Using spreadsheets and VBA for teaching civil engineering concepts

Spreadsheets are becoming increasingly popular in solving engineering related problems. Among the strong features of spreadsheets are their instinctive cell-based structure and easy to use capabilities. Excel, for example, is a powerful spreadsheet with VBA robust programming capabilities that can be a powerful tool for teaching civil engineering concepts. Spreadsheets can do basic calculations such as cost estimates, schedule and cost control, and markup estimation, as well as structural calculations of reactions, stresses, strains, deflections, and slopes. Spreadsheets can solve complex problems, create charts and graphs, and generate useful reports. This paper highlights the use of Excel spreadsheet and VBA in teaching civil engineering concepts and creating useful applications. The focus is on concepts related to construction management and structural engineering ranging from a simple cost estimating problem to advanced applications like the simulation using PERT and the analysis of structural members. Several spreadsheet were developed for time-cost tradeoff analysis, optimum markup estimation, simulating activities with uncertain durations, scheduling repetitive projects, schedule and cost control, and optimization of construction operations, and structural calculations of reactions, internal forces, stresses, strains, deflections, and slopes. Seven illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the use of spreadsheets as a powerful tool for teaching civil engineering concepts.