ICE Load Analysis on Structural Steel

ICE Load Analysis on Structural Steel

 

According to the ASCE705I ASCE 7-05 code, the Spreadsheet Program written in MS-Excel for determining ice load due to the frozen rain on structural steel members. Specifically, quality and related and necessary parameters are determined to calculate the level of snow loading of different types of structural steel members.

 

Program ideas and limitations:

1. This program specifically follows section 10.0, Ice Load – ASCE 7-5 standard, “atmospheric torque,” and “minimum design load for building and other structures”.

2. This program sets the ice load based on the ASCE 7-05 code, which determines the specific diameter for a specific size and for comparative purposes, it calculates the size of ice load based on the actual size of the size.

3. This program uses the Database and Database Properties database from AISC version 13.0 “Shape Database” CD-ROM version (12/2005), and AISC 13th Edition manual list (12/2005).

 

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Wind Load Calculator Excel Spreadsheet

Wind Load Calculator Excel Spreadsheet

 

ASCE705W ASCE 7-05 Written for analysis of air load for code and structures for Spreadsheets program written in MS-Excel. In particular, air pressure is calculated by coefficients and corresponding parameters and net design calculations or calculation of air pressure.

Wind Load Calculator

This program is a workbook with the nine (9) worksheets described below.

*Simplified – Analysis using simplified method for improving home with <= 60 ‘
*MWFRS (low-rise) – main air-power resistance system for low-end house <= 60 ‘
*MWFRS (any HT) – the main wind power protection system for any height building
*Wall C and C wall components and cladding analysis
*Roof C and C – Roof material and cladding analysis
*Stack and Tank – Condensed Chimney, Stack and Vertical Tank Analysis
*Open framework (no roof) – Analyze the open framework without ceiling
*Wind Maps – Basic Wind Speed ​​Maps (Figure 6-1 for code ASCE 7-05)
*For more information on load type, read more about load count topics.

Program ideas and limitations:

1. This program uses the “ASCE 7-02 Air Load Regulation Usage Guidelines” to determine the external air pressure group used in outdoor air pressure assistants, ‘GCP’, Wall C and C and Roof C and C worksheets. . (Note: A version of this document that was applicable to the SSC 7-05 code was not available.)

2. Workshops for “MWFRS (any HT)”, “Wall C and C”, and “Roof C and C” are applicable for home with an average ceiling height of up to 500 feet.
3. For “simplified” analysis, it is applicable to low-growth house by meeting the criteria of Section 6.4.1.

4. In the worksheet for simplified analysis, the design is calculated for each side of the MWFRS air load. MDFRS design design is considered to be loaded in total length of the building length or length.

5. Worksheet for “MWFRS (Low-Rise)” is applicable for low-rise home defined in section 6.2.
6. The “open structures” worksheet is applicable for open frames without a 500 ft tall roof. It can be used for open-process-type structure and pipe / utility racks and bridges.
5. User defined steps can be used to define air pressure distribution in the worksheet for ‘Z’, “MWFRS (any HT)”, “Wall C and C”, and “Roof C and C”.

7. “May MWFRS (no HT)”, “Stack and Tank” and “Open Structures” worksheets can handle “strict” and “flexible” buildings and structures. For “strict” buildings or structures, this program uses a counting value of 0.85 or a glass effect factor, ‘g’ code code code 6.5.8.1. For “flexible” buildings or structures, this program calculates the ‘gf’ according to the vibration section 12.8.2.1, code based on the approximate time of code 6.5.8.2, where the formula X ‘X’ = City * H ^ X 0.75 is considered to be.

8. Workshops for “Wall C and C” and “Roof C and C” for flat roof buildings, Galilei roof buildings with roof corners <= 45 degrees and ceiling corners with monosclosure roof buildings <= 3 degrees.

9. “Stack and Tank” worksheet is applicable to the 600 feet long arch welded structure.

10. This program has several “comment boxes” that contain information including input or output items, usage of equations, data tables, etc. (Note: The appearance of the “Comment Box” is indicated by the “red triangle” in the top right corner of a cell, in particular the mouse pointer to move the contents of the “comment box” to the desired room.)

