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Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Unit-I Soft Computing Techniques 1a. Enlist the characteristic uses of soft computing techniques in civil engineering....

Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Unit-I Soft Computing Techniques 1a. Enlist the characteristic uses of soft computing techniques in civil engineering. Unit Outcomes 1b. Identify merits and demerits of soft computing techniques. (UOs) 1c. Understand the general features of software‟s used in Civil (in cognitive Engineering domain) 1d. Suggest the suitable software/s for the given construction activity. 1.1 Introduction of soft computing techniques and its types, Merits and Demerits of soft computing technique, Graphical User Interface (GUI). 1.2 Introduction, Salient features and applications of software‟s - Topics Build-Master, HEC-RAS, STRAP, WaterGEMS, Tekla, ArcGIS, and QuikGrid, STAAD.Pro, SAFE, RISA-Connection, MIDAS, Sub-topics LUSAS, BricsCAD, Estimate Master, Procore, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Primavera Pro, Virtual Reality Software-VR, MX Road Software, Building Planning & Management System (BPMS), Plaxis 3D. 1.1 Introduction: A few decades ago, when the computers and software‟s were in their initial stage, planning and construction of buildings was quite slow. Further, due to rapid technological revolution, civil engineering companies speed up the construction ensuring quality and strength. Today there are several friendly user software‟s available in the field of civil engineering practices to build large and challenged projects in short time. The techniques of soft computing were introduced in early and now it become a major research and study area particularly in automatic control engineering. Civil engineering design software has proven to help in reducing the cost and minimizes the human error associated with project. The techniques of soft computing are nowadays being used successfully in many domestic, commercial and industrial applications. With the advent of low-cost and high performance digital processors, it is clear that the techniques and application areas of soft computing shall have bright future to expand. The soft computing methods are using successfully in the field of engineering and technology as neutral networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithm, machine learning, probabilistic reasoning etc. 1.1.2 Merits:  The computing techniques assist engineers in solving linear and non-linear problems where mathematical models not available.  Software‟s can increase productivity and efficiency in designing and modeling in every subset of the technological field.  With the help of software‟s, one can easily alter the methodology and design solution. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 1 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  It improves the accuracy, precision, control, understanding, learning, recognition etc.  Software‟s develop the communication and collaboration between the engineers and users.  The software test accurate mapping generation, analyses and models through simulation.  Provide the number of benefits for standardizing the industry work culture, product quality etc.  The civil engineering design software‟s helps in getting accurate solution in short time so that structure being constructed within schedule, safe and stable.  It gives closer to human thinking and robust solution at reasonable cost.  Soft computing techniques deal with ambiguous situations like imprecision and uncertainty. 1.1.3 Demerits:  Difficulty of getting experts in the field of soft computing techniques.  The learning curves may especially difficult to those who are newer in the field.  Civil engineering design requires large memory of computer. Application: Application of soft computing techniques in the different areas such as handwriting recognition, image processing & data compression, design & detailing, automotive systems & manufacturing, soft computing in architecture, decision support system etc. Features of civil Engineering software’s:  Drawing: This feature enables to users to draw basic lines, create plan and shapes in faster to act as the foundation design for structures.  3D modeling: This functionality allows user to create 3D models of the structures for they are designing. These models can be fleshed out with realistic details so they can look as close to what the engineer envisioned as possible.  Editing: Civil engineering design tools provide the capabilities for user to edit their design as they deem necessary with functionalities such as erase, trim, undo and more.  Rendering: This feature takes a 3D model and places it into a fully realized 3D environment so that user can better visualize what and how their final product will look like.  File inter-operability: this ensures that the file created from the solution is compatible with a number of advanced design and imaging applications  Sequencing: some tools provide the option for users to sequence the steps i.e. They can create and animate the steps, materials etc  Advanced features: the unique features like analysis of diversified structural elements, structural modeling of various elements, structural dynamic analysis and checking of geometrical errors. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 2 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Requirements of civil engineering design software:  Sustainable structures: sustainable design has become an incredibly relevant trend within the construction and engineering fields. That means there will be an increase in element for smart materials, intelligent electric grid, smart building and more. Hence, civil engineering design software solutions will likely adapt to accommodate these trent‟s.  