Data management with microcomputers in geotechnical engineering practice

Abstract

The art and science of Geotechnical Engineering involves the assimilation of large quantities of data from different sources and the exercise of judgment to achieve appropriate engineering solutions. The availability of low cost portable microcomputers affords an opportunity to improve the efficiency and quality of data assimilation, allowing the geotechnical specialists to concentrate on applying their skills and judgment to the engineering problem in hand. This paper describes the advantages and difficulties of that approach in commercial practice with particular reference to software for the preparation of borehole logs.