INTRODUCTION

Today, technology is circulating in almost every field of humans’ life,

whether it is social life, business management, construction, engineering or
medical.Now this is the time, the life will become much more difficult
without the use technology in our lives. So, keeping the involvement of
technology in mind, i will discuss some of uses of computer technology in
different areas of civil engineering. Back in 1970s, where the usage of
computer technology was very limited in civil engineering field, and that’s
why the construction of buildings was very slow at that time. It was not
only the speed factor in constructing buildings, but also the quality and
strength was not so advance and satisfactory. Today, buildings are much
stronger than before. So, let’s have a look at some of the areas of civil
engineering where computer technology can provide some assistance.

Another aspect of software programs utilized by civil engineers is not

only for the use of designing site infrastructure, but also to maintain it. As
recent as 2011, there are programs available which allow the engineer to
monitor bridges for cracks and settlements, as well as water distribution
networks for failing subsurface pipes through the use of sensors installed.
This has created the ability for the engineer to eliminate some of the costs
and liabilities associated with human inspectors

Infrastructure design, relies heavily on estimates of load, pressure,

drainage and flow. Some software houses have attempted to provide design
software catering for the variety of infrastructure design fields in an
integrated manner. However, general-purpose software may be used in the
same manner at a fraction of the cost of design software.[3] When planning

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the construction phase, various project management methods are used to
estimate factors such as cost, schedule and resourcing. Different software
packages rely on different formulas and theories as the basis for these
calculations. Consulting engineers also take advantage of the insight
software can provide as far as crossing services are concerned.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting

software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was
first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on
microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. Before AutoCAD was
introduced, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers
or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate
graphics terminal. Since 2010, AutoCAD was released as a mobile- and web
app as well, marketed as AutoCAD 360.

AutoCAD is used across a wide range of industries, by architects,

project managers, engineers, graphic designers, town planners and many
other professionals. It was supported by 750 training centers worldwide in
1994.

HISTORY

AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then
released in 1979 called Interact CAD, also referred to in early Autodesk
documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk's (then

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Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael
Riddle

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex

and released that December. As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986
AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwide. The
2019 release marked the 33rd major release of AutoCAD for Windows. The
2014 release marked the fourth consecutive year of AutoCAD for Mac.

AutoCAD Applications

AutoCAD as an architectural planning tool: It comes with a user-interface

with built-in design lay-outs. The lay-outs contain numerous templates
specially designed for architectural planning and building construction. The
latest versions of AutoCAD come with analytical tools. The tools can
analyse the components of the building to troubleshoot stress and load levels
of building supports. AutoCAD enables architects to design, plan, execute
and analyse the strength of a building, at design stage level.

AutoCAD as an engineering drafting tool: You can use AutoCAD to draw

accurate 2D drawings for any engineering domain and also use AutoCAD
to render to 3D models to help in visualization of the end product. It is
useful for Civil, Mechanical and Electrical systems. It helps engineers to
design, analyse and solve design issues resulting in accurate designs.

AutoCAD as a graphic design tool: AutoCAD has innate features that

enable users to plan and map out spaces and take advantage of the space

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available. It can be used simultaneously with 3D Max and various other
application softwares including animation tools.

AutoCAD in 3D Printing: For a 3D print of an object, one has to choose

the object, get a virtual 3D representation and then feed it to the 3D printer.
A 3D print has its own advantages for designers and this is where AutoCAD
helps them. It ensures file compatibility so that designs can be exported to
various preferred formats.