 

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Mumbai to Fujairah in 2 hours! UAE plans underwater bullet train to boost connectivity with India

Mumbai to Fujairah in 2 hours! UAE plans underwater bullet train to boost connectivity with India

 

Imagine not having to undergo hours of air travel and underwhelming flight meals to reach the UAE from India. Imagine hopping on to a train and reaching the coasts of UAE in a matter of two hours. That is exactly what is being explored in a concept by UAE’s National Advisor Bureau Limited.

In this futuristic mode of transport, the bureau is looking at the possibility of connecting Mumbai to the city of Fujairah in the UAE through an underwater rail network. As mentioned in Khaleej Times, not only will this mode transport passengers, it could also be used to exchange goods and oil exports as mentioned by the bureau’s director and chief consultant Abdulla Alshehhi during the UAE-India Conclave in Abu Dhabi.

“This is a concept. We plan to connect Indian city of Mumbai with Fujairah through ultra-speed floating trains. The project aims to boost bilateral trade. There will be export of oil to India from Fujairah port and import of excess water from Narmada River, north of Mumbai. In addition, other GCC partners can also improve export and import,” Alshehhi told a gathering of businessmen and industry experts, as mentioned in the daily.

 

The total length of the rail network will be less than 2,000 km but the underwater part could pose unique challenges and a lot of aspects would need consideration. “We will do feasibility study of the project. This is concept but a cool project to look at,” he added.

The project that aims to boost bilateral trade will benefit UAE, India and others in the region, Alshehhi mentioned.

Meanwhile, India is already working on ambitious transport projects such as the bullet train and Hyperloop. Will this project see the light of day remains to be seen.

Concrete: 4 Innovations You’ve Never Heard Of

Concrete: 4 Innovations You’ve Never Heard Of

 

Concrete — a material that can trace its interactions with humans back to the Roman era more than 2,000 years ago — is the most popular material used today. When tonnage is compared, the use of concrete outweighs plastic, wood, aluminum and steel combined. What’s equally amazing about concrete is the material’s ability to continuously be the center of innovation. Here are some of the more exciting concrete innovations that are expected to change the industry.

1. Self-Healing Concrete

It’s the bane of every engineer and construction professional’s existence: concrete cracks. Once a concrete project cracks — which all will at some point — leakage can occur, disrupting the integrity of the material. Scientists at the Netherlands’ Delft University of Technology have invented bioconcrete. This is concrete that is mixed using the same techniques as traditional concrete except that it also contains specific bacteria. These bacteria generate crystals that enclose their cells. When mixed with other secretions, such as proteins and sugar, a glue-like substance is generated. When the concrete cracks, these bacteria are activated and form either limestone or calcite, a process that seals the gaps.

2. 3D Printed Concrete

3D printing is a concept that has been getting a great deal of attention within the past few years with advancements being made. Not only can it be used to print items such as plastics ad auto parts, it can now also print concrete objects. In another project originating from the Netherlands — this time from a technology-focused university called TU Eindhoven — 3D printers can now be used to make items made of concrete. Using a huge printer manufactured by a Dutch company, Rohaco, this concrete printer looks like an overhead crane that has a swivel head that pushes the concrete out in a more focused and customizable way. While implementation within the industry is still in its infancy stages, 3D printed concrete has created pavilions and recyclable concrete products.

3. Eco or Green Concrete

With its continued focus on the environment, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the construction industry is developing materials that are more ecologically friendly. Concrete typically generates a great deal of carbon. In fact, it produces so much carbon that the typical carbon footprint of concrete is nearly as large as the weight of the material itself. When mixed with fly ash — a waste material that is generated by power stations that burn coal — and other materials such as concrete and Portland cement, many benefits become evident. Not only does using fly ash reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete by as much as 25 percent, it also requires less water. This eco-friendly concrete is creamier and easier to place within projects. Finally, using the fly ash helps keeps this waste product from being dumped in landfills.

