Structural Engineering Portfolio

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING RECORD

Updated in Sept. 2023

Academic Year I

Relevant Modules:

Structural Engineering Mechanics

Geotechnical Engineering

Structural Materials Engineering

Structural Engineering Skills

Mathematics

Academic Year II

Relevant Modules:

Structural Analysis

Structural Engineering Design&Appraisal

Geotechnical Engineering

Structural Materials Engineering

Mathematics and Coding Programming

Academic Year III

Relevant Modules:

Structural Analysis

Structural Engineering Design&Appraisal

Construction Project Management

Academic Year IV

Relevant Modules:

Dissertation

Parametric Modelling

Advanced Structural Analysis

Design Project:

Global Engineering Challenge Week -Smart Green Houses

Design Project:

Engineering - You’re Hired -Biomimetic Domestic Buildings

Design Project:

Multi-Storey Building Design

-Nottingham Student Accommodation

Independent Research: Quantifying the Embodied Carbon in Layout Optimization of Long-Span Timber Trusses

NB: Studying Relevant Modules guaranteed abundant theoretical knowledge in Materials | Geotechnical Engineering | Structural Analysis | Mathematics which is not presented on the following pages.

Independent Research - Topology Optimization

My graduation dissertation [Quantifying the Embodied Carbon in Layout Optimization of Long-Span Timber Trusses] endeavours to explore the feasibility of generating a sustainable trusses design through computational optimization scripts.

To achieve the target, I was advised to learn the innovative plug-in [Rhino+Peregrine] in a limited-time environment as the dissertation ran spontaneously with graduate architectural projects. Delightingly, I had restricted conditional design constraints and processed the single-flow optimization successfully.

The [Preregrine] is the computational optimization tool with high flexibility in adjusting primitive 2D or 3D building structures, structural components, and other design constraints to satisfy various optimization requests. After this chapter, I am confident and enthusiastic about applying this optimization tool in the further industrial field.

Independent Research - Calculate Embodied Carbon

As one of the priliminary tasks of the graduation dissertation, I had an abundant literature reading to appreciate the importance of sustainable design to the construction industry nowadays and the global climate challenge we are facing.

Besides exploring the feasibility of computational optimization, this paper also highly aligns the optimization criteria to the sustainable design scheme. At the end of the experiment, It was found that the [Peregrine] computational optimization method could save up to 70% of the embodied carbon than that of traditional long-span timber trusses. Moreover, the paper also estimated the optimal W/H ratio which could achieve the same structural standard with the least material consumption.

The dissertation referred to the [IStructE Embodied Carbon Calculator] and relevant regulations. Additionally, I can also calculate embodied carbon by [FCBs carbon calculator] and [Structure Workshop calculator], which robustly enable my flexibility in a sustainable design.

Structural Design&Analysis - CLT Timber

Three years of professional academic studying boosted our background knowledge in Structural Engineering extensively. In 3rd year, we were distributed in a group of 6 to propose an accommodation structural design scheme as the coursework of one of the academic modules.

In this coursework, I worked with other two teammates on the timber structure design scheme and I took charge of the design of shear walls/brace bays to guarantee the lateral stability of the design. All calculations were estimated under appropriate assumptions and referred to the accurate design regulations. The entire submission work gained the [Distinction] feedback.

Moreover, I am capable of designing the fundation, floors, walls and beams of timber structures.

Structural Design&Analysis - RC Concrete

Through academic training and module studyings. I am also familiar with the design of RC structures and relevant design codes | and regulations.

As a teamwork, the design of the RC structure was taken charge of by the rest of the 3 teammates. The design discussion was held regularly to ensure the wWork of all team members was up to date and the design of two structure schemes was under the guarantee of everyone.

Correspondingly, I assisted in checking the design of the RC scheme, and lateral stability section to ensure all calculations were accurate and all regulations were referred. I am confident to carry out RC design work if requested in the future.

Project Development

The structural design project is not only about calculations but also asks for continuous development and a broad range of knowledge throughout the entire project. In order to come up with a proposal letter to the client, I worked remotely on these aspects with the team during the pandemic year.

Site Analysis:

At the beginning of the project design, we processed a comprehensive site survey and site analysis. A wide range of site conditions was inspected in detail at the early stage, which avoids potential further onsite construction hazards to a large extent.

The draw up of Risk Assessment:

Engineers are responsible for ensuring the construction work is processed safely. In order to achieve the purpose of preventing potential accidents and hazards, the team finalized the risk assessment as detailed as possible with clear severity classifications.

Design Evaluation and Decision Making:

The team came up with two design schemes spontaneously for the client, which ensured the client could have multiple choices but increased the workload of engineers. As a team, we set the structure marking criteria to evaluate two design schemes and made a final decision recommended to the client.

