Consulting Engineers Research Articles

Awareness of the Installation the Lightning Protection System (LPS) by Using Structural Bonding Method in Malaysia

Structural Bonding Method (SBM) is one type of Lightning Protection System (LPS), design to protect human, structures, contents inside structures, electrical equipment, transmission lines and other from the lightning flash. Besides, SBM is a standard LPS that comply with technical standards or codes of practice or called as conventional Lightning Protection System. In order to know the level of the Awareness of the Installation LPS by using SBM in the building among Civil Engineering Consultants, conducting survey need to be done. This paper presents the Research Design and Research Strategy in conducting the survey. It is explaining about the way before conducting the survey which are determine the population of sample (Consultant Company at Northern Region Area), samples of respondents (Civil Engineer at Consultant Office with the number of sample is 40), data collecting process, structure of the questionnaire form and the way in analysis the data. After the analysis the data, the result of the level of awareness in the Installation of LPS by using SBM are consider as moderate level.

岗位胜任力模型在技术管理复合型人才测评中的应用

本文以上海建科工程咨询有限公司的监理系列岗位为例，首先从岗位胜任力模型在人才测评中的可操作性和可应用性角度，通过专家访谈法，对基于行为事件访谈得到的岗位胜任力模型进行修正。其次，运用层次分析法，计算并确定岗位胜任力权重。再次，运用文献资料法，对岗位胜任力进行分级定义，以确定岗位胜任力的测评标准。从而，对岗位胜任力模型在技术管理复合型人才测评中的应用进行了探讨，有助于企业构建较为全面的复合型人才的岗位胜任力测评体系。 Taking the construction supervisors in Shanghai Jianke Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. for example, the competency model for different levels of construction supervisors based on BEI was firstly adjusted by methods of expert interview from the manageable and applicable view of the competency model in personnel appraisal. Secondly, weights of competency were calculated by AHP. Thirdly, the competence characters were rated and defined by methods of literature review, in order to form appraisal criteria. Thus, the application of competency model in appraisal of compound talents with professional skills and knowledge of management was further discussed, which is helpful to construct a comprehensive appraisal system of competency of compound talents.

Numerical and Experimental Study on Vibration and Noise of Embedded Rail System

The Kaohsiung light rail transit (LRT) system first introduced embedded rail system in Taiwan. However, domestic engineering consultants are still lacking in experience of analysis, design and construction of embedded rail systems. Noise and vibration of the mass rapid transit system is an important environmental issue in an urban environment. In order to understand the environmental impact of noise due to structural vibrations caused by a train running on the rail system, this paper establishes a numerical analysis procedure to perform a simulation. There are two fundamental parts to the numerical simulation: 1) vibration response due to a moving load and 2) radiation propagation of noise induced by structural vibration. The Kaohsiung LRT is used as a case study. The real embedded rail track system is modeled using ANSYS software with finite element analysis and the dynamic time history of the vibration response of the rail caused by a moving load is obtained. Secondly, the dynamic vibration response of the rail outputted by ANSYS is then imported into the software LMS Virtual.Lab to obtain the external radiation and sound field pressure distribution transferred from the rail to a specific monitoring point, based on the boundary element method. This paper also conducts field measurements of vibration velocity and sound pressure as a train passes. Both the experimental and analytical results for noise at specific points are compared and discussed. The proposed procedure promises to be suitable for practical vibration and noise analyses for rail systems.

Nature of Commitment in the General Conditions of FIDIC, Iran Construction Contracts, and Principles of European Law on Service Contracts

Commitment is a consequence of a contract. Identifying the nature of commitment is very important to achieve it. The question here is that what is the nature of commitment in construction contracts? Is the constructor bound to achieve a result and implement the contract subject, or is his/her effort to implement the contract subject enough? Since performance of the contract subject in construction contracts, which include creating, repairing and reconstructing a building, requires time passing and meeting various secondary commitments by both parties, the issue was studied according to the general conditions of FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) contracts, Iranian Organization of Management and Planning and Principles of European Law on Service Contracts.

