1. Engineering Approach to Problem Solving

2. 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

3. 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.

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. Morphological model

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

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