

In die report is informed on laboratory practical works developed on discipline «Computer modelling». Practical works are intended for working off of skills of the decision of physical problems (tasks) by a method of mathematical computer modelling both direct programming in language Pascal, and application of information systems Excel, Mathca

Horticultural weed control in organic systems – a modelling approach

This report was presented at the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference. Weed control is an important yet mainly unaddressed research issue in organic systems. At present there is little agronomic support to underpin weed management decisions. Computer modelling and simulation techniques may provide a valuable tool for understanding the nature and processes of the organic system thus generating knowledge and information of direct benefit to growers, which will aid in short and long term weed management strategies