Computer technology changed drastically during the 1980s. Microcomputers now perform functions that only large, expensive mainframe computers performed a decade ago. Computers are used by a rapidly growing majority of construction firms. A study was conducted to investigate computer applications in various aspects of the construction industry, such as planning, surveying, design, graphics, prebidding, budgeting, scheduling, quality and cost controls, and equipment management. A questionnaire was sent to various companies in the construction industry concerning (a) the type of construction, (b) the annual dollar volume of business, (c) the types of computers used, (d) the types of software used, (e) the percent of time a computer is used to perform various construction tasks, and (f) the effect of computers on the advancement of the construction industry. The results indicated that minicomputers are used predominantly in all types of construction tasks. Commercial software is more commonly used and requires constant revision and improvement. Software problems are the major cause of user dissatisfaction. In general, the computer has benefited the construction industry, and the number of users is increasing. The computerization of scheduling techniques and construction material codings has helped improve the speed and accuracy of computer data entry. The construction industry needs to enhance user capabilities to save costs. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1282, Transportation construction 1990.
Samenvatting