4. Pervious Concrete

Another environmentally-friendly concrete solution that is poised to gain a great deal more traction within the construction industry is pervious concrete. Traditionally, concrete has been impervious — meaning water runs off of it, allowing architects to direct its flow in more focused ways. At least, that was the original intent. This strategy, though, led to numerous incidents of urban flooding, erosion, pollution and other problems. As a result of these serious ecological issues, a solution — pervious concrete — was developed. Sometimes called a porous pavement, pervious concrete is made of larger particles than traditional concrete. This creates voids within the concrete that allow for the gradual infiltration of rainwater into the ground below.

The above-noted innovations are just a few that are being tested within the concrete industry. As a material, concrete has been evolving for more than 2,000 years. All the evidence points to a continuation of exciting changes in the future as well.

Lime & Cement Stabilisation Process

Lime & Cement Stabilisation Process

 

Introduction

Soil stabilisation, in terms of pavement construction, is the process of (usually insitu) pulverising and moisture conditioning by mixing various binders with soil, compaction and trimming as necessary. This improves soil characteristics preferred for construction in terms of moisture content, density, strength (CBR%), permeability, plasticity index and shrink swell characteristics. Most material types, clay through to crushed rock, are suitable for stabilisation. Seeking advice early during the design/feasibility stage enables planning for efficient use of stabilisation.

Stabilisation

Lime and/or cement stabilisation is often used to improve the properties of site won materials, to enable their use in a pavement and other like areas, such as dam foundations and building pad sites. Lime stabilisation of clay material reduces entrance cracking, whilst increasing the hardness of the material by up to ten times. The use of cement as a binder, after lime, can further increase the strength and durability towards that of concrete. Various binder blends, away from lime and cement, such as slag or fly ash, are commonly utilised for further benefit dependant on site conditions and requirements.

General Benefits of Soil Stabilisation

  • Saturated, wet sites can be treated to provide a working platform within a day for project continuation during wet periods/seasons.
  • Stabilisation recycles existing pavement by pulverising the existing pavement to 25mm down. Lime and or cement or other binders are then mixed with water as necessary. No imported materials and increased production rates means cost savings.
  • Strength gains often over CBR 15% or 5 times the previous strength are the result of the realignment of particles and adjustment of moisture content allowing compaction at optimum moisture content.
  • Reduce Plasticity Index (PI) in cohesive materials. For example a material with PI 20 will typically stabilise to PI < 10, say 8.

General Stabilisation for Lining Systems and Cohesive Expansion Material

  • Reduce or eliminate the need for imported clay liner by stabilising insitu materials.
  • Reduce permeability.
  • Reduce Linear Shrinkage rate up to 10%.
  • Environmental benefits of reduced geotextile, borrow pit clay and quarry import.
  • Additional environmental benefits from reducing extra excavation and disposal by modification to suitable material.
  • Improved structural stability through realignment of soil particles by ionic exchange between clay and lime.
  • Increased Strength and durability.
  • Reduced dispersion means reduced dispersion piping failure and increased erosion protection.
  • Pulverisation to 40mm down of clay, extremely weathered limestone, mudstone and siltstone provides smaller diameter conglomerates and homogenous material throughout the stabilised layer eliminating lenses, streaks, rock fissures and faults providing reduced seepage.

Lime

Note that there are many variations of lime available but only quicklime is considered suitable for lime stabilisation in the pavement construction industry and general field construction activities. Quicklime is calcium oxide (CaO) supplied commercially in a dry powder form. Agriculture Lime is a calcium carbonate (CaC03) and not suitable for pavement construction. Hydrated Lime is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) often used in the laboratory for lime saturation testing, not generally used on site for pavement construction.

Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), is produced by reacting water with quicklime (calcium oxide). CaO + H2O => Ca(OH)2. When calculated using the atomic weights, this converts practically to 5t Quicklime + 3t Water => 7t Hydrated lime + 1t Water Evapouration.

