A Look At Architectural Engineering

Anyone who is skilled in planning, production and operation of building may have the talent to find a successful career in architectural engineering. An architectural engineer is responsible for designing and planning the interior workings and foundation of a home or building. Architectural engineers are responsible for overseeing plans and blueprints for everything from towering city buildings and bridges to small country homes and luxurious mansions. A successful engineer must be versatile and creative while maintaining respect for local building regulations and codes.

There are a number of jobs available in the world of architectural engineering, including self employment. A qualified individual may produce a home or building blueprint, which consists of both interior and exterior elevations, foundation and floor plans, roof details, electrical layouts, cross sections and other general instructions.

In order to find a career in architectural engineering, an individual must become licensed through an accrediting agency. In addition, an architectural engineer must make themselves familiar with building codes, local laws and regulations and must be skilled in their craft. In order to learn this information, engineering hopefuls must pursue a college degree and learn firsthand how the process works.

In addition to designing a home or building, engineering professionals also make adjustments to already developed plans. This may include altering blueprints for a home, business or landmark in order to be customized to the individual or local area needs. Many individuals hire an architectural engineer to oversee the design and construction of their project, but others decide to enlist a professional after construction has already begun. If problems arise in the construction or they simply need a helping hand, many individuals and companies turn to the world of engineering for a professional evaluation and redesign.

Concerns surrounding both energy costs and safety have, in recent years, prompted many areas to require an architect and/or engineering seal be placed on a blueprint prior to construction. In addition to the actual design process, many engineering professionals review plans and offer consultation services on independent creations.

While many engineers find great success within a design and development firm or working directly with individuals or companies, many find that they are happy working on a freelance or consultant basis. This means that they work directly with the company or individual, own and operate their own business and handle every decision within the company. The freedom of self employment in the world of engineering can be very fulfilling, both financially and emotionally. Much like a doctor, lawyer or accountant who branches out into their own private practice, an engineering professional may also enjoy that same freedom.

Don’t Forget Masonry During Inspections

Early in my career, I worked with a brick mason who declared “masonry construction is forever.” In a humorous response, I teased him saying he’d spent too much time carrying mortar up a ladder. But actually I knew when properly installed, masonry really is solid; it serves the construction industry well and provides outstanding protection against the spread of fire. Given its tested reputation, many inspectors have developed a mindset that keeps them understanding that because masonry is fire-rated it needs no inspection, or that all 8-inch block has a two-hour fire rating. Consider the common misconception that all concrete block has a rating. If you look at the UL Fire Resistance Directory, it shows the block used in a fire-rated assembly must meet certain requirements. A 2-hour firewall requires a class “B” block. The block alone must be constructed following certain specifications. Its fire resistance rating is based on the thickness of the block. So what’s the difference between a class B block and the typical concrete block available at a local lumberyard or home store? It comes down to the required thickness of the walls and the size of the hollow core. Blocks purchased at home repair and maintenance stores typically have large hollow cores and are not adequate in thickness or density for fire resistance. So how does an inspector know if the block being used is of the correct classification? The construction design will indicate a required classification. Additionally, block shipments usually contain a certificate with its classification and inspectors should ask to see that certificate. Block classification should be checked routinely and automatically. There are also various issues to consider before application such as the type of mortar used, how to keep the mortar from freezing, what accessories will be used and the bearing conditions and penetrations. All of these components comprise an assembly. Indeed, masonry construction is solid and serves the construction industry well. And to make my brick mason friend happy, I will concede that it is almost “forever.” However, as with other types of construction, masonry too, is subject to inspection and must also comply with applicable codes and standards.