AutoCAD in the fashion industry: Every pattern and design of jewellery

does not come by chance; it is the result of careful planning and designing.
AutoCAD has the tools necessary for planning intricate designs for
manufacture of jewellery, toys and other delicate objects.
AutoCAD as industrial design tool: AutoCAD helps to reduce
manufacturing costs as it saves time and efforts required for manual
designing.
Site: CAD software is used by landscapers to conceptualize great outdoor
settings, and find the proper placement of components like fences, gardens,
trees, patios, and other similar things.
Interior designing: Detailed and accurate digital designs are made by
designers using CAD software. They are then used by the designers to
demonstrate their product to clients with detailed drawings. The above
described details are only few uses of CAD software. Other than these, it is
also used for designing circuit boards, furniture, electronics, jewelry,
packaging, and more. The extensive applications of CAD software and
AutoCAD sample drawings ensure its inevitability and durability in today’s
world.
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AutoCAD Features

Storage and accessibility: AutoCAD files can be saved on a computer or

archived in any storage media. Software files occupy lesser storage space as
compared storage space required for keeping manually drafted paper
drawings.Paper drawings also need care and protection from loss or damage
due to floods, fires or other calamities and can get damaged over time..The
software files can also be stored on any cloud storage, from where they are
easily accessible at anytime, from anywhere provided there is an internet
connection.

3D View: Although it is possible to sketch 3D drawings manually, they are

not as effective and realistic as computer aided drawings. AutoCAD help
model 3D objects with colors, materials and/or textures applied to various
surfaces making them vivid and easier for the user to visualize the end
product.

Revisions and modifications: Any changes in manually drafted paper

drawings would require the draftsman to draw the drawing again. Since this
involved a lot of effort, the draftsmen just scratched out the older details and
drew new details, resulting loss of older details and also not-to-scale
drawings. CAD has inbuilt tools that allow any number of revisions and
changes easily and quickly. You can edit or delete details easily using simple
user-friendly commands.. You can also save the previous versions of the file
in case you wish to re-use them

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Speed: Creating a drawing in AutoCAD is much faster than drawing
manually. You can also save time and effort by creating re-usable block
library. Easy edits are possible with commands like copy, mirror, stretching,
rotate and scale and many more such commands.

Accuracy: AutoCAD enables you to draw with fractional dimensions and

also define precision to any number of decimal places, which is not possible
to achieve in hand-drafted manual drawings, hence offering accuracy in all
dimensions.

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STAAD Pro

STAAD or STAAD.Pro is a structural analysis and design software

application originally developed by Research Engineers International in
1997. In late 2005, Research Engineers International was bought by Bentley
Systems STAAD.Pro is one of the most widely used structural analysis and
design software products worldwide. It supports over 90 international steel,
concrete and timber design codes.

It can make use of various forms of analysis from the traditional static
analysis, p-delta analysis, geometric non-linear analysis, Pushover
analysis(Static-Non Linear Analysis) or a buckling analysis. It can also make
use of various forms of dynamic analysis from modal extraction to time
history and response spectrum analysis.

Additionally, STAAD.Pro is interoperabe with applications such as RAM

Connection, AutoPIPE, SACS and many more engineering design and
analysis applications to further improve collaboration between the different
disciplines involved in a project. STAAD can be used for analysis and
design of all types of structural projects from plants, buildings, and bridges
to towers, tunnels, metro stations, water/wastewater treatment plants and
more.

Advantage of using StaadPro Software :

 Faster method of designing the structure.

 Does not involve any manual calculation.
 Suitable for almost all types material for designing i. e.
Concrete, Steel, Aluminium etc.

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  Shows accuracy in results i. e. Shear Force, Bending moment
diagram for each and every beam and column of the structure.
 Shows result for Number of reinforcement used longitudanaly,
Shear reinforcement.
 We can design structure for any type of load i. e. Dead load,
Live load, wind load, snow load, area load, floor load etc.
 You can design simple beam to sky scraper and analyse
wheather it will fail at applied load or pass.
 We can import designs from auto CAD to staad.
 Easy to learn.

Flexible Modelling Environment: The tool with latest feature enables to

create 3D version of the structure. Equipped with advanced graphical
environment and different languages, it helps the user to design the right
structure.

Wide Range of Design Codes: The tool comes with wide range of design
codes making it one-stop point for building design. With having varied
design codes, the software determines the drift, deflection and the depth. The
user with right STADD.Pro training will understand to use these design
codes.

Contain Features of Structural Engineering: The software contains all the

tools to make the designing work easier. Works with programs like
STAAD.Pro Foundation, Offshore and RAM Concept, it helps in designing
the structure effectively. If the user is designing the bridge or pipes, the
software includes feature to design the same.