The pozzolanic reaction between lime with water and the silica and alumina in clay results in an ionic exchange, which permanently realigns the clay particles forming friable conglomerates. The new alignment of the particles provides less ability for the clay to absorb water around the particles. This makes the clay more waterproof, less expansive and therefore reduces the plasticity and linear shrinkage. The PI is often more than ½ and the shrinkage is often 10% of what it was. Practically this results in improved permeability less shrinkage cracking providing less chance of piping failure and seepage.

In a lime saturated environment (typically 3% to 4% quicklime), the clay-alumina and clay-silica become available to react with the free calcium to form calcium aluminates or silicates. The pozzolanic reaction is illustrated by the following equations:

Ca2+ + OH- + Available Clay Aluminium Calcium Aluminate Hydrate (CAH)
Ca2+ + OH- + Available Clay Silica Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH)

Stabilisation Process & Machinery

Insitu stabilisation procedures vary depending upon the type of project and the binder used. All machinery suitable for the process is purpose built for stabilisation. A range of purpose built equipment has been developed according to specific requirements of various site conditions and design specifications for the process to be effective. Adaptation of agricultural equipment and other equipment does not meet specification requirements and results in a process failure.

Preparation

Prior to stabilisation commencing it is important to ensure the surface is prepared for stabilisation ahead of stabilisation. Preparation of a surface for stabilisation includes pegging out for stringing as necessary, trimming to approximate levels and shaping to shed water and sufficient drainage to prevent water ponding where possible. Note that due to the addition of binders and density changes, some bulking may occur, however this may also be balanced by other factors such as reducing the moisture content or increasing the density of the underlying material during compaction. Immediately prior to stabilisation, the surface should be ripped to the required depth to identify and remove unsuitable material such as obstacles, organics and material too hard to stabilise.

Spreader

the Stabil-Lime Group operates a range of purpose built lime and cement spreader trucks including an articulated 4×4 all terrain spreader for particularly boggy sites. This enables the supply and distribution of a full range of binder products suitable for the insitu stabilisation process. Leading technologies are incorporated into all trucks to ensure accurate binder spread rates and containment of dust.

  • On board computers linked to load cells and farm scan distance measuring devices assist in assuring accurate spread rates.
  • All spreader trucks have sealed bulk bins to ensure the product does not start to react until it is on the ground ready to be mixed into the pavement. Spread rates (kg/m2) must vary in accordance with varying ground conditions.
  • Additional mat test can be carried out in order to confirm and adjust the spreading rate.

Water Truck

Especially during the drier months, water must be added to ensure optimum moisture content is maintained for compaction. Depending on soil conditions and moisture content water can be added before and or after spreading any binder or directly into the mixing chamber by linking the water truck to the mixer where appropriate. Not only is water vital to ensure optimum moisture content at compaction, water initiates the necessary chemical reactions with most binders.

Stabilising Machine

Prior to stabilisation commencing it is important to ensure the surface is prepared for stabilisation ahead of stabilisation. Preparation of a surface for stabilisation includes pegging out for stringing as necessary, trimming to approximate levels and shaping to shed water and sufficient drainage to prevent water ponding where possible. Note that due to the addition of binders and density changes, some bulking may occur, however this may also be balanced by other factors such reducing the moisture content or increasing the density of the underlying material during compaction. Immediately prior to stabilisation, the surface should be ripped to the required depth to identify and remove unsuitable material such as obstacles, organics and material too hard to stabilise. Rotary hoe type attachments to bob cats, tractors and the like are not accepted by the Industry for pavement construction as they are not mixing chambers, they do not ensure homogenous mixing or accurate depth control amongst other faults. Research shows pavements mixed with such machines often fail within 1-3 years because the binder and moisture have not been mixed thoroughly.

Compaction

Compaction commences after mixing. Typically stabilised materials are compacted to 95% standard, however higher compaction standards are achievable. Insitu mixing up to 400mm in a single layer requires compaction equipment large enough to achieve density throughout a layer this thick. Typically large self propelled vibratory padfoot rollers are used initially for deep compaction followed by a similar smooth drum to complete compaction of the full layer.

Final Trimming

It is normal to commence trimming the pavement before the completion of the compaction operation, ensuring good bonding of any corrected shape before is finished.

