Simulation and video software development for soil consolidation testing

The development techniques and file structures of CTM, a novel multi-media (computer simulation and video) package on consolidation and laboratory consolidation testing, are presented in this paper. A courseware tool called Authorware proved to be versatile for building the package and the paper shows in details how the file structure of CTM is implemented within Authorware. In the audio-visual parts of the package background information, animations on consolidation theory and practice as well as standard and large-scale model consolidation tests, are shown. Running the package in a multi-user examination-type setting proved to be effective for learning and control of the learning process. Content-oriented multiple-choice questions on the theoretical and professional aspects of the test are posed, and users response is evaluated and reported on log files. Student users have responded positively to this development indicating minor future improvements. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.