Advance materials: the civil engineering industry is starting to introduce advanced materials that are able to adapt to external conditions. As this becomes more relevant in industry, civil engineering tools change to accommodate this kind of design.  3D printing: the trend of 3D printing demand has been recently reached the civil engineering space, as 3D printing is capable of turning design created within civil engineering models into a physical model. 1.1.4 Graphical User Interface (GUI): In computer technology, there are several types of interfaces such as user interface which allows the user to communicate with the operating system through keyboard, mouse, and menus of a computer system. Further, hardware user interface includes wires, plugs and sockets that hardware devices use to communicate with each other. Hence, GUI is a collection of software program that use the computer's graphics to make apps easy to use and allows user to interact with the electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators. The main components of a GUI are a pointer (symbol on the screen), icons, windows, menus, scroll bars, tabs, menu and input device to operate the computer and software. 1.2 Introduction to common software’s: The various kinds of civil engineering software are resulting to create and develop the various infrastructures within community. However, from the view of software‟s applications to the civil engineering, following are the relevant software‟s are described in brief as 1.2.1 Build-Master: Build-Master is most popular Indian software for RCC building design and an application release for the automation tool, designed by the software development team, Inedo. Build- Master is the flagship software of Ensoft which is a complete package for RCC building analysis, design, drawing and estimation. BUILD-MASTER is user friendly software and complex functions of the package are driven by simple menu commands. This software is an automated deployment tool which is using by the reputed design engineers all over India. It combines the features to manage and automate processes primarily related to continuous integration, database change scripts and production deployments. This tool is browser-based and able to be used “out-of-the box”. Features:  Build Master is simple to install, learn and use.  Build Master also has a tight integration with PowerShell and is often used along with other DevOps tools. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 3 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  Single user version software comes on CD and the same can be installed on multiple computers whereas it runs only on one computer at a time where the lock is connected.  The schematic 3D elevation of building is generated from the same plan data at various levels.  Build Master can ensure the protection of sensitive information.  The detailed working drawings are prepared without entering even a line command in drafting package. Application:  It is a complete package for analysis, design, drawing and estimation of RC buildings.  The program perform earthquake and wind analysis by generating 3D space frame model.  It is employed to manage, store, control access to tokens, passwords, and API Key that are involved in deployments.  Measurements at site can be cross-checked easily at the office before billing of bar bending schedule, generated by BUILD-MASTER can be sent to site for action by fitters. 1.2.2 HEC-RAS: It is a computer program that models the hydraulics of water flow through natural rivers and other channels. HEC-RAS is a computer program for modeling water flowing through systems of open channels and computing water surface profiles. The program was developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in order to manage the rivers, harbors, and other public works under their jurisdiction. The Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) in Davis and California developed the River Analysis System (RAS) to aid hydraulic engineers in channel flow analysis and floodplain determination. Features:  Use feature objects and a TIN to develop the geometry of a HEC-RAS model.  It creates cross sections, edit and merge in a database for use with HEC-RAS and other hydraulic models.  Delineate floodplain from water surface elevation data and the same can be computed by HEC-RAS, defined interactively, or imported from a file.  It is in the public domain with peer-reviewed and available to download free of charge from HEC's web site.  It is applicable to uncertainty in modeling parameters on a delineated floodplain. Applications:  It is capable of modeling subcritical, supercritical, and mixed flow regime flow along with effects of bridges, culverts, weirs, and structures.  HEC-RAS finds commercial application in floodplain, management and studies to evaluate floodway encroachments. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 4 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  It is often possible to use HEC-RAS to overcome instability issues on river problems.  The extended version of HECRAS is applicable to bridge design, culvert design, dam analysis and channel modification etc.  It is used for modeling water flowing through systems of open channels and computing water surface profiles. 1.2.3 STRAP: STRAP (Structural Analysis Programs) is sophisticated and user-friendly software that allows engineers to design and analyze of many different structures. It is a windows-based suite used with finite element static and dynamic analysis programs to buildings, bridges and other structures. This software is one of the most comprehensive and versatile structural analysis and design software systems available in the market today. It is extremely used by large construction companies, government agencies, international agencies, engineering firms, educational and research organizations worldwide. STRAP software‟s has unique design capabilities make it an outstanding structural design program in the practices. It also includes modules for the design of steel sections and reinforced concrete structural elements in accordance with American, European, Canadian and other international codes. Features:  STRAP contains a "wizard" library of standard structures that enable you to define your model by specifying only a few parameters and may be extended by the user.  