Reflective Journal for Construction and Engineering - Essay Example

?Running head: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING Reflective Journal 8th, May, Reflective Journal for Construction and Engineering Introduction Reflection is one of the most important since it gives the learner an opportunity to revisit the work and be in a position to categorize concepts one can comprehend and those one may be having troubles understanding. It is considered as a recollection, which is very vital and should be done frequently for learners to scrutinize how they progressing. Reflection enables one to familiarize with novel ideas as well as concepts enabling one to be more broadminded to new opinions in future. When joining Construction and engineering, the majority of students come with varying opinions regarding the course but what matters at the end is how each is able to transform the ideas into realistic arguments that can revolutionize the world. Reflective writing in this course equips one with an opportunity to evaluate not only the concepts learned but also on the intensity of intellectual growth and come up with sources of supplementary information. Engineering is course that actively engages the students and challenges them to be imaginative, and have numerous outlooks. Engineering is among the greatest powers of civilization. This journal focuses on the reflecting on aspects of construction and engineering. Course Content and Relevance Competency Element Claimed Introduction to Engineering The first topic “Introduction to Engineering” was on the basic concepts relating to engineering. Engineering cuts across several subjects and is therefore a mixture of art, science, math, social work. Concepts such as definition of Engineering, its significance, a historic background, achievement that have been made in the field of engineering, disasters in the field, and other basic but fundamental aspects of engineering are covered. The definition to engineering varies, the traditional one focuses on harnessing of forces of nature to enhance human lives (Moaveni& Sharma, 2011). Engineering has passed through several generations with several modifications and refinements evolving at every stage. The strong foundation Engineering has lies in the impressive way in which technological concepts were preserved, developed, and passed from generation to the next. The splendor of it all is that the contributions made by engineers stand out to be seen and celebrated or at times condemned by the world. Accomplishments of the early engineers include construction of the admired Egyptian pyramids, irrigation schemes in Mesopotamia, building of the Great Wall of China as well as a number of structures in the Roman empires. Throughout history, Engineering has played a major role in entirely all fields by providing, operating, supervising and maintaining both infrastructure and technological progressions (Moaveni& Sharma, 2011). Activities of engineers include construction of wastewater treatment and sewerage systems, manufacture and running of factories, power plants as well as the machineries used, building weapons, computers, robots, refining of resources such as metal as well as in the telecommunication. These are just a few of the activities carried out or maintained by engineers, however, the list is extensive as they are in almost every field. Engineering is a broad subject, and can be categorized into civil, environmental, chemical, aeronautical, biomedical, aeronautical, and electronic and software engineering. The field of engineering is ever growing and areas such as mining and mechatronic engineering are categorized on their own, or incorporated in other categories. Breathtaking breakthroughs such as the launching of space rocket, unraveling of universe anonymity, designing and construction of structure never foreseen instills a sense of delight and yearning in a student aspiring to be an engineer. Professional engineer works in a society characterized by complex ethical and environmental issues, which cannot be overlooked even when adopting a pace to keep up with the rapid technological developments. (Moaveni & Sharma, 2011). For student have an excellent understanding on what the course is about is vital. Understanding of how the course came about, modifications it has undergone with time, and future expectations are answered Makes students be conversant with each day happenings especially in the field of engineering The topic enlightens the learner on the immense list of works done by engineers which include, construction of transport systems and transport means such as highways, bridges, port amenities, aeroplanes, airports just to mention a few. Learning the blunders made by preceding engineers is crucial to avoid calamities such as Hyatt Regency walkway collapse that left 113 people dead as well as the Vaoint dam incident, which killed 2600 people. Safety, Risk and Liability in Engineering Accidents are part of challenges faced by engineers especially in areas related to technology thus it is important to understand how to deal with such accidents. Since engineers work for people, organizations, or government, some accidents have to be reported to appropriate authorities. To be a successful engineer it requires one to be able to accept responsibilities such as informing the public or authorities the risks involved in the projects they may decide to undertake. Be ready to learn more on how to apply technological techniques to resolve them, and be acquainted with potential outcome. In addition, an engineer under training require to understand the importance of engineers consent to undertake technological tasks in order to improve technical competence (Smith, 2011). The NSPE Code of ethics that governs operations of engineers demands that they only design or seal plans for structures following accepted engineering standards and are safe for public health and welfare. For example, when constructing structures such as walkways or bridges, engineers should design the strength of the structure about six times greater than utmost load predictions. A good example of how following proper construction procedures can be helpful was when the 1945 Empire State Building was on fire. The building had been constructed with stairway bordered with weighty masonry and concrete as was required by New York Building codes, which enabled firefighters, enter into the building through stairways and smother the fire in forty minutes. In contrast, the designers of twin towers failure to meet the terms of these codes resulted in a structure about 50% below standard requirement. Study of such case scenarios arms the learners with relevant expertise resulting in engineers that are more vigilant in their practice (Smith, 2011). Estimations of possible risks are possible and help to avoid some accidents. The government