Considerations for Stabilisation

By seeking our advice early during the development stages of a project we can ensure savings are maximised by optimising the use of stabilisation in designs to reduce double handling and import and export of materials. We employ a number of qualified engineers and project managers offering sound advice based on years of experience.

In order to assess a site accurately in terms of stabilisation, ideally the following information is considered:

  • Geotechnical data including site conditions, material type and depth, sub-grade and existing pavement material.
  • Construction conditions and loading.
  • Geometric site layout proposed and existing.
  • Proposed minimum area to be treated.
  • Specification requirements typically in terms of density, CBR strength or binder content if provided.
  • Proposed award and commencement dates.

The 10 Best Conferences for Civil Engineers to Attend in 2019

The 10 Best Conferences for Civil Engineers to Attend in 2019

 

As an engineer, it is extremely important to stay current within your industry. Those who do not stay current will quickly find themselves left behind and will thus be unable to innovate on new technologies. Listed below are 10 civil engineering conferences to attend in 2019. The list is divided up into 4 categories namely; materials science engineering, water treatment engineering, new construction techniques and sustainable engineering.

Materials Science Engineering

4th International Conference on Civil Engineering and Materials Science (ICCEMS 2019)

17-19 May 2019
Bangkok, Thailand

“ICCEMS 2019 will bring together the top researchers from Asian Pacific nations, North America, Europe and around the world to exchange their research results and address open issues in biomaterials, biomedical manufacturing, casting and solidification, characterisation, coatings and surface engineering, composite materials, etc. It is one of the leading international conferences for presenting novel and fundamental advances in the fields of civil engineering and materials science.”

Concrete Structures & Concrete Technology 2019

18-19 October 2018
Dallas, Texas, USA

“Concrete Structure 2019 conference will make the perfect platform for global networking as it brings together renowned speakers, researchers, business persons across the globe to a most exciting and memorable scientific event filled with much enlightening interactive sessions, world-class exhibition and poster presentations. Advances in the field of Concrete Technology are one of the crucial factors in the economic prowess of developed and developing countries. Also for the developing countries, adoption of innovative Concrete construction techniques and various versatile steel structures is paramount for the advancement of their economies.”

21st International Conference on Self-Healing Concrete in Civil Engineering

22-23 March 2019
Tokyo, Japan

“ICSHCCEA 2019: 21st International Conference on Self-Healing Concrete in Civil Engineering Applications aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Self-Healing Concrete in Civil Engineering Applications. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Self-Healing Concrete in Civil Engineering Applications.”

Water Treatment Engineering

New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA)

27-30 January 2019
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

“This prestigious conference, which consistently attracts over 2100 engineers, consultants, scientists, operators and students features a variety of technical sessions and over 200 exhibitor displays. The conference provides an opportunity for professional exchange of information and state-of-the-art concepts in wastewater treatment and other water environment issues. The NEWEA Annual Conference is a great forum to meet colleagues, professional allies, make new friends and exchange information.”

21st International Conference on Concrete Engineering and Technology (ICCET)

19-20 September 2019
Paris, France

“ICCET 2019: 21st International Conference on Concrete Engineering and Technology aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Concrete Engineering and Technology. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Concrete Engineering and Technology.”

World Water Congress & Exhibition 2019

Copenhagen, Denmark
18-23 September 2019

“Five days of critical discussions into the future of sustainable water management. Thought-leadership permeated workshops, debates, business forums, keynote speakers, technical and training sessions. Networking opportunities enabled new insights and partnerships, showcasing new ideas and solutions to solve the global water crisis.”

New Construction Techniques

3rd International Conference on 3D Printing Technologies and Innovations

25-26 March 2019
Rome, Italy

“3D Printing Conference 2019, Rome, brings an Opportunity to attend the presentations delivered by eminent scientists, researchers, experts from all over the world and Participation in sessions on specific topics on which the conference is expected to achieve progress. It brings Global networking in transferring and exchanging Ideas. Share your excitement in promoting new ideas, developments and innovations in the field of 3D Printing Technology & Innovations.”