Load combinations can be created after analysis is performed and combinations can be changed instantly without solving the model again.  STRAP enables you to copy any part of the model without concern for duplicate beams and nodes as the program automatically eliminates them.  It is powerful which enables to assemble easily to a complex structure with repetitive parts and each defined as a sub-model.  The program utilizes 64-bit processors so solution time for large models can be reduced up to 90% on computers with four processors.  The graphical interface of STRAP is very powerful and at the same time interactive with easy to use.  Every drawing on the screen can be printed, imported into other documents and drawings.  STRAP uses graphical input for the generation of models and loads. Applications:  STRAP is suitable for analysis and design of frames, towers, tanks, bridges, domes and just about any elastic structure.  It is the easiest to use due to its superb graphic user interface (GUI) and context- sensitive help system.  It is used for the analysis and design of wide range of skeletal and continuum structures such as buildings, bridges, shells, towers and more. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 5 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  Complete analysis and design can be performed for any structure without ever referring to joint or beam numbers.  This software used for modal analysis, seismic response spectra calculations according to many codes and time-history response calculations.  STRAP used for designing and detailing of reinforced concrete structures, post- tensioned concrete, structural steel and composite members.  This software can be used for automatic bridge analysis and design of water retaining structures. 1.2.4 Water GEMS: Bentley open flows Water GEMS provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use for water distribution networks. This software helps to improve the knowledge of how infrastructure behaves as a system, how it reacts to operational strategies and how it should grow as population and demands increases. Open flows Water GEMS is the hydraulic modeling application software for water distribution systems with advanced interoperability, asset management tools, geospatial model building and optimization. The users of this software enjoy the power and versatility afforded by working across CAD, GIS, and standalone platform while accessing a single, shared, project data source. Water GEMS is a superset of Water CAD so will get data as obtained from Water CAD plus more with Water GEMS. Features:  It creates and manages the customized reports that automatically combine graphs, data tables, color-coded and annotated plan views.  Access tools quickly through a modernized ribbon-based user interface with built-in search to find commands more easily.  It is used to run historical simulations using actual operation of pump and valve control based on SCADA system records.  It automatically assigns elevation values to junctions, tanks, pumps, valves, reservoirs, and fire hydrants, saving engineers time and avoiding potential manual-input mistakes.  WaterGEMS also provides drawing and connectivity review tools to have guarantee about hydraulically coherent model. Applications:  This Bentley‟s tool used for real-time predictive and operational analytics for decision support.  Engineers at utilities, municipalities, and civil engineering firms use WaterGEMS for the analysis and design of water distribution systems.  Building a water-distribution network system and network design optimization.  This software is used for water quality analysis.  It is employed for model calibration.  WaterGEMS provides synchronized database connections, geospatial links and advanced model-building modules that connect with virtually any digital data format. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 6 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  WaterGEMS‟ helps engineers to allocate water demands based on GIS water consumption data from any point, line, or polygon using customer meters, lump-sum demand distribution, population-estimation polygons, or utility meter routes. 1.2.5 Tekla: Tekla is a software product family that consists of software for analysis, design & detailing and project communication in all modern construction projects. It is a building information modeling software which is able to model the structures that incorporate different kinds of building materials including steel, concrete, timber and glass. Tekla allows structural drafters and engineers to design a building structure by using its components using 3D modeling which generate 2D drawings and access building information. Features:  The software enables users to create and manage 3D structural models in concrete or steel and guides them through the process from concept to fabrication.  Tekla Structures is known to support large models with multiple simultaneous users, but is regarded as relatively expensive, complex to learn and fully utilize.  It uses only one tool for all materials (concrete, timber, steel etc) and projects.  Open collaboration and collaborate with project members and third parties.  Localized software gets help from local support in more than 20 languages.  It is powerful software automate your repetitive structural calculations.  