however accommodates acceptable risk, which it defines as one, which weighs more on public protection than the benefits of the undertaking to the public. Professionally, an acceptable risk is one, which compares the available options possibility of producing harm to that of producing benefit. As an engineer, one must be completely knowledgeable and experienced to be in a position to estimate and accept taking any form of risk (Smith, 2011). Understanding how systems are designed, and how they operate is important not only to enhance handling but helps prevent occurrence of some accidents. A clear understanding of codes of ethics is important, which when followed protects an engineer from happenings such as prosecution since ignorance is not acceptable in anyone’s defense Studying this topic is crucial in understanding the precautions an engineer require to take when designing, signing, or sealing construction plans. Sustainable Engineering Sustainable engineering is another vital aspect engineers in the making as well as professionals should be conversant with if they expect to succeed. Exaggerated lifestyles especially in Western world have increased the rate at which resources are being depleted. It is therefore important for those studying and practicing engineering is able to understand current technologies offered by the field that provides a solution to this predicament. The triple bottom line (TBL) is a criterion that guides engineers when making decisions pertaining to social, economic, and environmental features. A sustainable development is one that meets the necessities of people and at the same time preserves the resources such that the value of life improves with time other than deteriorating (Allen & Shonnard, 2011). Sustainable engineering originated in 1970’s, when people became dissatisfied with environmental pollution and formed organisations with the need initiate ecologically sustainable development. Later, government began to enact laws to protect environmental pollution by restricting factors such as the amount of emissions. Engineers must abide to such laws by utilizing energy and other resources in a manner that decreases wastes and maximizes on utilization of available resources. Commitment to sustainable engineering will enhance upholding of ecological reliability and biodiversity (Allen & Shonnard, 2011). Triple Bottom Line Analysis is applicable in sustainable engineering as it helps in evaluation of available options to minimise ecological deterioration. Operations of an industry are considered sustainable, unsustainable based on the effect it may have on the environment, social impacts such as effect it may have on workers, or people living around as well as the level of income it generates. Sustainability in Engineering is achieved through substituting limited resources with the less scarce ones, saving on usage of resources, reuse, and reprocessing materials. The relevance of this lecture is to train engineers how they can calculate the costs, benefits, and risks involved before undertaking or approving any project. Introduction to Engineering Design Designing involves application of laws, which may be physical or chemical, principles and mathematics while at the same time considering factors such as price, competence, and security of the designs. Designing is coming up with something or ideas that has not been previously there. For effective designing there is need for the person designing to be conversant on the significance of the object, carry out extensive research prior to designing and process the findings and present the final solution (Allen & Shonnard, 2011). The most important part of designing is the engineer being in a position to identify what exactly the client needs which can be through consultation with the client. It is only by understands the need of the client that professional engineers can come up with the right design. It involves carrying out ample of research to come up with several practical solutions from which you chose those to follow further. These involve doing estimations, running computer models and reflecting on fabrication. This process requires one to put into action theoretical ideas learnt in engineering. It is after testing the different possible solution that one can decide on the most appropriate and work out on fabrication. One can then consider how preservative the selected option is on aspects such as cost (Moaveni& Sharma, 2011). The design is now ready and an engineer is faced with the most vital role of presenting the design to the client. While doing this the most important thing is for one to put the interest of the client over other things and ensure that they fully satisfy them (Allen & Shonnard, 2011). The relevance of this topic is to equip upcoming engineers with the theoretical knowledge about the steps a professional engineer requires while making a design that satisfies the need of the customer. This facet of study enables students to learn to be good researchers and keen listeners if they are to design structures portraying the interest of their customers other than theirs. Engineers Australia and the Code of Ethics The code requires engineers to be sincere, respectful, truthful, and make logical decisions. Another important aspect required of Australian engineers is for them to aspire to meet the needs of current society without having to compromise those of future generation. Also require of them is to always operate on basis of sufficient knowledge without making assumptions. Values set for Australian engineers include upholding both individual and professional integrity by being unbiased, respecting secrecy of the professional as well as dealing with disagreements appropriately (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2007). Honesty and truthfulness are two other core values required for one to practice as a professional engineer within Australia. Reasonable and positive criticism on others work is permissible. However, the critism must be genuine and not based on any form of conflicts that may have existed. For one to be successful it is intelligent to be accommodative of divergent opinions on your work. Most people object any form of critism on their work due to failure of appreciating that positive disapproval creates an opportunity for one to reflect on the work and upgrade it. Engineers should also recognize and appreciate other people contributions. All engineers are expected to treat all people without favoritism, keep away from any corrupt deals, and avoid biasness of any kind at all costs. Behaviors such as racism, gender biasness, and prejudice of any kind are not permitted (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2007). Another value to uphold is the welfare of others as well as the environment. This is by being sensitive to the client’s inclinations as