APPLICATION OF NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON CONCRETE: AN OVERVIEW

The development of information technology provides means for quick access to a wide variety of information and methods of modelling complex systems. Simulation models, databases, decision support systems and artificial intelligence have currently become more accessible. Advances of these techniques continue to impact highly on civil engineering. The aim of this paper is to present recent developments in information technology and their influence on concrete technology. A historical perspective on researches and a review of the application of artificial intelligence techniques on concrete are presented. Development of computer integrated knowledge systems, approach of virtual systems and software for concrete mix design are also discussed. These systems have greatly affected handling tasks in civil engineering design over the past decade and promise to have revolutionary impacts on the nature of the design tasks in the future. They are considered useful and powerful tools which are able to solve complex problems and represent a scientific challenge in concrete technology.