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Open Architecture: The best part of this tool is it can be developed with an
open architecture called OpenSTAAD. The software has all the input and
output functions already inside. It also has pre-built collection of structure of
various designs that can be used during the designing.

Easy to Use: After undergoing the Pro course, the user can use this tool
easily for designing the structure. The STAAD.Pro online course provides
in-depth knowledge about the tool, features and its right use.

Limitation :

 Not for brick masonary work.

 Does not show the amount of material used.
 Not for costing and estimating.
 Require proper skill for typical designs.
 And few other.

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Autodesk Revit
Autodesk Revit is building information modeling software for
architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers,
designers and contractors developed by Autodesk. It allows users to design a
building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D
drafting elements, and access building information from the building model's
database. Revit is 4D BIM capable with tools to plan and track various
stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later
maintenance and/or demolition.

MODELING
The Revit work environment allows users to manipulate whole
buildings or assemblies (in the project environment) or individual 3D shapes
(in the family editor environment). Modeling tools can be used with pre-
made solid objects or imported geometric models. However, Revit is not a
NURBS modeller and also lacks the ability to manipulate an object's
individual polygons except on some specific object types such as roofs, slabs
and terrain or in the massing environment.
There are many categories of objects ('families' in Revit terminology), which
divide into three groups:
System Families, such as walls, floors, roofs and ceilings which are built
inside a project
Loadable Families / Components, which are built with primitives
(extrusions, sweeps, etc.) separately from the project and loaded into a
project for use.
In-Place Families, which are built in-situ within a project with the same
toolset as loadable components An experienced user can create realistic and
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accurate families ranging from furnitureto lighting fixtures as well as import
existing models from other programs. Revit families can be created as
parametric models with dimensions and properties. This lets users modify a
given component by changing predefined parameters such as height, width
or number in the case of an array. In this way a family defines a geometry
which is controlled by parameters, each combination of parameters can be
saved as a type, and each occurrence (instance in Revit) of a type can also
contain further variations. For example, a swing door may be a Family. It
may have types describing different sizes, and the actual building model will
have instances of those types placed in walls where instance-based
parameters could specify the door hardware uniquely for each occurrence of
the door.

Due to the copyright nature of project work, it is rare and impractical to be

able to buy fully 3D modelled Revit project models. Indeed as most projects
are site specific and bespoke, obtaining an existing model is in many
instances unsuitable. However, there are circumstances where new practices
or students that are training to learn Revit, do have a need to refer to
completed models. Sources for these are limited, however they can be
purchased at websites like BIMGallery and downloaded from websites like
GrabCad. Revit model files have also been located using google search
string "index of" + rvt" + "central" -html -htm –php.

Although Revit software comes with a range of families out of the box
(OOTB), they are limited, so users can find a need to build their own
families or buy them from online stores such as Plansort, Bimbandit or

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Andekan. A number of websites offer families for free including Revit City,
AUGI, BIMsmith and National Bim Library.

In 2011 Dynamo was released in beta form allowing first glimpses of

directly programming the behavior of hosted components through a drag and
drop node interface. This is similar to the way the visual programming
language Grasshopper 3d works on objects in Rhinoceros 3D.
RENDERING
When a user makes a building, model, or any other kind of object in
Revit, they may use Revit's rendering engine to make a more realistic image
of what is otherwise a very diagrammatic model. This is accomplished by
either using the premade model, wall, floor, etc., tools, or making her or his
own models, walls, materials, etc. Revit 2010 comes with a plethora of
predefined materials, each of which can be modified to the user's desires.
The user can also begin with a "Generic" material. With this, the user can set
the rotation, size, brightness, and intensity of textures, gloss maps (also
known as shinemaps), transparency maps, reflection maps, oblique reflection
maps, hole maps, and bump maps, as well as leaving the map part out and
just using the sliders for any one (or all or none) of the aforementioned
features of textures.
Cloud-based rendering with the experimental plug-in dubbed Project
Neon, located on Autodesk Labs is in the beta phases and allows for the user
to render their images through their Autodesk account instead of locally
through their own computers. Revit models may also be linked directly into
Autodesk 3ds Max (release 2013 and later) for more advanced rendering and
animation projects with much of their material and object information
maintained. need to modify
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APPLICATION OF REVIT ARCHITECTURE

