Application of Microcomputers and Generic Software in Engineering Geology

Abstract

Research Article| August 01, 1986 Application of Microcomputers and Generic Software in Engineering Geology PETER J. TARKOY PETER J. TARKOY Geotechnical Consultant 102 North Main Street, Sherborn, MA 01770 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Environmental and Engineering Geoscience (1986) xxiii (3): 221–242. https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxiii.3.221 Article history first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation PETER J. TARKOY; Application of Microcomputers and Generic Software in Engineering Geology. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience 1986;; xxiii (3): 221–242. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xxiii.3.221 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental and Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract The computer is merely another tool, no more sophisticated than the slide rule when it was first invented. Before the seventies the ability to use a slide rule was necessary for math, science, and engineering students. In the early seventies hand calculators replaced slide rules. In the late seventies microcomputers replaced some hand calculators and some main frame computers. They etched out a niche of their own by actually solving problems barely defined before this point in time.The initial tide of “computer hackers” developed the earlier forms of simple utility programs which were later developed into some of the powerful generic software on the market today.The availability of today's generic software makes it unnecessary to have the ability to program or understand the workings of a computer. Available software, although not specifically designed to perform geological, geotechnical, engineering, and construction functions, has proven to be limited only by the user's imagination.Examples of the application of generic software to geological, geotechnical, engineering, and construction problems will be illustrated. Illustrations will also be given of custom/specific computer programs which are based on the use of computer graphics. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this article.