Chapter 11 Construction Engineering

Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: Identify factors common to engineering design problems Describe steps of the engineering process Give examples of want is done during each step of the engineering process

What is Construction Engineering? Construction engineering is a process for developing and evaluating solutions to construction problems. Engineers are licensed professionals who apply principles of science and mathematics to design various structures, machines, or systems. Civil engineers design highways, dams, water supply systems, and sewage systems. Structural engineers design the framework of buildings, bridges, towers, and other structures. Transportation engineers are responsible for the overall design of transportation systems. Electrical engineers design electrical utility systems and electrical wiring and lighting for buildings and other projects. Mechanical engineers design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), elevators, escalators, and other types of mechanical equipment used in construction projects.

Factors Common to All Engineering Design Problems Like architects, engineers focus on five factors of the design process: function, strength, materials, cost, and appearance. Function: A design is functional if it does what it is intended to do. Strength: Engineers must determine the strength needed for a constructed project to do its job. For example, a bridge must support the load it is designed to carry. Materials: Engineers select materials based on their strength, weather and fire resistance, cost, and appearance. Costs: Engineers must consider the cost of the design alternatives. Costs are affected by site choice, structure design, construction methods, life expectancy of the structure, and budget. Appearance: Designs that are functional, cost effective, and attractive are preferred to those that are only functional and cost effective.

The Engineering Process Step 1 – Identify the Problem: This is time to observe, investigate, and gather information. The engineers should also know what has not worked in the past on similar designs. Step 2 – Generate Preliminary Ideas: Engineers may brainstorm with other engineers to create preliminary ideas. These ideas are often recorded as rough sketches or lists. Step 3 – Refine Ideas: More details are added and sketches are improved. Several preliminary ideas may be integrated. Step 4 – Analyze Ideas: At least four types of analysis are done for each idea. Functional Analysis: Determines how well each refined idea meets the needs of the project. Site Analysis: Site analysis studies the suitability of various sites chosen for a construction project. Structural Analysis: focuses on the strength of structures in the building project. Cost Analysis: During functional analysis of each plan alternative, initial cost estimates are prepared.

The Engineering Process Step 5 – Select a Design: Selected designs are brought to life using drawings, models, photographs, charts, and graphs. Advantages, disadvantages, and cost estimates are also presented to the client. Step 6 – Prepare Construction Documents: Detailed drawings and specifications are prepared for each element of the design. Specifications are written for the quality of materials and workmanship needed for the project. Together the drawings and specifications are called construction documents. Step 7 – Implement the Design: Implementation of the design includes all on site work needed to complete the project. When the construction documents are complete, contractors are selected and the work begins. On large projects, the owner is responsible for making payments at the end of each major phase of the project.

Summary Construction engineering is a process for developing and evaluating solutions to construction problems. Engineers are licensed professionals who apply principles of science and mathematics to design various structures, machines, or systems. Civil engineers design highways, dams, water supply systems, and sewage systems. Electrical engineers design electrical utility systems and electrical wiring and lighting for buildings and other projects. Mechanical engineers design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), elevators, escalators, and other types of mechanical equipment used in construction projects. Like architects, engineers focus on five factors of the design process: function, strength, materials, cost, and appearance. The Engineering Process: Step 1 – Identify the Problem: This is time to observe, investigate, and gather information. Step 2 – Generate Preliminary Ideas: These ideas are often recorded as rough sketches or lists. Step 3 – Refine Ideas: More details are added and sketches are improved. Several preliminary ideas may be integrated. Step 4 – Analyze Ideas: At least four types of analysis are done for each idea. Functional Analysis, Site Analysis, Structural Analysis, Cost Analysis. Step 5 – Select a Design: Selected designs are brought to life using drawings, models, photographs, charts, and graphs. Advantages, disadvantages, and cost estimates are also presented to the client. Step 6 – Prepare Construction Documents: Detailed drawings and specifications are prepared for each element of the design. Step 7 – Implement the Design: Implementation of the design includes all on site work needed to complete the project.

Home Work 1. What are the factors of the design process that engineers concentrate on? 2. Explain the four types of analysis that are done for each idea.