The astounding advances in computers, mobile devices, CAD, BIM and engineering software have enabled us to design and create 3D models of complex structures rapidly and more efficiently. Analysis of structures under many types of loads in hundreds of combinations can be performed quickly. We can execute static, dynamic, vibration and push-over analysis under the various design loads such as dead, live, snow, wind, earthquake and temperature loads, allowing us to meet new demands and challenges.

  

These tools also provide deep insight into how structures behave and respond under the influence of those loads and thus improve their design. Intentionally over-designing is no longer necessary as was common practice among engineers in the past when slide rules, hand-held calculators, hand drafting and other tedious and repetitive manual design methods such as moment distribution were the only available design aids. We can spend more time on "what-if analysis" now to find better solutions. The benefits also extend to the construction industry. Quantity take-offs, estimating, shop drawing preparation, and scheduling, for example, can be done more easily.

 

However, we still need to ensure that computer methods and models are correct by performing some simple checks. Even the most complicated structure can be idealized to enable hand calculations of stresses and deflections. Making a quick comparison with the computer output will serve as a valuable double check of the results. Therefore, the use of high tech tools must be coupled with the supervision, experience and judgment of seasoned design and construction professionals.

Best regards,

Mohammed Thomad, PE, SE

Principal

Focus On: Cloud Computing for Engineers, Architects and Contractors 

The notion of cloud computing has been around since the beginning of the dot-com era. But lately, it has become a buzz word even in our own A/E/C industry.

According to wikipedia, it is defined as "a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. As a result, users need not have knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure in the "cloud" that supports them."

A time is coming when our computers and laptops will be merely, stand-alone, software-less devices, which will only serve as connections to the internet. So, what does it mean for us engineers, architects and construction professionals and our AutoCAD for example? If we believe that cloud computing is an unavoidable emerging technology, then we will have to brace ourselves and understand the myriad of issues we will certainly face.

Paramount of these is security. How do we assure our clients that their projects will be safe in the "cloud"?  How do we make sure that those handling the "cloud" will meet our own security needs? What happens when the cloud server is down, conveniently at the day of project submission? With cloud computing, we give control of our data to a third party. What about server crashes and hackers?

While the above issues are certainly worth considering, we ought not neglect the obvious advantages of this system; some of which include:

1. Global access and better collaboration between project team members
2. Software updates affect all users automatically and simultaneously
3. Reduced overhead by eliminating the need for IT-techs, servers and storage devices
4. Shifted responsibility for data and programs

Featured Project: Eyecandy Sound Lounge At Mandalay Bay Resort   

Completed in 2007, the 10,000 SF lounge is located in the center of the Mandalay Bay Casino floor. THOMAD Engineering provided full structural engineering services without disruption to the casino operations. Click here or on the photo for more details. Our office is currently working on similar projects at several Las Vegas resorts located on and off the world famous Las Vegas strip.