Coupled glass and structure response of conventional curtain walls subjected to blast loads: validation tests and analysis

This paper presents comparisons of analysis predictions and shock tube test results from a recent dynamic test program involving a conventional Enclos curtain wall system designed solely for wind and gravity loads. Measured blast wave induced glazing response and mullion deflections are compared to response predictions made using fast running nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) techniques incorporating LS-DYNA based finite element analysis of structural mullions and FEA implementation of statistical glass fracture prediction techniques. The design-level nonlinear finite element analysis was performed using WhAM [window (hazard) analysis module], a fast-running, web-based design tool for blast-loaded curtain wall systems. WhAM was developed by Protection Engineering Consultants (PEC) with support from the Enclos Advanced Technology Studio. Post-test comparisons between measured and predicted system and component-level response were carried out to (a) evaluate the accuracy of WhAM, and (b) illustrate how the precision test data can be used to enhance certain features of the WhAM software such as its glass material model (an LS-DYNA user-defined constitutive model with probabilistic failure criterion based on the ASTM E1300 glass failure prediction model and dynamic test data) and simplified modeling techniques for connection details. Note that SI units are used throughout the text of this paper. American/imperial units are also provided in tables when raw data was originally recorded in those units. Data plots resulting from raw data are also presented in American/imperial units.

Editorial of the 1st International Cross-Industry Safety Conference proceedings

<p align="center"><strong>Editorial of the 1<sup>st</sup> International Cross-Industry Safety Conference proceedings</strong></p>

Dynamic performance of existing double track railway bridges at resonance with the increase of the operational line speed

This article addresses the dynamic behaviour of double track simply supported bridges of short to medium span lengths (10m<L<25m) belonging to conventional railway lines. These structures are susceptible to experience inadmissible levels of vertical vibrations when traversed by trains at high speeds, and in certain cases their dynamic performance may require to be re-evaluated in case of an increase of the traffic velocity above 200km/h. In engineering consultancies, these structures have been traditionally analysed under the passage of trains at different speeds using planar models, neglecting the contribution of transverse vibration modes and also the flexibility of the elastomeric bearings. The study presented herein endeavours to evaluate the influence of these two aspects in the verification of the Serviceability Limit State of vertical accelerations, which is of great interest in order to guarantee a conservative prediction of the dynamic behaviour. In the present study, the dynamic response of representative slab and girder bridges has been evaluated using an orthotropic plate finite element model, leading to practical conclusions regarding the circumstances under which the above mentioned factors should be considered in order to adequately evaluate the transverse vibration levels of the deck.

Integrating ergonomics knowledge intobusiness-driven design projects: Theshaping of resource constraints inengineering consultancy.

The integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering projects leads to both healthier and more efficient workplaces. There is a lack of knowledge about integrating ergonomic knowledge into the design practice in engineering consultancies. This study explores how organizational resources can pose constraints for the integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering design projects in a business-driven setting, and how ergonomists cope with these resource constraints. An exploratory case study in an engineering consultancy was conducted. A total of 27 participants were interviewed. Data were collected applying semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentary studies. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes. From the analysis five overall themes emerged as major constituents of resource constraints: 1) maximizing project revenue, 2) payment for ergonomics services, 3) value of ergonomic services, 4) role of the client, and 5) coping strategies to overcome resource constraints. We hypothesize that resource constraints were shaped due to sub-optimization of costs in design projects. The economical contribution of ergonomics measures was not evaluated in the entire life cycle of a designed workplace. Coping strategies included teaming up with engineering designers in the sales process or creating an alliance with ergonomists in the client organization.

