This page contains some civil engineering programs I find useful in my work. They are offered as freeware. Click on the appropriate image to try the applet version of each program. You must have the latest Java JRE (Java Runtime Environment) plugin installed. It is available at java.sun.com for free.
Please note that windows systems sometimes have trouble with "jar" files. Windows, and some archiving programs, will often interpret or even rename the files to have a "zip" extension. There are no zip files on this site. If your system thinks these are zip files, rename them to have "jar" extensions. You may need to disable interfering archival programs, or reinstall the Java Runtime Environment for the programs to run properly. You should be able to double-click on the "jar" file to make the program run.
ChannelFlow (updated Jan 2006)
A program for analyzing and designing open channels of all varieties; natural channels, pipes, culverts, curbs and inlets, ditches, with cross-sections and graphs for quick and easy visual verification, and tabular output.[download jar file by right clicking here and using "save target as"]
BasinFlow (updated Apr 2006)
A routing program for analyzing and designing small ponds and water collection facilities; a quick, easy to use ,and yet powerful modeling tool for the hydraulics engineer. It offers easy, yet flexible input, with detailed, and graphical summaries of routing data.[download jar file by right clicking here and using "save target as"]
CalcPro
A calculation or math processor for computing math in text files, an easy way to preserve and tweak those repetitive or complicated manual computations. This is a very useful and flexible tool when you get accustomed to it. It fills the niche between a text editor and a spreadsheet. If you are familiar with math processors, think of it as a primitive version, without the cost.[download jar file by right clicking here and using "save target as"]
Vol
An earthwork and volume modeling program. This is a powerful tool for computing earthwork quantities, with a dynamic wireframe viewer for visual verification. It is most useful for computing earthwork volumes for roads.[download jar by right clicking here and using "save target as"
Fem
A finite element program for modeling beams, trusses, and frames with varying end conditions. This is a flexible tool for structural analysis, with a dynamic wireframe viewer which incorporates deflected shapes. (This program has not had thorough testing, so verify your answers as much as possible.)[download jar file by right clicking here and using "save target as"]
CxChan
A program for analyzing channels of complex cross-setion. This is an application of the Chezy-Manning equation for channels of varying depth and roughness. Like all these programs, it has a graphical component for intuitive verification.[download jar file by right clicking here and using "save target as"]
CubicMaze
A 3D maze generation program. Fun mazes of any size, and true three dimensional puzzels, in addition to the traditional flat mazes. I wrote this after Mazeworks.com sparked my interest. My kids liked it.
All of the programs on this site use regular text files for input and output. The input and output files are one and the same. This method offers the most flexibility and least hardware and software difficulties. However, to print output you will need a word processor, and to print graphics you will need a screen capture program. (There are plenty of free versions out there.)
For inquiries, I can be reached at gbrooks@albemarle.org