Standards for Computer-Based Design Studies

As a result of the large variety of computer-based studies available, their rapid evolution and their complex structures, these programs are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The following activities could be specified in detail when study bids are requested: problem review, requisite accuracy, review of available programs, program selection criteria, model verification, data preparation and output interpretation, and documentation of the modified program actually used. Many of these activities will be implemented by a reputable engineer in any case, but by including these terms of reference, all consultants proposing services will be assured that their estimates will be met, and clients will be ensuring their investment. Each of these points is explored in general terms; the examples used are appropriate to stormwater management modeling studies; however, the principles could be applied to any computer-based design study.