Application of Web Services for Structural Engineering Systems
Hung-Ming Chen, Yu-Chin Lin, Yi-Feng Chao · Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering · 2006
The Internet has revolutionized the way computing is done and the way software systems work. Many systems, such as search engines and PC games, have utilized Web-related technologies for Web-based systems. However, the application of Web-based engineering software is still in its infancy, especially regarding engineering computing. This paper presents a prototype development of Web-based structural engineering systems by utilizing modern computer graphics and information technology to provide Web-based analytical services. The system design emphasizes platform-independence, graphical interface, system performance, and a multiple-user environment. The user needs only an Internet-connected machine to access high-performance services provided at remote sites over the Web. This framework will provide users a powerful tool to efficiently perform analysis with minimal computer resource requirements. The user will always have access to the most up-to-date and functional system with no client-side updates or maintenance required. Two Web-based system implementations are given as examples in this paper.