Mechanical Engineers at Construction Sites: What They Do and How They Do It

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines. It involves the design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance of mechanical systems, such as machines, tools, and components. Mechanical engineers apply their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve various problems in different fields, such as power, medical, process, and manufacturing industries.

One of the fields that mechanical engineers work in is the construction industry. Construction is the process of building structures, such as buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and tunnels. Construction projects require a lot of planning, coordination, and supervision of various activities, such as design, procurement, fabrication, installation, testing, and commissioning. Mechanical engineers play an important role in every stage of construction, as they are responsible for designing, building, establishing, and maintaining all kinds of mechanical systems and equipment used in the construction process.

In this blog post, we will discuss some topics related to mechanical engineers at construction sites such as; education, roles, skills, planning, coordination and problem solving.

1. Education

To become a mechanical engineer, one needs to have a degree in mechanical engineering from a recognized institution. The degree program usually covers subjects such as engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science, manufacturing, and design. Some programs also offer electives or specializations in areas such as robotics, biomechanics, renewable energy, or aerospace engineering.

To work as a mechanical engineer in the construction industry, one may also need to have some additional qualifications or certifications, such as:

- A license or registration from a professional engineering organization, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), or the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). The license or registration may require passing an exam, completing a certain amount of work experience, and adhering to a code of ethics and standards of practice.

- A certification or accreditation from a relevant organization, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), or the International Code Council (ICC). The certification or accreditation may require passing an exam, completing a certain amount of continuing education, and demonstrating competence and knowledge in a specific area of mechanical engineering, such as HVAC, plumbing, or fire protection.

- A degree or certificate in a related field, such as construction management, project management, or safety engineering. The degree or certificate may provide additional skills and knowledge in areas such as budgeting, scheduling, quality control, risk management, or occupational health and safety.

2. Roles

Mechanical engineers have various roles and responsibilities in the construction industry, depending on the type, size, and complexity of the project. Some of the common roles and responsibilities are:

- Designing the mechanical components and systems of a structure, such as elevators, escalators, boilers, engines, pumps, turbines, generators, compressors, fans, ducts, pipes, valves, fittings, sprinklers, and fire alarms. The design process may involve conducting feasibility studies, performing calculations, creating drawings and specifications, selecting materials and equipment, and ensuring compliance with codes and standards.

- Fabricating and installing the mechanical components and systems of a structure, such as cutting, welding, bending, assembling, mounting, and connecting. The fabrication and installation process may involve following the design documents, using the appropriate tools and machines, testing and inspecting the components and systems, and ensuring safety and quality.

- Maintaining and repairing the mechanical components and systems of a structure, such as cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, calibrating, troubleshooting, and replacing. The maintenance and repair process may involve following the operation manuals, using the appropriate tools and instruments, diagnosing and solving the problems, and ensuring reliability and efficiency.

- Supervising and managing the mechanical aspects of a construction project, such as planning, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, and controlling. The supervision and management process may involve leading and directing the mechanical team, communicating and collaborating with other stakeholders, such as architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, contractors, and clients, preparing and reviewing the documents, reports, and records, and ensuring the completion of the project within the scope, time, cost, and quality.

3. Set of Skills

To perform their roles and responsibilities effectively, mechanical engineers need to have a set of skills that include:

- Technical skills: The ability to apply the principles and methods of mechanical engineering to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems and equipment. Technical skills may involve using mathematical formulas, scientific laws, engineering standards, and computer software to perform calculations, simulations, modeling, and testing.

- Practical skills: The ability to use the tools and machines to fabricate and install mechanical components and systems. Practical skills may involve operating, handling, and maintaining the tools and machines, such as drills, saws, lathes, mills, welders, cranes, forklifts, and hoists.

- Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify, define, and solve the problems that arise in the mechanical aspects of a construction project. Problem-solving skills may involve applying logical thinking, creativity, and innovation to find the best solutions, using the available resources, data, and information.

- Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively with different audiences, such as colleagues, supervisors, clients, and contractors, using various modes, such as verbal, written, and visual. Communication skills may involve listening, speaking, writing, and presenting clearly, concisely, and persuasively, using the appropriate language, tone, and style.

- Teamwork skills: The ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve the common goals of a construction project. Teamwork skills may involve respecting, supporting, and trusting others, sharing ideas and feedback, resolving conflicts, and adapting to different situations and personalities.

- Organizational skills: The ability to plan, organize, and manage the mechanical aspects of a construction project. Organizational skills may involve setting priorities, goals, and deadlines, allocating resources, delegating tasks, and monitoring and controlling the progress and performance.