Decision Making Criteria: Site Constraints Surveying: Risk Assessment:

Rural Campus ( SK-S-03 ):

Building Constraints

Risk

letter---https://issuu.com/weif_hu13/docs/combinepdf_8_

Structural Analysis- Oasys GSA

At the University of Sheffield, we were requested to apply GSA software to carry out structural analysis for our architectural design.

In this coursework, I developed my structural analysis skills and successfully exported the Shear Force Diagram and BMD (Bending Moment Diagram) of the initial design of the Food Market by using GSA.

Paramatric Modelling-Sketch Up | Revit

Sketch Up

Sketch Up

Sketch Up

Paramatric Modelling-Grasshopper | Blender

In the final year, I took [parametric modelling and computational design] as my chosen module, which is much more than grasshopper modelling. Through lWectures and operational labs, I have learnt to import mathematical equations into [Grasshopper]to simulate load cases; apply the nonlinear finite element method to progress optimization with given constraints domain; use [Peregrine] to satisfy various optimization requests, cooperate [Grasshopper] with [Python] command, etc. The academic coursework highly engaged my creativity a step forward, and I managed to import diverse parametric modelling scheme options using the domain panel as requested.

I also learn [Blender] initiatively during the spare time to improve technical skills and software modelling flexibilities.

Blender

Grasshopper

Technical Drawings - Revit

I am flexible in drawing technical Plans, Sections and Isometrics in [Revit]. Additinally, I can handle the Generic Model Schedule Import task if required.

Technical Drawings - AutoCAD

A work example of applying [AutoCAD] to draw a 1:20 detailed structural section, and further rendering is processed by [Abode Products].

Coding-MATLAB | PYTHON

I am confident that I have an abundant knowledge of [Matlab ]scripting languages after years of course training at the University of Sheffield. I am familar with all primitive coding commands, confident in scripting Matlab code with high accuracy, and capable of carrying out various numerical calculation tasks. There are two coursework examples, in which I successfully exported BDM(bending moment diagrams) at 1st year, and carried out optimization tasks with coordinates | matrix inputs in the second year respectively.

clear;clc; i=7;j=6;k=1;l=3;span=3+0.2*i

RB1=(-10*(1+0.1*j))/(span);RA1=-10-RB1; distance=0:0.1:4.4; count = length(distance) for x = 1:count

if distance(x) < (1.1+0.1*j)

M1(x) = -distance(x)*RA1; else

M1(x) = 10*(1+0.1*j) + RB1*(distance(x)); end end

subplot(2,2,1), plot(distance ,M1,'ro '); grid on;

xlabel('Distance (m)'); ylabel('Moment (kNm)');legend('case1');title('bending moment distribution case 1')

Max1=max(abs(M1)); Min1=min(abs(M1))

RB2=-((1+k)*((span)/2)*((span)*3/4))/((span)); RA2=-(1+k)*((span)/2)-RB2

distance=0:0.1:4.4; count=length(distance) for x=1:count

if distance(x)<(span/2+0.1)

M2(x) = -RA2*distance(x); else M2(x) =-RB2*(span-distance(x))-(1+k)*(span-distance(x))*((1/2)*(span-distance(x))); end end

subplot(2,2,2), plot(distance, M2,'b+:'); grid on;

xlabel('Distance (m)'); ylabel('Moment (kNm)');legend('case2');title('bending moment distribution case 2')

Max2=max(abs(M2)); Min2=min(abs(M2))

RB3=-((25*(1.4-(0.1*l)))-25*((span)-(1.4-(0.1*l))))/(span); RA3=-RB3; distance=0:0.1:4.4; count=length(distance) for x=1:count

if distance(x)<(1.5-(0.1*l))

M3(x)=RB3*distance(x);

elseif distance(x)>(span-(1.5-(0.1*l)))

M3(x)=25*(1.4-(0.1*l))-25*(span-(1.4-(0.1*l)))+RB3*distance(x); else M3(x)=25*(1.4-(0.1*l))-RB3*distance(x); end

end

At the same time, I also got involed in the Python Coding course individually while at the University. It is not the part of the Uni course but I engaged myself to learn. The knowledge in Python extend my coding abilities, and helped my studying in module parametric modelling extensively.

subplot(2,2,3), plot(distance, M3,'g*-'); grid on;

xlabel('Distance (m)'); ylabel('Moment (kNm)');legend('case3');title(' bending moment distribution case 3')

Max3=max(abs(M3)); Min3=min(abs(M3))

M4=M1+M2+M3 subplot(2,2,4), hold on; plot(distance ,M1,'ro ');plot(distance, M2,'b+:');plot(distance, M3,'g*');plot(distance,M4,'cx-');grid on xlabel('Distance (m)'); ylabel('Moment (kNm)');legend('case1','case2','case3','case4');title(' bending moment distribution for load case 4');suptitle('bending moment distribution case 1-4'); Max4=max(abs(M4)); Min4=min(abs(M4))

mass=0.145;area=42;tstep=0.001;plotting=0;start=0;finish=90;target=90;

