Computer programs that can be used in foundation design

Abstract

In the mid 1950’s major changes began to occur in engineering and science with the introduction of digital computers. It was also during this time when computer became easily accessible to engineers outside of a laboratory environment. The use of computers relieve the engineer from the time-consuming and error prone calculations required in any type of engineering analysis and design. Programs began to appear which performed many of these engineering computations from input supplied by the engineer. Modern foundation engineering investigates the behavior of foundation and develop more rational methods which includes the following areas: 1. Geotechnical engineering 2. Structural engineering 3. Construction engineering A foundation is a structural member so we must understand the sources and nature of structural loads and the structure’s tolerance of foundation movements. It is also very important for the foundation engineer to have a thorough understanding of construction methods and equipment to develop a design that can be economically built.