ABSTRACT
In the past two decades, remarkable developments have occurred in the —eld of computer hardware and software. Advancements in computer technology have spurred the development of scienti—c simulation and visualization of problems, which traditionally have been addressed via experimentation and theoretical models. Such capabilities now offer the solution of problems thought “unsolvable” before, and are consequently, the reason behind the progress made in a number of areas in civil engineering. As a result of these rapid advances, a revolution has occurred in civil engineering research and practice. A third aspect, computing, has been added to the theoretical and experimental aspects of the —eld to form the basis of new civil engineering. Simulation plays an increasing critical role in all areas of science and engineering. Exciting examples of these simulations are occurring in areas such as automotive crashworthiness for component design in the auto industry, and Boeing 777 for system design and manufacturing in aerospace.