Objective Loop Operation

Totalcost will be generated by Cspin,Cspeed and Cangle

i=0;j=0; for Cd=[0.4:0.01:0.5]

j=j+1,i=0

Cdcount(j)=Cd; Cspin=5000*(20*(0.5-Cd))^4; for V0=[45:1:60]; i=i+1; V0count(i)=V0; Cspeed=25000+(17*(45-V0))^2; [theta(i,j) maxdist(i,j)]= bisector_maxdist(start,finish,V0,Cd,mass,area,tstep,plotting); thetamin(i,j) =bisector_bestangle(start,theta(i,j),V0,Cd,mass,area,tstep,plotting,target); thetamax(i,j) = bisector_bestangle(theta(i,j),finish,V0,Cd,mass,area,tstep,plotting,target); rangeangle(i,j)=thetamax(i,j)-thetamin(i,j) if rangeangle(i,j)>40; Cangle(i,j)=0.1; elseif rangeangle(i,j)<10; Cangle(i,j)=1; Cangle(i,j)=1-(0.9*(rangeangle(i,j)-10)/30); end

Totalcost(i,j)=(Cspeed+Cspin)* Cangle(i,j); end end

Output of result

Bestway=min(min(Totalcost));[row,col]=find(Totalcost==Bestway); BestV0=V0count(row);BestCd=Cdcount(col)

Bestway = 4.3504e+03; BestV0 = 53; BestCd = 0.4900

Plotting of diagram

 The function bisector_bestangle returns the two angles which achieve target distance (90m). The bisector method mentioned before should be used again. In addition to the inputs of bisector_maxdist function, a new argument ‘target ’ should be insert in this function to be used to find the reacted angle. Similar to the last function, a while loop with new terminate requirement should be generated and the ballistic function will be recalled to produce the distances with each update of angles. The new if loop should be used to adjust the situation t o redistribute the value of start and finish. There are six possibilities in this case, which are YR>target and YM>target; YR>target and YM<target; YL>target and YM>target; YL>target and YM<target; YM>target and YL<YR; YM>target and YL>YR; YM>target and YL<YR and new value of start or finish should be adjust by the if loop to decreased the range of angles step by step until find an answer which is accurate enough

[CdI,V0I] = meshgrid(Cdcount,V0count); surf(CdI,V0I,Totalcost); xlabel('Drag coefficient Cd','fontsize',10); ylabel('Initial Velocity V0(m/s)','fontsize',10); zlabel('Total cost(dollars)','fontsize',10);

In additional, in this case, if the range of angle is 0-90; in the first calculation, the ‘start’ should be 0, and ‘finish’ should better be the angle which gives maximum distance; in the second calculation, the ‘start’ should be that angle gives the max distance and the ‘finish’ should be 90. Because only one solution allowed to be found for each angle range.

According to calculation, the angles which reach to 90m distance between angle range 0°-90° with V0=45, Cd=0.5,tstep=0.001 are 30.1976° and 36.6424° respectively

Diagram (shown in Figure7)

Below is the illustrate diagram

Figure3: The distance distribution with the change of Figure4: Distribution of angle give max distance for launched angle. (angles give target dist has been marked) given Cd,V0

Coding-MATLAB in Practice

In my 3rd year at the university, I attempted to apply [Matlab] scripting code to solve an on-site project problem. As mentioned on the previous page, I took charge of the design of shear walls | bays and the calculation of lateral stability resistance of a 3rd-year design project - student accommodation in Nottingham. I wrote the code to process the repetitive calculations with varable inputs to ensure revelant designs were acceptable. It was delightful that the Matlab code ran through efficiently and precisely, and the accuracy of the entire design and calculation were persuasive under the guarantee.

Team Collaboration

I gained sufficient group work experience at the University. I understand that the construction project requires extensive professional knowledge, independent problem-solving abilities, but also flexible team collaboration skills. I participated in annual engineering group projects and appreciated the work experience with other interdisciplinary engineering students. Both two group projects I participated in received [Distinction] awards. What is most important is that I gained soft analysis | managemnet skills by using Gantt Charts| branch diagrams, and accumulated invaluable communication, negotiation, and presentasion skills.

Biomimetic Buildings

-[Distinction] awarded

awarded

Smart Greenhouse -[Distinction]

Project Management & Evaluation

Quality

Last but not least, project management skills are always compulsory for ensuring the project is running under the fore-seen time, cost, quality, risk and HS control. Enrolling on the construction management module enabled me to appreciate the critical importance of project supervision. In the coursework, I took charge of the partial section-importance of quality inspection individually and participated in the finalizing of the entire report with other 4 teammates.

