Computer-aided design in civil engineering

The paper reviews the development and current status of computer-aided design (CAD) in structural-engineering, a branch of civil engineering. The Similarities to and differences from electrical engineering practice are emphasized. The presentation deals first with well-developed CAD application areas, namely those supporting analysis, component selection and the preparation of design documents, Problematic areas, still subject to intense research, in synthesis, optimization, the representation of design specifications, the use of databases and the role of software engineering tools are briefly described.