4th Modular Construction and prefabrication ANZ

27 February – 1 March 2019
Sydney, Australia

“The 4th edition of the conference will focus on international & well known Australian OSM & DfMA exemplars, the industry’s best practices and new innovative techniques & technologies that will strengthen and enhance the uptake of modular construction methodology in the ANZ construction industry.”

Sustainable Engineering

2nd RILEM Spring Convention & International Conference on Sustainable Materials, Systems and Structures

18-22 March 2019
Rovinj, Croatia

“SMSS2019 conference is organised as a supporting event of RILEM Spring Convention. The scope of the conference is to gather scientists, practitioners, members of technical committees and users of technical recommendations, to jointly at the same place discuss and envision the future sustainable development of materials, systems and structures in a holistic, global way.”

73rd RILEM Annual Week & International Conference on Innovative materials for Sustainable Civil Engineering (IMSCE)

25-30 August 2019
Nanjing, China

“The RILEM Annual Week & International Conference on Innovative materials for Sustainable Civil Engineering will discuss the topics such as- Fresh concrete and chemical admixtures, Hydration and microstructure characterization, Sustainable cementitious materials, Deformation and crack controlling, Durability and service life prediction, and more.”

How to Make the Right Civil Engineering Career Decisions

How to Make the Right Civil Engineering Career Decisions

 

Align your civil engineering education with future expectations so you have the best chances of being the top candidate.

You have a long, but interesting road ahead of you. With civil engineering as your chosen career, you’ll enjoy being innovative and purposeful on a daily basis.

The term ‘civil’ is taken from ‘civilisation’. It’s the responsibility of civil engineers to plan, create and maintain the buildings & structures communities use:

  • Roads and transportation
  • Water infrastructures
  • Tunnels
  • Bridges

This is a noble cause to work for.

If you want satisfaction and enjoyment as part of your career path, read on. There’s much to learn. The civil engineering path doesn’t start the day you get your first job. You need to align your current decisions with where you want to end up.

We’ll help you get there.

Before You Decide—Read What it’s All About

Are you sure this is what you want? It’s important you understand all facets of civil engineering jobs. When you have a realistic expectation of your future, it will be less challenging and more enjoyable.

Does this sound like a job you’ll relish?

  • See the difference you’re making, by planning and creating different structures in & around cities.
  • Help cities function well by helping improve infrastructures.
  • Benefit the environment while engineering civil projects.
  • Work with many people and occasionally lead them as part of management.
  • Take initiative during planning and on site to solve & prevent problems.
  • Use computer software to design structures.
  • Offer consulting services.
  • Research civil engineering projects.

Are there enough aspects you’ll love doing, making this the right long-term decision for you?

If your answer is yes, your preparation starts now.

Make the Right Decisions at School

How well are you doing at school?

A civil engineering degree is a tough course. Because universities don’t want to waste resources, they only allow students into these courses who prove their capability.

And how do learning centers gauge this? They look at your subjects and marks.

These are required civil engineering subjects during school years:

  • Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Calculus
  • Science: Advanced Physics and Chemistry, Applied Biology, Physical Science

Make sure 2018 marks are better than 2017’s. You must achieve top marks for these subjects, or universities may not even consider you.

Does that motivate you to study more for your next test?

Alternative Option

Are you already studying, but you’re considering doing a civil engineering course? The good news is universities may consider you if you already have BTech qualifications.

Pick the Right Course

What do you do if a university selects you? Do you know what course to pick?

Civil engineering can be approached from two angles:

-Doing a BEng

-Start with a BSc in civil engineering

Here is where it gets complicated. If your goal is to be accredited as an engineer, the BEng is the safest route. Some BSc courses don’t meet the requirements and may not be recognized for this honor.

This is why researching your course options is so important. Also, make sure your course is accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

If these civil engineering subjects interest you, you’ll enjoy your coursework:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Ethics
  • Structural mechanics
  • Surveying
  • Engineering math
  • Statistics and analysis
  • Design
  • Engineering materials

Students usually study for four years. If they pass they’re qualified to act as engineers, but still need to be supervised. Further experience and licenses are necessary to obtain senior positions.