One can choose from one or more of our regularly updated calculation libraries or can write his own.  Single solution for all common element and material.  It creates transparent calculations that are easy to check.  This software compares different design options and makes changes quickly. Applications:  Tekla Structures is used in the construction industry for steel and concrete, detailing, precast, and cast-in-situ.  Engineers have used to model the stadiums, offshore structures, plants, factories, residential buildings, bridges and skyscrapers.  It is used for different kind of purposes such as business, education and partner.  This software is used to write, store and distribute your own custom calculations.  It is used to analyses the frame such as trusses, cranked beams and portal frames.  The software visualizes input and results graphically in real time. 1.2.6 ArcGIS: This software is GIS software developed by ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute).It is an architecture geographic information system for working with maps and geographic information. It provides tools for mapping and spatial reasoning so that the data can be explored. It allows seeing where things are happening and how information is connected. It offers capabilities for applying location based analysis. ArcGIS contains two Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 7 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) programs such as ArcMap and Arc Catalog, collectively referred as ArcGIS desktop. Features:  Spatial analysis is the heart and soul of ArcGIS. It gives ability to create, use and share maps on any device.  It has tool to manage, process, analyze and share imagery.  It consists of four key software parts. Applications:  It is used for creating as well as using maps, compiling geographic data and analyzing mapped information.  It can be used for sharing and discovering geographic information and managing geographic information in a database.  It can be used to find the best location for the business, plan for smarter communities, prepare and respond faster in crucial simulations.  It is used to collect, crowd source, store, access and share data efficiently and securely. 1.2.7 Quick Grid: It is free software for data users and having special extension for Google Chrome with which 2D or 3D grid can be created from a set of scattered data. This software is a program which will read in a set of scattered data points in which surface is represented by three coordinates x, y and z. This program will generate a grid from this data and then display the surface as a contour map or as a 3D representation. Features:  The grid will be displayed as a wire frame or as a hidden surface grid.  The grid and contour lines may be output as DXF file.  The generated grid may be output to a file as a series of XYZ triplets. Applications:  It is used to prepare a 2D or 3D grid from a set of data.  It is used to prepare contour maps. 1.2.8 STAAD.Pro: This software is developed by Bentley which is 3D structural analysis and design software. It performs comprehensive analysis and design for any size or type of structure. There are three flexible STAAD.Pro options such as a) STAAD.Pro which is the basic software which includes Finite Element Method analysis and physical modeling, b) STAAD.Pro Advanced, which is faster, more advanced and can do complex analysis and c) Structural Enterprise, the most popular structural applications in a single license. Features:  It converts physical model into analytical model automatically. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 8 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  It can optimize concrete and steel BIM workflows with the full integration of physical members and surfaces.  It can design for high seismic regions or every conditions using finite element analysis.  It can analyze and design simple or complex structures for a wide range of loading conditions including gravity loads in combination with lateral loads.  It can share structural models.  It uses international structural profiles. Applications:  It can design steel, concrete, timber, aluminum and cold formed steel structures.  It can design using nearly all international design codes. 1.2.9 SAFE: It is the tool for modeling, analysis, design and detailing of concrete floor system and foundations. Laying out model is quick and efficient with this program. The data from CAD, spreadsheet or database programs can be imported. Slabs and foundations can be of any shape and can include edges shaped with circular and spline curves. Features:  Laying out model is quick and efficient.  The data can be imported from CAD, spreadsheet or data base program.  Slabs or foundations can be of any shape.  Post tensioning may be included in both, slabs and beams to balance a percentage of the self-weight.  Suspended slabs can include flat, two way, waffle and ribbed framing system.  Models can have columns, braces, walls and ramps connected from the floors above and below.  Comprehensive and customized reports are available for all analysis and design results.  Detailed plans, sections, elevations, schedules and tables are generated which can be printed. Applications:  It is useful for modeling, analysis, design and detailing of concrete slab system and foundations.  It is also useful for structural designers to design pre-stress slabs. 1.2.10 RISA Connection: RISA products are for structural design and optimization. These products are useful for the design of towers, skyscrapers, airports, stadiums, petrochemical facilities and bridges. The products of RISA are RISA 3D, RISA FLOOR, RISA FLOOR ES ,RISA FOUNDATION, RISA Connection, RISA 2D and RISA Section. RISA Connection software is useful for steel connection design with the help of 3D model. