Civil engineering students use a variety of software in their design courses. Graduate students need special software for their research. Dedicated computer clusters are essential for instruction in these courses. Two dedicated CE computer clusters are available for civil engineering undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, the university-supported computer clusters are also available for them.

Software on the machines in the dedicated clusters reflects state-of-the-art-computing capability in the areas of civil engineering design, surveying, construction estimating and project scheduling. In addition, the Microsoft suite of programs is available including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Currently the two clusters together have 34 computers that are connected to the NDSU backbone. Students are able to prepare reports for class projects in the cluster and access this information over the network for presentation throughout campus. Portable computers and projectors are available for check out for these presentations. A HP LaserJet 4000 printer is hooked up to these computers.

Examples of software include:

• AutoCAD 2002
• RISA and MARCK structural engineering software
• Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering computer programs
• Environmental software
• "Sight" Survey for Windows surveying software
• Site Planner and Project
• Primavera project scheduling software
• Timberline estimating software