The Next Step

Additional Studies

An additional option—which can open the career door you’re aiming for—is doing a MEng. You need to graduate a basic degree first. Occasionally the MEng aspect is built into undergraduate coursework.

But if you need an MEng degree, be prepared for even higher performance expectations than you faced getting in for your first degree.

Practical Experience

One of the best parts of studying civil engineering is the interesting coursework. Practical laboratory work and partnering with people in the industry are common features at most universities.

While practical experience takes place throughout your study years, you’ll enjoy your ‘sandwich year’ the most. This is your year out in the field where you see what civil engineering systems are all about. You may even get the opportunity to do yours internationally. And if you impress your temporary bosses with your skills, they may offer you a full-time position.

You can see civil engineering requires you to give your best from school years until you land your first job. Are you ready to start building your career today?

The Goal

What are the titles you’ll put on your business card one day?

When your studies and practical education are finished, you’re eligible for roles such as:

-Construction manager

-Site engineer

-Quality engineer

-Research engineer

-Development engineer

-Analyst

-Lecturer

-Geotechnical engineer

Which of these roles do you covet?

Is this the career that makes your heart beat with excitement? Start preparing today. Align your education with future expectations so you have the best chances of being the top candidate. You can one day change the world around you. And it starts today.

Top 10 Companies for Civil Engineers to Work for

Top 10 Companies for Civil Engineers to Work for

 

We are in the middle of a construction boom, fuelled by large civil engineering projects in India and the Middle East. This makes it a great time to work for a civil engineering company. There have rarely been so many opportunities in both developed countries and the developing world. This article is going to give you the lowdown on what the best companies offer to their employees and some criteria you can use to pick out the best of the bunch. It will also list ten companies that are recognised as being industry-leaders in civil engineering and score highly with employees.

Characteristics of a good civil engineering company

The top-ten companies listed below are obviously some of the larger, often internationally-respected, businesses. In reality, there are thousands of smaller companies, consultancies and agencies that you can work for. So, how do you make a decision on which vacancies to apply for? The first thing to consider is a company’s pedigree. In general, companies that are well established will be more accommodating to new staff than start-ups that haven’t yet found their feet. They are also more likely to offer good remuneration packages and benefits. Some of the bigger companies will offer perks like extra holidays, free health insurance and enhanced pension schemes.

Another thing to pay attention to is any staff satisfaction surveys or reviews that are available. Websites like www.glassdoor.co.uk can give you a good insight into what it’s like to work for a particular company. Finally, if you are going to be a site-based civil engineer, make sure you check out each company’s safety record. Look for companies that have robust health and safety processes in place and low accident rates. Let’s take a look at the top ten civil engineering companies to work for, based on a combination of the above criteria.

The Top 10:

1. Arup

In a recent survey by the New Civil Engineer publication, 96% of employees agreed that Arup was great, and they had no desire to work anywhere else. That tells you something about the ethos and culture of the company. It offers excellent training and career progression and scores highly on pay and benefits. Arup is a well-established company with a large portfolio of construction and infrastructure projects in Europe and throughout the world, employing over 13,000 people in more than 30 countries. It is well known for its creative approach to structural design and is not afraid to innovate, making it a great company to work for if you relish a challenging position at the cutting-edge of engineering.

2. Atkins

Atkins scored a healthy 7.4 out of 10 in a recent job-satisfaction survey, with employees particularly happy with the level of personal support and professional development. As Atkins is the main contractor on large projects such as London’s Crossrail, there will be plenty of opportunities to get stuck into interesting engineering jobs.

3. Vinci

French construction company Vinci is one of the largest in the world, employing over 180,000 people globally. Their employees work on large international structural and infrastructure projects, including a multi-million dollar highway system in Atlanta, Georgia and large natural gas projects in Australia. Operating for over 115 years, Vinci definitely ticks the ‘well-established’ box and regularly scores highly on job satisfaction.

4. Mott McDonald

Mott McDonald is a fast-growing global construction and engineering company that regularly scores 80% or more on job-satisfaction surveys. It is an employee-owned company, which means that the culture is very people-centred and values professional development and collaboration very highly. It also boasts one of the best graduate training schemes, which consistently ranks highly in comparison tables.