- Leadership skills: The ability to lead and direct the mechanical team and influence the outcomes of a construction project. Leadership skills may involve motivating, inspiring, and empowering others, making decisions, taking responsibility, and ensuring accountability.

4. Set of Software They Use

Mechanical engineers use various software applications to perform their tasks and duties in the construction industry. Some of the common software applications are:

- Computer-aided design (CAD) software: Software that allows mechanical engineers to create, modify, and analyze the drawings and models of mechanical components and systems. CAD software may include features such as 2D and 3D modeling, drafting, rendering, animation, and simulation. Some examples of CAD software are AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, and SketchUp.

- Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software: Software that allows mechanical engineers to perform engineering analysis and evaluation of mechanical components and systems. CAE software may include features such as finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer analysis, and stress analysis. Some examples of CAE software are ANSYS, MATLAB, Simulink, and COMSOL.

- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software: Software that allows mechanical engineers to control and operate the machines and tools that fabricate and install mechanical components and systems. CAM software may include features such as numerical control (NC), computer numerical control (CNC), and programmable logic control (PLC). Some examples of CAM software are Mastercam, Fusion 360, and Mach3.

- Project management software: Software that allows mechanical engineers to plan, organize, and manage the mechanical aspects of a construction project. Project management software may include features such as scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, task assignment, progress tracking, and reporting. Some examples of project management software are Microsoft Project, Primavera, and Basecamp.

5. Planning the Work

The first step for any mechanical engineer in construction is to plan the work. This involves reviewing the technical documents, such as drawings, specifications, and contracts, to understand the scope, requirements, and constraints of the project. The mechanical engineer also needs to estimate the materials, equipment, and labor needed, and prepare a budget and schedule accordingly.

The mechanical engineer then works with the architect and other engineers to create the layout and design of the mechanical systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection, and elevators. The mechanical engineer uses various software tools, such as CAD, BIM, and CFD, to model and simulate the performance and efficiency of the systems. The mechanical engineer also considers the environmental impact, safety, and code compliance of the design.

The mechanical engineer then communicates the design to the mechanical contractor, who is responsible for the fabrication and installation of the mechanical systems. The mechanical engineer provides the contractor with the detailed drawings, specifications, and instructions, and answers any questions or clarifications that may arise.

6. Coordinating the Work

The next step for the mechanical engineer in construction is to coordinate the work. This involves working closely with the mechanical contractor and other trades, such as electrical, civil, and structural, to ensure that the mechanical systems are installed correctly and on time. The mechanical engineer also needs to coordinate with the project manager, the owner, and the authorities, to report the progress and status of the work, and to obtain the necessary permits and approvals.

The mechanical engineer also uses a computer tool to assist with the coordination of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. This tool can identify and resolve any conflicts or interferences among the systems, and make recommendations for optimal solutions. The tool can also store and share the knowledge and information required for the design, construction, and operation of the MEP systems.

The mechanical engineer also performs regular site visits and inspections to monitor the quality and safety of the work, and to verify that the installation meets the design specifications and standards. The mechanical engineer also conducts tests and commissioning of the mechanical systems, to ensure that they function properly and efficiently.

7. Solving the Problems

The mechanical engineer in construction faces a lot of challenges and problems and he is expected to solve the problems. This involves dealing with any issues or challenges that may arise during the design, installation, or operation of the mechanical systems. The mechanical engineer needs to have strong problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to adapt and improvise in different situations.

Some of the common problems that the mechanical engineer may face include:

- Design changes or revisions due to client requests, site conditions, or regulatory requirements.

- Delays or disruptions in the delivery of materials, equipment, or labor.

- Errors or defects in the fabrication or installation of the mechanical systems.

- Malfunctions or failures of the mechanical systems due to wear and tear, damage, or misuse.

- Complaints or disputes from the owner, the contractor, or the end-users of the building.

The mechanical engineer needs to analyze the root cause of the problem, and propose and implement the best solution. The mechanical engineer also needs to document the problem and the solution, and communicate them to the relevant parties. The mechanical engineer also needs to learn from the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.

Conclusion

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the construction industry. They plan, coordinate, and solve problems related to the mechanical systems that make buildings functional and comfortable. They work with various stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, owners, and authorities, to ensure that the mechanical systems meet the project objectives and expectations. They also use various software tools and techniques to design, model, simulate, and optimize the mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers are essential to the success of any construction project, and their skills and expertise can make a huge difference.