The engineering analysis is always a hot topic, in any drawing office, on any project. Applying national standards, to the letter, and increasing levels of sophistication into the analysis to prove the design is adequate, is often revisited and debated throughout the project life. However, the process of preparing the engineering calculations is an unspoken subject almost anywhere in the world. Proving your design, on paper, to the same degree as the analysis, is  often in the way and a matter of faith. The engineer is only concerned with proving to themselves, rather than the reader, that the design is fit-for-purpose. [more]

Before I get into showing the nuts and bolts of preparing great calculations using Word and Excel, I want you to know I expect resistance and skepticism. The crossed arm defensive posture of  "I can't do that" or "It's not what we do" has a legacy. A large part of what we do is a result of passive conditioning over time. Whether you ar an experienced hand or a graduate, it helps to look behind you. For many, the road we have travelled will vary but I think it will be recognised. [more]

If you are like me, an engineer with some years’ experience working in a drawing office, then you know the value of what you do is often tied in the calculations. Many of us say how we specialize in certain types of designs but can you show it? How do you prove it?

Calculations are the cornerstone of your credentials as an engineer. From the very first time, I walked into a drawing office to start my career as a graduate Structural engineer, I realized I knew nothing about calculations, my mind was a blank. I knew only what I had submitted in my tutorials at university. I knew nothing about the considerations and preparation I should undertake in my professional role.  I had my eighth edition Steel Designer’s Manual (1978) as my preferred model. I was put straight to work checking calculations in the QA department for seismic designs; calculations that streamed in from over forty engineers. Remember, this was in the days before desktop computers. I saw a variety of styles of the pen-and-paper tradition. My first two years in QA checking was an interesting experience that I can appreciate now. As much as there are differences in people’s character, so is there in their calculations. [more]

1. It uses Eurocode (and assumes you're familiar with it)
2. It is restricted to shapes made by Corus and Vallourec/Mannesmann

So, your company has decided it wants to obtain AISC Certification. Right now you probably have far more questions than answers, I know I did! As the designated "Management Representative" of my company's Quality Management System, it was up to me to seek out the answers to begin the process that would ultimately conclude with us receiving out certification.
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