OPERATING SYSTEMS Operating systems manage all of a computers software and hardware by ensuring that active programs are

allocated the resources required (in terms of memory and processing speed) for optimal performance. Operating systems also provide a user friendly interface so that a computer can be used without any understanding of programming languages. There are a number of operating systems on the market with two of the most common being Microsoft Windows and Linux. While being broadly similar in terms of what they do there are, nevertheless, some significant differences between them. Around 90% of computer users run windows; hence, most computer hardware is configured for use with Windows operating systems and will run as with minimum fuss. Linux users, on the other hand, may have to spend more time searching for appropriate driver software in order to run new hardware. The source code for Linux can be modified by anyone with sufficient programming knowledge which allows for easy customisation to suit the preferences of individual users or to overcome bugs in the software. By contrast, the source code for Windows is inaccessible and can only be modified by Microsoft.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Project management software is used automate processes such as document management (i.e. receiving, sending, storing and responding to documents), budgeting, tracking costs and scheduling labour, resources and project phases. Examples of project management software include Microsoft Project and Primavera. One of the most common uses of this software on civil engineering projects is the scheduling of tasks. This involves dividing the project into a number of individual tasks to which time and resources can be allocated. The tasks can then be placed into a logical sequence and analysed. The software will identify critical path activities (tasks which must be completed in a given amount of time in order to meet the project completion date) as well as highlight labour requirements. DESIGN PACKAGES Design packages are used to model and analyse civil engineering structures. Given the wide range of sub-disciplines in civil engineering, software is typically specialised with packages being available for geotechnical design, hydraulics, structural design and highways/traffic management. Some examples of design software are given below:

TEDDS is a package that simplifies the design of common structural elements in steel, concrete, masonry and timber in accordance with selected design standards (i.e. Eurocodes). In addition, TEDDS is compatible with S-FRAME software that is capable of analysing complete structures as opposed to individual elements. S-FRAME can also be used in conjunction with S-STEEL and S-CONCRETE for complete frame designs. ARCADY and PICADY are traffic management software packages capable of analysing traffic flows at roundabouts and roads & junctions respectively. These packages take account of the relationship between traffic flow and the geometric properties of the roundabout/road/junction in order to assess capacities, queues, delays and even accident risk. DRAUGHTING PACKAGES Computer Aided Draughting (CAD) packages are used to create the technical drawings that comprise what is arguably the most important set of documents on a civil engineering project. Drawings may be created from scratch or built up from a library of pre-drawn standard details. Amending CAD drawings is also quick and easy unlike pen and ink drawings that required careful use of a razor blade to delete mistakes. Some examples of draughting software are given below: AutoCAD is the industry standard insofar as 2D drawings are concerned. It simplifies key detailing tasks such as hatching and dimensioning, and can be customised by altering system variables to suit user preferences. In addition, the wide range of commands allow the experienced user to create complex and accurate drawings very quickly. AutoCAD is capable of 3D modelling but specialised packages, such as Revit, are available which and are far better suited to the modelling of civil engineering structures than AutoCAD alone. An advantage of modelling in 3D is that sections can be created quickly through any part of the structure to show complex details. In addition, many 3D packages can provide a list of material quantities which simplifies the job of the cost management consultant. AutoCAD can be used in conjunction with other software packages to simplify the detailing of structures in specific materials. MULTI-RC, for example, is an add-on package that speeds up the detailing of reinforced concrete structures. The software includes a library of rebar shapes and accurate bending schedules are created automatically. Similarly, MULTI-STEEL includes a library of steel sections and can be used for quickly detailing simple steelwork connections. COLLABORATION SOFTWARE Collaboration software is designed to facilitate document sharing between groups involved in a common task such as a civil engineering construction project. At its core, collaboration software provides document management features that simplify the

exchange of information between the design team, client, contractor and project manager. Common collaboration packages are Business Collaborator and BIW. Key features of collaboration software are: Compatibility with a wide range of operating systems. Provision of a comprehensive document archive. Facilities for categorising documents in a meaningful way and in accordance with project defined criteria. Facilities for handling the revision of documents and a means by which. documents can be approved by the project manager/document controller prior to general release. A system for ensuring that relevant information is issued to the correct personnel.

For example, 4-Projects is a password controlled, web based collaboration package used by South Lanarkshire Council for their new schools projects. The main function of the package is to control the release and distribution of construction drawings. Each project has its own folder and each folder is subdivided by consultant (architect, structural engineer, services engineer etc.). When a drawing is complete it is uploaded to the appropriate folder and issued automatically to a predefined distribution group. Initially the drawing will be marked as for information only. Once the main contractor/project manager has reviewed the drawing and deemed it acceptable, the drawing status will be changed to for construction and this change of status will be circulated around the design team. The benefit of this software package is that current drawings are clearly highlighted so all members of the design team can easily check to make sure that the information they are working from is up to date.