USE OF INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING EDUCATION: AN EXAMPLE.

Recent improvements in mini-maintenance and microcomputers and the introduction of user-oriented computer programs have encouraged civil engineers to use computers extensively, and civil engineering educators to introduce computers to the classroom. Even though exclusive use of computers in civil engineering courses may not be fully warranted, it is necessary for the computers to be incorporated to an appreciable extent to enhance the understanding of fundamental principles and to facilitate coursework computation and analysis. This program uses the Hardy-Cross method to balance flowrates in a network of pipes that form a water distribution system. The program uses interactive BASIC language and communicates with the user in a dialogue manner. It has several features that make it easy to use and simple to correct mistakes. Preliminary results of its application in a water and wastewater engineering course show that the students find the program simple to use, helpful, and worth the time and effort required for use.