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 9 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Features:  It allows designer to build steel connections using a connection dialogue box with pictures and descriptions.  Connection can be viewed as 2D picture or 3D view.  The view can be rotated at 360 degrees to see the entire connection.  It is compatible with Windows7/8.1/10 (64 bit windows). Applications: It is useful for designing nearly all types of steel connections which includes beam to column connections, beam to Girder connection, Clip angle shear connection, End plate shear connection, End plate moment connection, Flange plate moment connection, HSS column moment connection etc. 1.2.11 MIDAS: Civil and mechanical engineers can use this software for undertaking high profile projects. The products of MIDAS are available for analysis and design of bridge engineering, building engineering, geo technical engineering and mechanical engineering. Features:  MIDAS Bridge includes MIDAS civil which is integrated analysis and design system for bridge structure.  For buildings, MIDAS Gen, software is available which includes integrated analysis and design system for buildings and general structures.  MIDAS geotechnical solution includes MIDAS GTS NX which is geotechnical analysis system. Applications:  It can be used for design of bridge structure.  Building and general structures can be analyzed and designed.  Analysis for geotechnical system can be done.  2D geotechnical solution can be obtained for practical design. 1.2.12 LUSAS: It is infrastructure design software which includes the areas such as RC frame design, rail load optimization and advanced concrete modeling which are based on finite element analysis system. The software products are available for analysis and design of bridges, structures, composite products or components etc. Features:  For reinforced concrete frame design which carries design checks subject to bending and axial forces.  Reinforcement details are defined for any regular or arbitrary shaped section.  For railway and rail bridge structures can be designed.  It can predict the internal heat generation as the concrete cures.  It computes shrinkage stresses. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 10 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Applications:  It can be used to design steel frame.  It can be used to design RC frame.  Modeling of post tensioned structures with beams and shells can be done.  Vehicle load optimization can be done including Rail road. 1.2.13 BricsCAD: It is a software application for computer aided drawing developed by Bricsys nv. This software is available for windows, Linux and Mac OS operating systems. It is available in six editions such as BricsCAD classic, BricsCAD Pro, BricsCAD Platinum, BricsCAD BIM, BricsCAD Mechanical and BricsCAD Ultimate. Features:  It includes 2D and 3D direct modeling CAD features.  It has a unique CAD system that all files can stored as.dwg file format. Applications:  It is useful for engineers, architects, designers and builders for preparing 2D draft and 3D models.  In the case of non-compiled Auto CAD applications, such as LISP, Diesel and DCL which can be loaded and executed directly in BricsCAD. 1.2.14 Estimate Master: Estimate Master is construction estimating software by Coon Creek which includes many convenient features such as automatic backup, along with simple navigation controls. Estimate Master is decent with basic estimating software. Its lower price tag makes it a good choice for general contractors and trade-subcontractors. This Estimate Master is used for general purpose of any type of construction business. Features:  Work saves every time if we move to another screen also.  You can use data from previous projects as you create new bids.  The application also has a built-in backup feature that protects you against data loss.  This software has an ability to create assemblies and new work orders.  You can also make duplicate cloned estimates, if needed which contains the final costs and may display markups, taxes, shipping and other costs.  You can customize the bid document by incorporating your company logo and defining the bid body text.  Estimate Master has a supportive help section to guide you through the initial stages of using the application.  It can be used with or without QuickBooks.  Quick and easy estimate creation.  Easy to duplicate and update estimates.  Unlimited and multiple database support. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 11 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Applications:  It can use by all Contractor and construction companies.  Use for Landscaping businesses and Floor-covering specialists.  Applicable for retailers and plumbers.  Creates a formal bid / proposal documents.  Produces formal customer bids.  Can also produce subcontractor work orders from estimates.  Estimate Master Works with Schedule Master which will turn your completed estimates into schedules. 1.2.15 Procore: Procore‟s construction management software caters to over a million users across the globe and a number of construction industries. Procore has been utilized in projects like industrial plants, office buildings, retail centers and apartment complexes. This software helps minimize costly errors and project delays all while boosting profits and efficiency. Procore is a cloud-based construction management software application that helps firms to increase their project efficiency and accountability by providing streamlined project communication and documentation. Procore‟s construction software allows firms, contractors, architects and engineers to, share data in the field, edit designs and provide up to date reports of a project‟s lifecycle. Procore‟s product portfolio supports project management, quality and safety measures, finances and field productivity. Features:  It increases project efficiency with automation, ease of access and focus on collaboration.  