Excel book from ASCE with handy engineering examples

I just ordered this book from ASCE: "Engineering with the Spreadsheet: Structural Engineering Templates Using Excel". $56.

http://www.asce.org/bookstore/book.cfm?book=5961

I do not normally collect Excel books but this one intrigued me because there is a focus on developing "templates" for engineering applications, with emphasis on debugging, traceability, documentation, etc....in other words, creating a reliable and durable calculating machine that is self-documenting.

What really blows me away is a look at the table of contents, wherein there are tons of examples on wind, seismic, column base plates, wave action, all sorts of cool things that I get into and would like some more hand-holding on.

(I guess I should've written a real review of the book after I've gotten it and read it! I hope it lives up to the hype

 

[DaveVikingPE]

I was sent the ad by e-mail. I own two books on spreadsheets, "Writing Excel Macros" by Steven Romans and "1-2-3 for Scientists and Engineers" by William Orvis. The latter pertains to, naturally, Lotus 1-2-3 - DOS-based at that.

Both books have proved to be quite useful, though I haven't used Lotus for about ten years.

I'm interested in this book you mention (I saw the ad the other day via e-mail from ASCE). $56 is pretty steep, but, as you mention, the TOC shows some pretty intriguiing examples, like wave forces, seismic comparisons, etc. Let me/us know if it's worth the price ($56 is for ASCE members).

 

[Panars]

I also saw this book and debated whether to buy it.
I have a book "EXCEL for Engineers and Scientists" by S.C. Bloch which I like. However, this new book focuses on structural engineering. (Although I am a geotech, I deal primarily with foundations, and deal with some structural problems quite a bit).

Please post a review. If you like it, I think I will buy it.

 

[dik]

Does it come with a CD and source?

Dik

 

[Qshake]

dik - Yes, the book comes with a CD.

The book is best for young engineers since us more experience engineers have already developed many of the applications listed in the book.

That said there is a unique approach to formating and graphics that most of us probably don't do that would be worth the effort if we had more time.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[TomBarsh]

I have to say that I have been disappointed with the book and was just letting this die.

 

[UcfSE]

What did you find disappointing about it?

 

[Qshake]

Frankly, I agree with TomBarsh but will offer that the book focuses too much on basics and formatting and not enough on automating applications. For example we all know (most engineers anyway) that numerical integration, regression analysis and many code logic decisions can be accomplished via a spreadsheet - but how can you effectively and clearly communicate the VBA process to that. Now that would have been worth the money.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.