Create Realistic Visualizations

Modern CAD and BIM software like Revit provides more than just the
resources to manage a construction project. The 3D and virtual recreation
capabilities are valuable for sales and marketing, for maintenance planning,
and it still provides excellent tools for creating architectural drafts and
blueprints.

The virtual reality and modeling functions of Revit increase profitability

mainly through increasing the value of the project to investors and other
interested parties. Rather than pitching the points of a building, a
management team can actually walk interested parties through a fully
functional virtual mock-up of the building.

Use a Revit Environment to Create 2D Architectural Printouts

Rather than creating multiple engineered products, Revit BIM will automate
many of the needed parts of creating and managing a construction project.
As needed, print off 2D drafts and blueprints for the site plan, create specific
drawings for each stage of the project, or manage different stages entirely
within the BIM environment.

This cross-functionality increases profitability through reduced costs. One

project, the BIM creation, provides the necessary framework for managing
multiple other systems. This reduces the costs of architectural design and
engineering both for the current project and any projects in the years to
come.

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Accurately Track Costs and Project Completion

Revit software includes cost tracking and projection as part of its BIM. This
will provide opportunity for innovative construction projects to use their
architectural drafts as an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) for the
entire project. From managing supplies and materials to contractor
communication, an ERP and drafting combination is sure to save money and
time, increasing profitability.

Increase Communication

Revit Architecture modeling delivers the necessary information for

managing an entire building project on one platform. Because of the
extensive nature of a 3D model, many project managers use Revit Live as a
system to control communication with various interested parties. Revit live
is a product by Autodesk where your 3D files are hosted securely on
Autodesk’s servers. Anyone with user permissions and an internet
connection can access the plans and other resources of Revit.

Build to Last

Use Revit drafts and 3D environments to virtually stress test a building

before construction begins and then use it to manage upkeep over the years.
A well-designed project can stand the tests of time, and Revit architectural
models and drafts are custom made to ensure the highest quality of design
project.

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Cheap and short-term building projects may not benefit as much from the
robust engineering that software like Revit provides. Long-term, quality
building projects need the integrated drafts

Integrate Multi-Discipline Management

Revit Architecture is designed as a multi-discipline BIM from the ground

up. Not just for mechanical, structural, site, or even focused solely on
contractors, the designs built in Revit work with all regular participants in a
building project. This further reduces overhead costs from multiple drafting
processes and increases quality by facilitating communication and
management.

This is essential for modern construction projects where each stage of

construction often has its own designers who are essential parts of the team.
Designers and engineers ensure that costs stay down, that green certification
is met, and that a building will stay in use through the coming decades.

Create a Multi-Platform Drafting System

From VR devices to computers and smartphones, Revit files are available on

multiple technology platforms. Again, increasing communication between
contractors, engineers, and investors provides ample opportunities to
increase profits.

Accurately Model from Existing Structures

Along a different route, Revit software integrates with ReCap. For remodels
and renovations, this is an incredible opportunity to plan costs, manage
projects and create accurate 3D models for the new construction within the
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old construction. ReCap takes points from photographs and imports them
into Revit so that the base model architects work with is an accurate
portrayal of the building. If an extensive remodel is planned, this process can
be done multiple times if needed as demolition reveals specific aspects of
the building project that were previously hidden.

Green is Economical

When planned well, green architecture saves money in construction and

increases the value of a project. A well-planned building will be able to
integrate the natural layout of a project and a site to achieve green
certifications without breaking the bank on proprietary materials.
Additionally, good design in mechanical systems plays a significant part of
green construction. With BIM, you will be able to effectively plan and
design an entire project’s mechanical systems to achieve low levels of
energy output and high levels of green certification.