Deformation of Perforated Aluminium Plates under In-Plane Compressive Loading

Aluminium plates containing a single hole or multiple holes in a row are recently becoming very popular among architects and consultant engineers in many constructional applications, due to their reduced weight, as well as facilitating ventilation and light penetration of the buildings. However, there are still uncertainties concerning their structural behaviour, preventing them from wider utilization. In the present paper, local buckling phenomenon of perforated aluminium plates has been studied using the finite element method. For the purposes of the research work, plates with simply supported edges in the out-of-plane direction and subjected to uniaxial compression are examined. In view of perforations, circular cut-outs and the total cut-out size has been varied between 5 and 40% of the total plate area. Moreover, different perforation patterns have been investigated, from a single, central cut-out to a more refined pattern consisting of up to 25 holes equally distributed over the plate. Regarding the material characteristics, several aluminium alloys are considered and compared to steel grade A36 on plates of different slenderness. For each case the critical (Euler) buckling load and the ultimate resistance has been determined.A study into the boundary conditions of the plate showed that the restrictions at the edges parallel to the load direction have a large influence on the critical buckling load. Restraining the top or bottom edge does not significantly influence the resistance of the plate.The results showed that the ultimate resistance of aluminium plates containing multiple holes occurs at considerably larger out-of-plane displacement as that of full plates. For very large total cut-out, a plate containing a central hole has a larger resistance than a plate with equal cut-out percentage but with multiple holes. The strength and deformation in the post-critical regime, i.e. the difference between the critical buckling load and the ultimate resistance, differs significantly for different number of holes and cut-out percentage.

Development of portable footbridges for disaster relief

This paper describes the design, analysis, fabrication and testing of portable pedestrian bridges for disaster relief. Two main ideas were used in the design of these bridges. One was the pantograph mechanism exploited to expand bridge structures rapidly and the other was the rigid body rotation of the bridge deck utilised to span a river without piers. Numerical simulations and experimental results showed that the bridges developed satisfy the specified design requirements. This study may provide engineering consultants with design concepts for rescue bridges that are convenient to store, carry, assemble, install, dismantle and reuse.

Fuzzy AHP Model for Prequalification of Engineering Consultants in the Iranian Public Procurement System

AbstractPrequalification of engineering consultants in the Iranian public procurement system is suffering from arbitrary processes and criteria that cannot effectively shortlist the increasing number of potential bidders. This study aims to develop a prequalification model that can serve as the basis for revising the existing regulations and criteria. The authors conducted interviews among experts to localize a framework of prequalification criteria. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), accompanied by a survey among industry participants, was used to determine the importance level of decision criteria. The results confirmed that the existing guidelines cannot meet the expectations of the industry due to the overemphasis on the past performance of consultants and disregarding their current capabilities. For the international audience, this study clarifies that (1) the working culture of industry participants impacts their judgments on the importance level of intangible and tangible criteria used for ...

Detection of Track Static Regularities Based on a Laser Tracker

AbstractThis study proposes a method for detecting track static regularities based on a laser tracker. Given the laser tracker’s advantages of high tracking-measuring accuracy and high sampling rate, the proposed method integrates static and dynamic measurements and is simultaneously applicable to both fine-adjustment measurement in the construction stage and detection in the operation-maintenance stage. In this paper, the design and implementation of the hardware-integration scheme, software development, and data processing are discussed. To verify the detection and data-processing methods for track static regularity, a case study was conducted on part of the Shanghai Metro Line 13 at Nature Museum Station. An SGJ-T-CEC-I passenger-dedicated line track geometric state measurement device of China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd., was used for comparative analysis. The feasibility and high accuracy of the proposed method were verified by using this device.

ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИЯ ДАННЫХ, ХАРАКТЕРИЗУЮЩИХ НАЛОГОВУЮ КУЛЬТУРУ В НЕФТЕГАЗОВОМ СЕКТОРЕ

The author gives an attempt to describe the manifestation of the tax culture using an original approach based on the economical analysis of the tax collection rate statistics. The oil and gas industry determines the survey sample as oil and gas taxes represent the largest portion of the tax revenue to the Russian budget (the following regions being the biggest taxpayers are examined: Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Republic of Tatarstan, Orenburg region, Krasnoyarsk region, Perm region, Samara region). The data processing is carried out using the MDV software (multi dynamic viewing) developed by the “Petroleum Engineering Consulting” LLC. The indicators of the tax culture manifestations are low tax debt and absence of tax incentive abuse. The mineral and hydrocarbon extraction tax debt statistics as well as the statistics of the federal budget shortfalls from the tax incentives are considered in the paper. The analysis reveals that the tax on mineral resource extraction (MRET) is paid almost in a timely manner. This allows concluding that the oil and gas sector taxpayers have high tax culture and seek to respect its principles when interacting with the corresponding federal agencies of the executive branch of the Russian government.

Financial modelling and analysis of the management of dredged marine sediments – development of a decision support tool

The management of dredged sediments is a major challenge for many ports and harbours who need to maintain navigable access. Sediment volumes produced may be significant and expensive to manage. This paper presents financial modelling and analysis for the management of dredged marine sediment using a financial model developed which has the potential to be used as decision support tool by stakeholders in the Sector including Ports, Engineering Consultancies and Regulators. A decision support tool has been developed to assess the financial aspect of a range of management uses for dredged marine sediments for a range of different countries. The model allows financial analysis of the full range of processes from sediment generation to ultimate end use. Required inputs include sediment characteristics, relevant logistical data, financial impact area on a national scale and financial data including direct costings. Results are presented for a specific beneficial use of dredged sediment (wetland creation). It outlines the potential of the decision support tool to financially assess a range of sediment management options. This will provide potentially valuable information for the optimum management of dredged marine sediments and allow comparison between traditional disposal options and potential beneficial use scenarios. The financial model developed will assist stakeholders and decision makers, including Port Authorities, in assessing the economic feasibility of a range of beneficial uses of dredged sediments. Such financial analyses may indicate the potential for an expanded range of beneficial use options for dredged marine sediments and help change traditional attitudes towards this type of material, which has often been considered a waste. Ultimately it may influence policy at a National and at an EU level.

Studying Payment Provisions under National and International Standard Forms of Contracts

AbstractDelayed payment is becoming a critical issue in the construction industry. Late payment and/or nonpayment cause severe cash-flow problems to contractors and across the entire contracting supply chain. There are many factors that cause late payment problems, including owner’s poor financial management; disagreement on valuation of executed works and consequent delayed certification; using paid-when-paid clauses with subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers; and noncompliance with contractual provisions in requesting and claiming payments. The objective of this paper is to present a study of the payment provisions under most widely used standard construction contracts, both nationally and internationally. This paper studies the payment provisions under traditional standard construction contracts including those published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), ConsensusDocs, Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC), International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), Wor...

Mitigation of wind-induced accelerations using Tuned Liquid Column Dampers: Experimental and numerical studies

During the early design stages of a relatively slender 42-storey high-end residential building located in the Middle East, a series of High Frequency Force Balance wind tunnel tests highlighted that the highest occupied floors could experience wind-induced motion which – depending on the inherent damping of the finished structure – had the potential to exceed standard industry occupant comfort criteria. In order to mitigate these excessive vibrations, a Tuned Liquid Column Damper solution was proposed for this building. The performance prediction and validation of the behaviour of such device involved: an initial campaign of full scale measurements to validate frequencies and inherent damping of the structure near completion; a series of shake table tests employing a 1:20 scale physical model; and a final full scale extrapolation study using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The damper study, which this technical paper is focused on, was part of a wider range of wind engineering consultancy services which included: wind climate study; pedestrian and terrace / balcony level wind microclimate study; overall wind loading study and façade pressure study.

