The fact that a structure has stood for the past 20 years without a problem is not an indication that the engineer was being overly cautious, nor is it an indication of a compliant design. It just means that in the past 20 years, the holes in the cheese didn’t line up.

Many of the reasons we experience supply chain delays are common, and this commonality makes them predictable. So what can we do to ensure that equipment arrives when we need it?

The fact that a structure has stood for the past 20 years without a problem is not an indication that the engineer was being overly cautious, nor is it an indication of a compliant design. It just means that in the past 20 years, the holes in the cheese didn’t line up.

Why would you spend $1,000+ on a light meter when there are ones available for less than $50?

Here’s our thoughts, from the perspective of an engineer and not a salesman.

Due to the erratic nature of renewable energy generation and the lack of electric vehicles available in Australia, the strides we have taken to replace fossil fuel-based energy have been small. As a consumer, it can feel like where we get our energy from is out of our control, particularly with the cost associated with electric vehicles, solar panels, and solar stationary battery systems.

Fortunately, our options are opening up.

The underlying function of ‘smart’ electrical and electronic technologies is to enhance autonomy, efficiency, and safety. However when designing for remote and regional locations, it’s often better to keep it simple, stupid.

While it appears that the Federal Government is not committing to Net Zero Emissions by 2050, most of the private sector are doing their part to reach this goal. This is because, in many cases, it’s essential for their business, but also because it’s actually not that difficult to achieve.

So, what role does HVAC play in a Zero Emission Economy?

To reduce our impact on the planet, there are changes we all must make in our everyday lives. When it comes to the temperature we set our air conditioning at, these changes may actually work out in our favour.

When structures are designed as non-habitable, it is often assumed that they do not present a hazard to life in case of failure. There are other factors however that need to be considered when determining the appropriate Importance Level.

Engineers are increasingly facing more pressure to deliver solutions faster, cheaper and better than before. It can be tempting to accept third-party recommendations as they appear as credible designs. However, without performing your due diligence as an engineer to scrutinise these proposed designs, you are dismissing the importance of your role in a project.

While networking may not be written directly into the job description, it can add immeasurable value to the development and career of an engineer.

While balustrades probably aren't on your mind while hosting a party (or perhaps, ever), you'll be glad they show up.

The spread of COVID-19 within hotel quarantine facilities has gained considerable public attention lately. The general consensus is that these hotels were never designed for disease containment. However, are the air-conditioning and ventilation systems in any hotel designed to prevent the spread of disease?

So you’ve calculated your design actions, sized your steel members, and detailed your connections. All done right? Not quite.

Up-and-coming engineers who want to make their mark tend to set their sights on big cities. That’s where there are multitudes of major projects, and major projects mean major opportunities, right? While the skills you develop in these roles are valuable, they can be very niche.

Artificial light has many advantages in the outdoor environment. It provides safe passageway for pedestrians and vehicles, improves the security around buildings and environments, enhances sporting and recreational activities, and is used for aesthetic or accent appearances. But where does that benefit become more of a hinderance?

Unlike the air conditioning industry which has seen significant improvements in energy efficiency standards through multiple iterations of the NCC, cold rooms have had almost no advancements in terms of technology or energy efficiency.

In Victoria, if a new lighting pole installation exceeds a height of 8m, then a building permit is required. This building approval requirement is atypical for external lighting pole installations as they are not generally associated with buildings.

Engineers have a multitude of tools at hand to assist with their jobs. These serve to greatly reduce calculation effort, improve accuracy, shorten the time required for rework and generally allow for more refined designs. An inability or unwillingness to sanity check the outputs obtained using such tools is a risk to the suitability and efficacy of the produced designs.

The evaluation and management of remote assets can be challenging. Accessing remote sites can be costly and time-consuming for the client, invasive and often inconvenient for the resident, and risky for both the assessor and the remote community.