How to Save Money from Revit Architecture

The best engineering firm for Revit Architecture modeling projects will have
an understanding of both 2D CAD and 3D modeling practices. They will
also have experience with quality drafting for a number of projects in your
industry. Additionally, the best engineering firm for saving money will be
specialists in architecture and engineering.

2D and 3D Experience

Understanding of modern architecture requires a depth of experience across

a wide breadth of disciplines. Chief of these for saving money with Revit

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Architecture is the ability to understand how blueprints and other documents
work within a 3D environment.

Quality Drafting Experience

A local architectural firm that specializes in house plans and other small-
scale projects and occasionally does large BIM or virtualization is not going
to be the best firm for saving money and increasing profits. Quality drafting
experience means that the firm who is using Revit Architecture regularly
uses Autodesk software and other BIM systems to do engineering and
architectural work for their clients.

A good architectural team will be focused on architecture and Design using

building information modeling and virtualization processes. These teams
will also be located in an area of high-tech industry and ideally affordable
wages. This combination enables them to be focused on their core business
of building exceptional architectural drafts.

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Tekla Structural Designer

Tekla Structural Designer is revolutionary software that gives engineers the

power to analyze and design buildings efficiently and profitably. Fully
automated and packed with many unique features for optimized concrete and
steel design, Tekla Structural Designer helps engineering businesses to win
more work and maximize profits. From the quick comparison of alternative
design schemes through to cost-effective change management and seamless
BIM collaboration,

Modelling

One product, one interface, one model From scheme design all the way
through to detailed design, one single model will cover all your structural
analysis and design requirements, encompassing both gravity and lateral
systems. With Tekla Structural Designer there are no additional modules to
buy and you will not waste time switching between multiple software
packages to achieve your final design solution.

A revolutionary approach

Unlike traditional analysis software, with Tekla Structural Designer you can
create physical, information-rich models that contain all the intelligence
needed to fully automate the design and manage project changes. Achieve
faster design times and maximize profitability.

Seamless BIM integration

Because you are creating a single model with a single data set, BIM
integration is smooth and effective. Collaborate seamlessly, instantly assess
the impact of changes and deliver a more optimized solution to your client.

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Loading and Analysis

Automated wind loading

We understand how painful it can be to apply loading so we have made it

easier for you. Full building wind loads are automatically calculated and
applied to your model, saving your time on this long winded and complex
task. And there is no need to worry about all the other lateral loading
required by the design code because Tekla Structural Designer takes care of
these for you.

Unique analysis

Tekla Structural Designer automatically generates an underlying and highly

sophisticated analytical model from the physical model, allowing you to
concentrate on the design. Regardless of the model’s size or complexity, the
software’s powerful analytical engine and many unique features will save
you time by accurately predicting the building’s design forces and overall
performance.

Finite Elements

The software incorporates a highly powerful Finite Element (FE) engine.

Whether you are considering an irregular concrete flat plate with openings,
or a complex core wall system, you can take advantage of fully automated
FE meshing tools and lightning fast analysis to explore their behavior.

Total transparency

Reviewing analysis data is very important. Despite being fully automated,

Tekla Structural Designer offers completely transparent analysis results so
you can investigate the design forces, explore deflections and view all the
calculations, giving you complete confidence in the design results.

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Structural Design

Fully automated

Optimize multi-material buildings, in steel or reinforced concrete, in a

fraction of the time. Tekla Structural Designer includes all the critical
information needed to provide a fully automated design to your chosen
building code. Regardless of complexity, you can design all members and
consider the overall 3D building design in one seamless process.

Tekla’s unique approach to combining analysis and design means that you
will not need to spend time processing analysis data. This integrated
approach also enables you to manage changes effectively and provide fast
response times to your clients.

Efficient reinforced concrete design

The software will instantly achieve an optimized design for all rebar within
the beams, columns, slabs, flat plates and walls. Once designed, detailed
reinforcement drawings and accurate material quantities are automatically
generated for the whole building, meaning you can provide cost options
early in the design process.