well as concerns raised by the community. Blows any actions of an engineer may have on the environment as well as the health of people ought to be put into consideration. This is important since professional engineers are sometimes required to work in teams (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, 2007). This lecture arms students with clear understanding of codes and values any engineer practicing within Australia must follow. Topic enlightens students on need for proper communication between professional engineers. This enables sharing experiences and correcting each other. Students also understand what is expected of them as future engineers. Competency Standards for Professional Engineer Professional engineers are required to have desire for knowledge and competence not only for them but also to enable them educate their fellows. However, they should not use their expertise to take advantage of clients who may not be familiar with aspects such as designing neither should they promise to offer services not in their area of specialization. Engineers must adhere to any statutes enacted to govern their practice. Promoting good leadership by selecting their leaders on bases of merit is another value that governs professional engineers (Vesilind A. and Gunn S. 2010). Proper and punctual communication to the clients is important for the engineers and also enables clients monitor progress and makes payments in good time. Professional engineers are expected to continually research to help solve problems in the most sustainable way and at the same time ensure all risks are taken into consideration (Vesilind & Gunn, 2010). The topic counsels students on the importance of professionalism in the field of engineering. Enlightens on the importance of understanding and fulfilling the requirements of the client without compromising the needs of the society environmentally, socially, or economically should be the vision of any engineer. Writing Laboratory Reports Engineering and construction involves carrying out several practical. Recording of findings should be such that the readers understand them to an extent that they can redo the practical. Formal reports are computer generated using word processor as well as using drawing and graphic programs to create images as well as other types of diagrams required. Another condition that must be fulfilled is that the report must be done using laser, printed on a single side of A4 size paper, and stapled at the top left corner. Third party person should be used without mixing tenses. A cover page with writer’s details must be present. The report should be inclusive of the following sections, aim, introduction on the relevance of the practical, list of apparatus used, the procedure followed, to show the results graphs, tables or diagrams with a brief explanation are used, discussion, conclusion, and a page with the list of references (Smith, 2011). The topic helps student learn how to write laboratory reports. Students are able to understand the importance of practical and reports. Introduction to Electronics This topic focuses on electrical circuits, measuring electric quantities, electrical quantities, estimating electrical resistance and the different types of circuits. Common terms use when dealing with electric circuit are, voltage, current and resistance. Voltage is a force capable of moving current, or the flow of electron thus is referred to as Electro-Motive Force. Resistance on the other hand limits current flow in a circuit. Voltage and resistance determine amount of current flow. When measuring current the apparatus being used is placed in series parallel to the component. Current is measured in amperes ‘A’, voltage in V, while the resistance is measured in ‘?’ pronounced as ohms. OHM’s law claims that increase in voltage of current results in a direct proportional increase in current (Gates, 2011). However in non-OHMIC devices such as light bulb, current is not proportional to resistance. This is due to resistance in light bulb filament. Resistance is dependent on both the shape and chemical composition of the material (Gates, 2011). This topic helps learners to understand how to calculate different aspects related to electric circuit while using OHMIC and non-OHMIC materials. Learning this is vital since most machinery engineers work with use electric current Excel for Engineering Aspects such as graphing, linear correlations, the excel functions “if, and, or” requires competency in excel. Main graphs used are the X Y spread plot, which helps in correlating dependent and independent variables. The three excel conditions can all be embedded. The 'if' is used as a conditional function to test how logical or true an option is. The 'and' statement is used when dealing with two conditions that must be met. The 'or' statement is used in situations where either of the conditions can be met (Moaveni& Sharma, 2011). This helps those studying engineering to understand how to design structures in excel and copy paste them to word document, apply different formulas, sort any data as well as formatting of cells. Conclusion Professional engineers have the duty of ensuring plans and designs follow the codes and ethics outlined in statutes guiding engineers in their practice. The desire to come up with new and better solutions to problems facing the society should be core to the engineers both at individual and professional level. The goal of each engineer should be to invent new stuff and ideas to offer solution to problems facing modern society while at the same time conserving resources for the future generation. Engineers should be able to identify those sources with credible information. They should also conduct themselves gently in times of conflicts. They should only carry on with projects whose social, economic, and environmental benefits outweighs the costs and risks. Engineering is a very broad and dynamic field of study considered as old as human race, a course that enables learners evolve, generate, test and share new ideas and innovations. References Allen, D. T. & Shonnard, D. R. (2011). Sustainable Engineering: Concepts, Design, and Case Studies. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. (2007). Handbook for APEC Engineer Registration: Guidelines for Applicants. Retrieved from http://www.une.edu.au/bet/pdfs/bengtech-ea-prof-attributes-090416.pdf Gates, E. (2011). Introduction to Electronics. Stamford: Connecticut. London: Cengage Learning. Moaveni, S & Sharma, I. (2011). Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering. Fourth Ed. London: Cengage Learning. Smith, D. (2011). Reliability, Maintainability, and Risk: Practical Methods for Engineers. Eighth Ed. Chatswood: Elsevier. Vesilind, A. & Gunn, S. (2010). Hold Paramount: The Engineer’s Responsibility to Society. Second Ed. London: Cengage Learning. Read More