On the development of computer-assisted instruction software and its initial application to fracture mechanics of concrete with intelligent data interpretation

With the depth and breadth of our knowledge growing at an ever-increasing rate, it becomes extremely important that this knowledge be available in a usable format. On the leading edge of technology is the development of intelligent database systems that provide up to date knowledge on an ever growing number of subjects.;To aid in the systematic organization and use of this knowledge, a computer assisted instruction computer program has been written. This program, called Hyper Manual, provides the framework for the development of intelligent database applications. Hyper Manual incorporates hypertext, multimedia, a graphical user interface, and machine intelligence concepts to provide a tool that can author any number of topic specific applications. Any application written with Hyper Manual is portable, inexpensive to reproduce and updatable. Its ability to access other software makes any application written with it more powerful. The program is a Microsoft Windows 3.1 application written in C++, an object oriented programming language that allows for modularity and growth.;Hyper Manual is used to develop FRACMECH, a fracture mechanics of concrete application. FRACMECH is the beginnings of a complete application on the subject of fracture mechanics of concrete. The completed application would aid in the transfer of knowledge and technology in the field of fracture mechanics. It provides the user with a knowledge base that is organized and referenced, making the information readily usable and accessible. FRACMECH provides sections on learning about fracture mechanics principles, fracture mechanics testing programs, structural applications using fracture mechanics concepts and accesses a large database of published literature on the topic of fracture mechanics of concrete. In addition, FRACMECH has access to two software applications, NeuroNet, a neural network creation application and TPLOT, a finite element demonstration. NeuroNet provides the FRACMECH user the ability to analyze, interpret and evaluate test data using a neural network approach. An example using NeuroNet to analyze and interpret fracture test data is provided. TPLOT demonstrates how other software applications can be linked to FRACMECH.