EOR-For-Shale Ideas to Boost Output Gain Traction

Low oil prices may not be the biggest threat to the long-term sustainability of the North American shale business. Some are more concerned about the low recovery rates of horizontal shale wells, estimated to be about 7% on average— far short of the 40% achieved through primary and secondary (waterflooding) production in conventional reservoirs. Refracturing has been touted as the next big thing to improve ultimate recovery, but such operations remain relatively expensive and may only temporarily reset production to initial rates once or twice in a well’s life. To see long-term results and a doubling or tripling of current recovery rates, a number of experts say enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies must be developed to work in tight shale reservoirs. And due to persistently low natural gas prices, current efforts appear to be exclusively focused on oil and condensate producing wells. It is early days for this area of EOR research. There is no consensus on which approaches will work best, how much they may cost, what the most pressing challenges are, or exactly when an EOR operation should begin. “Our understanding is really small,” said Todd Hoffman, an assistant professor of petroleum engineering at Montana Tech University. “We’re coming from the conventional world where ‘this’ is how we did EOR and we may just have to throw all that out.” Hoffman is one of several researchers trying to figure out how EOR methodologies can be adapted or reinvented for the oil-rich shale fields of North Dakota, Texas, and Canada. One of the most popular ideas being studied is a huff-and-puff approach that uses a single horizontal well to alternate between producing oil and injecting natural gas or CO2 to re-pressurize the reservoir and displace oil. Another idea is to apply continuous injections into one well and use an offset well as the producer. Others are looking into flooding the wells with surfactants and possibly acid to stimulate production. In May, EOG Resources laid claim to the first economic demonstration of an injection-based EOR technology for tight oil in the US. The company said the development may have long-term production benefits and is competitive with drilling new wells. But other than making it clear that the process has been successful and uses dry gas produced in the same field, EOG is withholding key operational details such as whether it involves the huff-and-puff technique or continuous injections. A number of other innovative shale producers including Statoil, Nexen Energy, Continental Resources, and Marathon Oil have also either funded research or are known to be running pilots, but have not made their results public. As most shale producers remain silent about their EOR efforts, there are a growing number of technical papers being published by university petroleum departments and reservoir engineering consultants. They are using computer models and corefloods to test their theories and have produced promising numbers that suggest there may be several practical ways to implement EOR strategies for shale.

The Global Perspective

The International Test Center Network (ITCN) was established in 2012 as collaboration between Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM), in Norway, and the National Carbon Capture Center, in the United States. Here Frank Morton, Consulting Engineer for Southern Company Services, talks to Greenhouse Gases Science and Technology about the ITCN's vision, how it believes that global collaboration is the best way to take the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology forward, and what its plans are for the future.

Ideas of holistic engineering meet engineering work practices

ABSTRACTThis article critically reflects on the viability of the idea that reforming engineering education will result in more holistic engineering work practices. Drawing on an empirical study, the article aims to demonstrate that in order to change existing engineering work practices, it might be necessary to change engineers’ knowledge and skills; however, such changes are far from sufficient. Conditions and circumstances external to practitioners’ knowledge and skills are crucial if engineering work is to become more holistic. To illustrate this point, the article outlines an empirical study of a small team of professionals who engage in holistic engineering work practices in an engineering consultancy company. The work practices are investigated using a philosophical empirical method that inquires into the doings, sayings, and relatings of the practitioners. The study describes the practice architecture that shapes and is shaped by the practitioners’ activities, and it demonstrate how the practice landscape prevents enactments of holistic engineering work practices.

Effects of managers’ good characterson affective organizational commitment in consultant engineering firms

The present study aimed atanalyzing the effects of good charactersof managers on affective organizational commitment of employees to the organization. Data were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire including leadership characters and affective commitment measures adopted. A sample of 100 employees from Consultant Engineering Firms was used. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a linear regression analysis were used to test the relationship betweenmanagers’ good characters and affective commitment. The results show that the good characters of leaders including love, justice, and wisdomaffect affective commitment of employees. It is expected that when employees perceive such characters of amanager, they feel more affectively attached to their organizations andfeel a sense of loyalty towards their organization.Keywords: good characters, affective commitment, consultant engineering firms.