5. Stantec

Stantec is a globally renowned engineering firm that has a particularly large presence in North America and the UK. Employees praise the benefits system and the promotion of a work-life balance within the company.

6. Balfour Beatty

Balfour Beatty specialises in large-scale infrastructure projects and has a solid global reputation for successful delivery. It has a strong focus on helping communities to grow and gets involved with positive initiatives such as local sustainability projects.

7. Bechtel

If you decide to work for Bechtel, you will probably be working on some of the most challenging engineering projects in the world, possibly in locations such as Africa, where Bechtel has a strong presence. It is a prestigious and world-leading company for structural design, construction and energy provision.

8. Skanska

Skanska is a Swedish construction company that is highly regarded worldwide. Employees say that they are happy with the working environment at the company. One of the reasons regularly given is that Skanska is happy to give new recruits and graduate engineers positions of responsibility early on in their careers.

9. Laing O’Rourke

Laing O’Rourke has a large presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Its graduate training programme is highly regarded and it is a company that promotes training and professional development, as well as the opportunity to work on high profile projects.

10. Arcadis

Arcadis is a large consultancy that focuses on environmental and sustainability projects, including design and build projects such as transit hubs that improve urban living. It’s a popular company to work for, offering a wide variety of projects to work on – ideal for those starting their career in civil engineering or who fancy a new challenge.

 

Source : www.newengineer.com

CAD Vs BIM: Advantages and Disadvantages

CAD Vs BIM: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

With the advent of computers, the design industry has experienced a never-before revolution. Creating designs on computers has brought about a change in the way the designers and architects work. Different software such as CAD and BIM software aid the design and execution process. However, these professionals often face a dilemma while selecting the appropriate software for their project. It, thus, becomes imperative to understand the benefits offered by CAD and BIM and their disadvantages.

CAD and  BIM Advantages and Disadvantages

CAD Advantages

CAD is a line based approach to design.

  • When it comes to the software price, CAD software is cheaper than the ones for BIM.
  • CAD is easier to learn. 2D drafting skills are enough to produce CAD drawings. Even the 3D CAD model is generated by drawing lines.
  • It is easier to create 2D drawings on CAD as all the process are direct processes. For e.g., if you need to represent a line, you just need to draw a line. In BIM, a line is a product of indirect process e.g. the façade view derived from the 3D model of the window which, in turn, is an assembly of parametric 3D objects.

BIM Advantages

BIM is a model-based approach to design.

  • The greatest advantage of BIM is that it can capture reality in a way that 2D drawings are unable to capture. Availability of various mapping tools, aerial imagery and laser scans of existing infrastructure have made this information to be the starting point of a project. This information can be integrated with the BIM model.
  • It has a multidisciplinary approach to design. A single BIM software can be used to design all the disciplines such as architecture, structure, and MEP. This is achieved by assimilating the design parameters from all the disciplines in the model which results in a better-coordinated design.
  • Synchronization between all the drawings such as plans, elevations, sections, perspective etc. is easier in BIM as all these drawings are extracted from a single model. Any change in the design that is incorporated in the model will automatically result in the updation in all the drawings that are extracted.
  • A lot of labor and time is saved when deriving quantities from BIM model with the use of tools such as element counts, volumes, areas, etc.
  • Simulation tools in BIM software allow designers to visualize various parameters. It also allows the designers and engineers to carry out the detailed analysis with the click of a button.
  • The BIM toolset helps in resolving conflicts between elements of different disciplines that arise in the design. For e.g. it can resolve clashes that arise when an electrical conduit runs into a beam.

BIM offers a number of advantages over CAD. This has prompted the Industry bigwigs to shift to BIM. The possibility of a human error getting carried forward in BIM is negligible. In a nutshell, BIM modeling is a holistic approach to design, development, and maintenance of a building. With the numerous benefits that BIM offers over CAD, BIM modeling is undoubtedly an efficient and intelligent approach.

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