It mitigates risks of potential problems before they arise and also provide safety measures.  Cloud access, mobile access and backup through smart devices.  Contract management which optimizes a number of documentation processes.  It provides additional storage capabilities without additional cost.  This software gives facility of drawing management.  Models and designs can be created in 2-D and 3-D can also be shared across entire teams. Applications:  Applicable for scheduling and allocating resources. 1.2.16 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals. Software focuses on to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. This software involves the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. BIM level 3 is the only approach that fully connects the data chain from start to finish and helps to create end-to-end efficiencies. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 12 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Digital planning methods such as it enable engineering, architecture and construction professionals to coordinate the ever more complex operations at play in the real-estate planning and construction process. In addition to increasing planning security, BIM helps to enhance planning and construction quality. Following are some of the maker of BIM software Autodesk is a maker of popular BIM software platforms such as Revit and AutoCAD Civil 3D GRAPHI SOFT is the maker of ArchiCAD and Bentley Systems makes modeling and project delivery software such as AECO simBuilding Features:  To optimize the planning, construction and management of buildings.  Provides the 3-D objects library of the building.  BIM is a way to construct a building virtually, before building it in the real world.  Changes are automatically updated.  Enabling open collaboration.  Building lifecycle management.  beneficial for conventional CAD planning.  Leads to a general increase in planning security, as well as the quality and transparency.  To enable automated monitoring (e.g. achievement of project goals, detection of conflicts, etc.) and increase the efficiency of efforts to ascertain quantities and key figures. Applications:  BIM (Building Information Modeling) processes help structural engineers, detailers, and fabricators improve structural documentation, minimize errors, and streamline collaboration across teams to accelerate fabrication.  It helps to ensure the well-structured, digital documentation of project data over a building‟s entire lifecycle.  Useful for Civil and structural engineers, architects, contractors, building officials, building inspectors, prefabricated product engineers, and government officials in their work. 1.2.17 Primavera Pro: Primavera, owned by Oracle, is the sophisticated and effective project management tool which allows the engineers to plan, monitor and control the construction projects (both Civil and MEP). Primavera software is one of the basic tools used for planning, schedule, monitoring, controlling and claiming in all kind of projects especially in construction of civil engineering projects. Features:  Comprehensive, high performance, multi project planning and control software.  It helps easily prepare and control project. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 13 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  Powerful tools for global project planning.  Can balance resource capacity.  Designed to make managing large or complex projects.  Specifically, CPM scheduling can assigns dates to activities and calculates project finish dates.  Primavera, AutoCAD, and Excel generally used for mechanical engineers for design activities with required mechanical modules.  Primavera is more like an extension of Microsoft Project (MSP) involves time, resources and activities. Applications:  Used to diminish risk along with cost.  It optimizes management resources.  Can be helpful in tracking the progress of the project. 1.2.18 Virtual Reality Software-VR: Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. This environment is perceived through a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or helmet. VR is the ability to take a computer-generated 3-dimensional model and provide the ability to view, walk around and interact with the model prior to construction. The features of VR technique could be summarized as „three Is‟ which is Immersion, Interaction and Imagination. Fig 1.1 Virtual Reality Software-VR Features:  In practical aspect, VR needs relatively small space to work out and it gives the experience of actually being there on site. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 14 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603)  In risk aspect, VR experience is carrying out indoor that avoid the possibility of some accident such as fall and burn.  In cost aspect, space and the computer hardware of VR can be purchased in one shot and enable us to use over and over again.  In space and time aspect, field practice always limited by time and sites. Some civil engineering fieldwork site will no longer exist after finishing construction. However, the VR technique is able to conserve the site forever.  By combining VR technologies and 3D camera, you can stream a 360-degree video in real time and let any responsible parties have a site tour to monitor the construction progress. Applications:  VR can be used to exhibit virtual models, reconstruct a real project, and transform the text and graphics to scenes which enable to gain knowledge from it actively.  By means of the interaction function of VR technique, one can easily finish their course design in the virtual scene. Furthermore computer can score ones work specifically and give revision suggestion, achieve the aim of intellectualization of VR technique.  