Risks of Analytical Models in the Bidding Process

This week I read the article Risk and Price in the Bidding Process of Contractors, which is located at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) website. This article discusses the differences between the analytical models of the bidding process and the actual processes. In order to generate real data one person observed the biding process of new of the leading construction firms in the UK.  There were significant differences found in the study between actual bidding process and a modeled bidding process. Basically what was determined was that the analytical model does not generate a very accurate model of what actually happens in the pricing of construction bids.

This was an interesting article for me because I use to work for a contractor and was actually a part of several bidding processes. From experience I know that there is a lot of time, organization, and number crunching that goes into make a bid that will benefit you, but be high enough to get the job. I just thought I was interesting to see how people are resorting back to using the old fashion hand calculations and flow diagrams for pricing jobs instead of the computer technology.

Sturtural Analysis of Aluminum in a Fire

I read the article, Structural Analysis of Compression Deformation and Failure of Aluminum in Fire, which is located at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) website. This article is basically a lab report for the testing of aluminum as if it were subjected to temperatures within in a fire. The article describes how the aluminum will be tested. The will be several test runs on one specific type of aluminum alloy (5083 AL). First, a specimen will be tested while subjected to only compression loads. Then, there will several specimens subjected to the same compression loads as the first test, but heat that is representative of a fire will also be added in as a factor. There will also be different levels of heat applied to each specimen that is representative of different types of fires.  This allows engineering to model how the strength of the aluminum, as well as it’s physical properties are changed when subjected to different levels of radiant heat. It was determined from these tests that yielding strength properties of the aluminum were reduced with heat was added into the equation. By using the modeling approach, realistic deformations of the aluminum specimens were obtained and can be used in structural analysis of buildings.

Since I am getting an emphasis in Structural Engineering, this article was very interesting to me. Having to take several structures classes with similar labs to this one, I was able to understand not only what their results meant in general, but what their results meant to engineering and design. Civil engineering is the oldest engineering discipline studied today and everyday there a new discoveries being made about the materials used in design. It is cool to see how all the classes and labs that we do in college are being done everywhere around the world by professionals. It makes me think that I am actually going to use a great deal of knowledge that I have gained while in college when I start my career.

Sustainable Construction

I read the article Costs and Benefits of IEQ Improvements in LEED Office Building, which is located on the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) website. The article discusses the positive economical improvements that can be made by improving the indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designs (LEED) certified buildings were the type of buildings studied for this article. The research was done in order to determine if there would be a significant difference in the occupant’s well-being and productivity if these LEED certified buildings improved their indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The research was conducted by surveying employees that work at such LEED certified buildings. It was found that there would be a potential economic gains by improving the IEQ in each of the buildings studied.

Since I have been in engineering at Clemson there has been a strong push for us to take several class in this LEED certified and sustainability field. Basically all this means is that the building are being built more environmental friendly by the type of materials used to build the buildings and the actual appliances within the building. For example, using tempered and tented glass for all the windows, heavy duty spay in installation, and water saving toilets. It may not seem like much but just by making these improvements to buildings they will cut down significantly on the operating costs of the building, such as power, heating and cooling systems, and water.

I know that the latest buildings constructed on campus have been LEED certified and I am sure that there will be more to come in the future. I believe that this is the way that many engineers and architects are being to design their buildings and within ten years or so all new building will be design in this way. It is simply more economical for the owners and better for the environment, how could you go wrong with that.