As a continuous work, I participated in the draw up and specification of the evaluation criteria for 3 tender reports submitted by young-level students. Furthermore, we evaluated 3 tender reports with detailed feedback referred to the evaluation criteria we published. From the module, I extensively upgraded my understanding of the project management and enabled to take the entire responsibility of project inspection.

Qua ity management is one of the key parts of a successful project, and s always required in order to act with care and rigour High quality of construction and accurate qua ity supervision wi l benef t the pro ect in the long term The h gher qua ity completed projects have a longer duration and can reduce the potential safety hazards of the project effect vely (from construction or use) It can also reduce the cost for ma ntenance to a certain extent V ce versa, ow-qua ity pro ects have more potent a r sks which cou d nvolve potent al legal and eth cal disputes

Ronan point is a formidab e examp e that highlights the importance of qua ity management An accident was caused by a gas explosion and resulted in 4 deaths and 17 injuries And the problem of lack ng qual ty management was exposed to the public’s vis on fina ly after this incident

The nqu ry report led by Hugh Griffiths, QC states that Ronan po nt has a series of quality ssues throughout the pro ect (Ronan Po nt f ats inqu ry report, 1968) For instance, all relative ca culations were based on the assumption that al w ndows were c osed, they underest mated the possible wind-ax al loads Unf lled gaps were left between f oors and walls throughout, hidden on y by sk rting boards and cei ing paper, the components were not set f rmly to the slab and caused them to be able to res st inadequate stresses

It may be said that Ronan Po nt s a fa led project even though n th s project there was a great y reduced construction time and costs However, these cons derations seem meaningless when a project does not meet the construction quality standards Quality management runs through the entire implementat on process of the project and s mainly reflected in the fol ow ng two aspects One is the profess ona ism of testing during pro ect des gn, and the other s the rigor of operation dur ng project implementat on It is the responsibi ity of eng neers to make the r work c ear and consistent with RAEng ethical princip es Although the engineers des gned the bu lding to current design codes at the t me, was it ethica ly acceptable to design w th such a lack of redundancy, result ng n such a catastrophe? This poses an ethical and legal di emma, as the engineers were act ng within their ab lity - but it could be argued that the codes were not competent to protect the publ c: as ev denced by the fact that they were changed after th s disaster Clear y, engineers should also be ready for challenges, testing and terating to guarantee the qua ity of the project instead of fo low ng the design codes ambiguously

Another re evant examp e regarding a simi ar issue - where design codes were incorrect ead ng to failure - was the case of MT Hojgaard vs EON energy MTH were contracted by EON to produce foundations for offshore w nd turb nes wh ch would last a min mum of 20 years. Two of these failed soon after construct on, and remedial works were required to fix these It was determ ned that MTH des gned and bu lt these to the re evant code, although there was an error in this code and thus the foundations were not sufficient - therefore a breach of contract MTH were found iable for the cost of the remed al works (around €26 25 mi lion), even though the faulty wasn’t their own, as they had assumed r sk for th s w thin the contract (S nclair, Price, Stewart and Crosb e, 2017)

The engineers are required to be profess ona n the r technica design and should be responsible for consider ng the accuracy of the construction code they are app ying In the

egal aspect, the c ient should be respons ble for the contractor that meets their design requirements, with more rigorous parameters placed n the contract in cons derat on of construct on risk (with regard to the fol owing o des gn codes) to guarantee the whole qual ty of the pro ect

It has been 35 years s nce the Ronan point incident happened Unfortunately, t is not the ast project to be udged as a fai ure The Stata Center des gned by Frank Gehry had qua ity ssues after 3 years of use A though the company had tried to warn Gehry of prob ems w th the design on numerous occasions and had made repeated requests o use more suitab e mater al (Danie , B , 2011) It is another examp e of arch tectural fa lure caused by ignorance of quality management Both arch tects and eng neers should real se the mportance of qua ity standards, ensuring that their work meets the civ l aw regulation with professiona and rigorous treatment

Compared to a commerc al project, the Ebola Hospita pro ect requ res less construc ion t me and cost to meet the needs of a large number of patients; mak ng it functional seems more mpor ant than ensur ng that it has a onger life durat on However, that does not mean qua ity management cannot be dealt with n a hurry Taking nto account that the construction standards and regu ations in the UK and the local area are not comp etely consis ent, the successful mplemen ation of the pro ect requ res managers to have professiona abi ity to achieve the contro of qua ity precisely By ensur ng a high level of qua ity, the t me and capita investmen for the maintenance, reconstruction, and remediat on can be reduced effectively, to the benefit of a scheme

Figure 3: The Time ine of the Ronan Point project w th qua ity ssues high ighted