VR techniques provide to study in doors and understanding the key point as well as the experiment process which can‟t be exhibited by the normal experiment, such as crack initiation in the beam body and limit students‟ understanding of knowledge points.  The visualization of the distinct physical steps of a construction is shown in the virtual applications.  It brings a more engaging customizing experience because the client can visualize themselves inside the house, add furniture and paint the walls in VR to get the perfect combination for their dream home. 1.2.19 MX Road Software: MX Road is a string-based modeling tool enables the rapid and accurate designing of roads, highways, corridors, pavements, junctions, and related infrastructure. It enables users to create 2D sketches and 3D models and carry out analyses such as regression, road alignment, model, and surface analysis. It is advanced software from Bentley that ensures design quality and accuracy. The primary users of MX Road include civil engineers, surveyors, and civil/infrastructure designers. The software enables engineers to follow design standards and specifications. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 15 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Fig 1.2 MX Road Software Features:  Advanced string-based modeling tool that provides building-driven engineering environment to help accelerate project delivery for road networks, unifying design and construction processes, from concept to completion.  MX Road Software provides complete detailed design features for measurement, drainage, underground facilities and road design.  Quickly compile context data from a variety of sources, such as point clouds, 3D realistic meshes, terrain data, images and geospatial information, to bring real-world settings to road projects. Applications:  MXROAD helps to improve design quality of roads by combining traditional engineering workflows for planning, profiles and cross sections with innovative 3D modeling techniques based on parametric relationships and constraints.  Used to draw rapid and accurate designs of all kinds of roads.  Used for creating road surface, using the survey data to analyze the horizontal alignment of the road.  By using MX Road, one can incorporate necessary road elements into the design such as the super elevation, design of pavement, creating cross sections, long sections and passage for underpasses. 1.2.20 Building Planning & Management System (BPMS) (MahaVastu): It is a portal for implementing Building Plan Management System (BPMS) with a vision of standardizing various building permission processes at Municipal Councils across Maharashtra. Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation (MIT) with Department of Information Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 16 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Technology (DIT, Maharashtra) has decided to make this system available through proper evaluation process. Project covers all the councils across Maharashtra for automation and implementation of Building permissions and all workflow based systems used in the councils for different types of permissions like Plinth, occupancy etc. Solution has an innovative touch with the 3D models being prepared for the plans submitted and mobile based BPMS Connect application for inspections and real time updates to stake holders. Fig 1.3 Building Planning & Management System (BPMS) (MahaVastu) Features:  Automated building permission solution initiated by Urban Development Department, Maharashtra.  It is implemented across all over Maharashtra Applications:  Used for various building permission processes at Municipal Councils across all over Maharashtra. 1.2.21 Plaxis 3D: It is a 3D Geotechnical Engineering Software, a user-friendly, finite element package with trusted computation that is used by geotechnical engineers worldwide. It offers all the essential functionality to perform everyday deformation and safety analysis for soil and rock, which do not require the consideration of creep, steady state groundwater, consolidation analysis, or any time-dependent effects. Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 17 Emerging Trends In Civil Engineering (22603) Fig 1.4 Excavation nest to building on a pile raft foundation Features:  It offers fast, comprehensive analysis methods in a user-friendly platform.  Performs 3D analysis of deformation and stability in geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics.  It offers solutions for the unique challenges of multifaceted interactions of soil structure in foundations for building, civil, and offshore structures.  Interfaces and embedded pile elements allow modeling of relative movements between soil and foundations, such as slipping and gapping. Applications:  PLAXIS 3D provides a comprehensive solution for design and analysis of soils, rocks, and associated structures.  Used to generate quickly and reliably the sequence of construction for simple and complex excavations with the staged construction mode.  It can facilitate steady-state and transient groundwater flow calculations, including flow-related material parameters, boundary conditions, drains, and wells.  PLAXIS 3D provides a comprehensive solution for design and analysis of soils, rocks, and associated structures. References:  Inedo.com/Build Master  https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/documentation/HEC-RAS  https://ramcadds.in/software/strap/  https://www.dlubal.com/en/products/rfem-fea-software  https://www.zapmeta.co.in/  https://wiki.csiamerica.com/display/etabs/Home  https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/hydraulics-and-hydrology- software/watergems  https://www.dlubal.com/en/products/rfem-fea-software/  https://www.esri.in/landing-pages/arcgis/about-arcgis Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education 18