Microcomputers in Civil Engineering: Use and Misuse

Abstract

The decreasing cost of the microcomputer has made its increasing capability available to civil engineering firms of all sizes and specialties. This availability, coupled with the fast growing library of engineering computer software, has greatly expanded the engineer's effectiveness, thus allowing the engineer to be more competitive in the marketplace. With this increase in microcomputer and software availability several ethical questions concerning possible microcomputer misuse have arisen that need to be addressed. The black box syndrome, infinite accuracy, data/input integrity, instant expertise, and lack of judgment are identified as the misuses of microcomputers of most concern. These misuses are best avoided with engineers being educated as to the ethical use of microcomputers. This ethical use centers around the following recommendations: (1) understanding the software's philosophy; (2) ascertaining the sofrware's suitability and design acceptability; (3) giving proper attention to the university level civil engineering computer curricula; (4) including appropriate language in codes of ethics; and (5) realizing it is the professional responsibility of the engineer to use the microcomputer as a powerful design aid only, not allowing his judgment to be sacrificed.