Engineering Approach to Problem Solving

Engineering Method Identify the problem Gather needed information Search for creative solutions Move from ideas to preliminary design Prepare reports, plans, and specifications Implement the design

Step 1 - Identification of Problem A. Very important step B. Listen to the needs of your clients C. Don’t go in thinking you know the answers. D. Do your research E. Define in objective terms F. Don’t constrain the problem In the book, the example of defining in objective terms was designing an energy attenuation system that controls the 2500 pound car traveling at 60 mph at impact. Compare to design an energy attenuation system that controls the energy of a car at a fast speed.

Example Client wants to build an airport in an existing bay What are the problems?

Step 2 - Gathering Needed Information Gather information and data to solve the problem. Nature of information depends on the problem. A. Physical Measurements B. Maps C. Lab Tests D. Research

Example Subsurface topography Aerial maps of adjacent land Drilling borings Testing soil Parameters for airport design and performance

Step 3 - Search for Creative Solutions Creativity can be difficult for engineers Try the following: A. Brainstorming B. Checklists C. List the characteristics or attributes D. Forced relationship technique E. Morphological Analysis Checklists – ways to use device in other uses, ways device can be modified Attributes – color material dial handset Forced relationship technique – weed cutter – round, rubber, rolls, spokes, pneumatic tires

Morphological model

Example Brainstorming How do you put soil in the water? How do you support the buildings? How do you allow for settlement and still get the buildings done in a timely way? Where do we get all the dirt from?

Step 4 - Going from Ideas to Preliminary Design Heart of design process May come about by analysis or synthesis Make sure design will work Many use models Analysis separate the whole into smaller parts Synthesis – combining facts, principles or laws to solve the problem

Types of Models Three Types CAD is very helpful with these models Mathematical Models Simulation Models Physical Models CAD is very helpful with these models Mathematical – physical phenomena i.e. earthquakes, wind, and based on theories or laws; only good for simply physical phenomena Simulation – use actual observation with mathematical models. Traffic models Physical – pollutants in at lake, hydraulics, aerodynamics; built to scale wind tunnels

Example Models Settlement over time Drainage over time Foundation performance under ground shaking

Step 5 – Evaluate and Select a Preferred Solution Engineers must evaluate all along the design process Must take into consideration costs Maintenance costs constructability safety Clients willingness to take risk Affect on environment

Example Test embankments with different drainage patterns Foundation types – Piles – concrete Piles – steel Piles – drilled in place

Step 6 – Prepare reports, plans and specifications Consultants prepare reports Plans for buildings are prepared by architects with input from engineers reports Mechanical designs are shown in drawings

Example Prepared several reports to client with recommendations on how to fill the bay and build the foundations

Step 7 – Implement the Design Oversee construction Patents Talk to clients to see what bugs need to be worked out. Example: Equipment from slope indicator

Learning from Failures Can happen due to: Careless design Imperfections in materials Careless workmanship Poor communications between managers, engineers, technicians, and craftsman