Optimized steel design

Tekla Structural Designer will design all the steelwork automatically, based
on the engineer’s specific requirements. This includes the detailed design
and optimization of composite beams, columns, US joists, trusses, braces
and plated sections. Maximize your efficiency and achieve the optimum
design at the touch of a button.

Compare design schemes

It takes just a few minutes to create a range of alternative schemes and

establish the most cost effective solution for your client. You can become
more competitive and bid more effectively with minimal effort.

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Documentation

Professional output

It is easy to communicate your design because Tekla Structural Designer

automatically produces accurate and detailed documentation including
calculation reports, material take offs and drawings. Reinforcement
drawings for the entire building or tonnages of steel for estimating, all
available in a touch of a button.

Real-time information

Because the single model contains all the design information, you can
generate documentation and make informed decisions at any stage of the
project, starting at very early scheme design. The calculation reports are
linked directly to the model, so they update automatically. This means you
can manage changes instantly, removing the need to generate new reports
manually when variations occur.

Range of export options

Whether you wish to provide beam reactions or bracing forces to the

contractor or prepare calculation reports for submission, Tekla Structural
Designer enables you to export data to a wide range of file formats. Increase
communication and reduce the risk of errors.

BIM Integration

Designed with BIM in mind

Tekla Structural Designer has been developed specifically to help the design
engineer maximize collaboration with other project parties, including
technicians, fabricators and architects. Its unique functionality enables you
to integrate the physical design model seamlessly with Tekla Structures or
Autodesk® Revit®, and to round-trip without compromising vital design
data.

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Intelligent synchronization

For total flexibility and to save valuable design and drafting time, the model
can start life in Tekla Structural Designer, or alternatively in Tekla
Structures or Autodesk Revit. You can synchronize models multiple times
with confidence, throughout the project lifecycle. Tekla Structural Designer
provides powerful and unique auditing tools to highlight exactly what has
been added, changed or deleted during integration. This reduces the risk of
errors and ensures you are kept fully informed during the integration
process.

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THE EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTION OF SOFTWARE
APPLICATIONS IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING Asmaa G. Salih1, Heba A. Ahmed2 Volume 5, Issue 12,
December (2014), pp. 316-333

In this paprediscuss about usage in civil engineering business and

construction process has been presented. Computers reduce all the extensive
work specifically through the introduction of programs and software. Lately,
software development has effectively contributed in various civil
engineering disciplines, as it provides engineers with the ability to perform
variety of complex calculations, modeling, drafting, designing practice and
several analysis processes for civil engineering infrastructure. Many
commercial companies that provide users with thousands of software are
available today in the markets. However, the recent requirement is to select
the suitable software that can perform multi engineering tasks efficiently and
satisfy more specific users’ demands. In this regard, this paper presents lists
of common software that is used in civil engineering field with their
contributions in civil engineering applications.
Software plays a central role in almost all aspects of daily life. It can
be defined as the instructions, which provide functionality of the program
that requires performing a specific type of data processing in a professional
manner to accomplish a task. The number, size, and application domains of
computer programs have grown dramatically. As a result, hundreds of
billions are being spent on software development, and the livelihood and
lives of most people depend on the effectiveness of this development.

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CONCLUSION
Software is an extremely powerful tool and can be adapted to specific
needs in order to serve the intended purpose of any project. The principle
intention of this paper is to demonstrate the huge development of software
contribution that is applied by civil engineers, which aims at improving the
quality of earth civilization. Many programming companies are available
today and interested in providing the global market with thousands of
software as well as the supporting features needed to make them user-
friendly, better suited, more flexible and effective. Software performance in
multiple and complex calculations has successful contributions due to their
principles. The principles of the software, which always stands out as a
valuable asset, are saving time, reducing the civil engineer’s workload and
manpower, lowering total cost and ensuring a high level of accuracy. It can
be concluded from the forgoing that civil engineering software is
contributing effectively in order to facilitate many research and practical
applications. As a consequence, civil engineers have become able to
accomplish and achieve what they have not been able to accomplish
previously in terms of quantity and quality.

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