Real Life Projects Presentation – University of Liverpool
Recently, the IstructE invited local graduates to present a subject, or project, they have worked on to university students, demonstrating the transition from student to young professional.
At Curtins, our focus is on quality and commitment to continuous improvement – the development of staff is at the heart of the company’s business strategy. And so when the opportunity to share my journey with other potential future engineers at the University of Liverpool came about, I leaped at the chance.
My presentation focused on the advantages and challenges engineers face when conducting structural investigations on existing buildings, and how I have applied the Curtins R.A.P.I.D approach (Review; Analyse; Prove; Investigate and Design) to aid my journey from student to young professional.
As a company, economically remodelling existing structures has been a part of our culture for almost 60 years, and this is mainly due to our R.A.P.I.D approach.
It was important for the students and audience to understand what the Curtins R.A.P.I.D approach is. Firstly, I described each aspect to inform everyone how, as a company, we approach structural investigations.
R.A.P.I.D procedure is demonstrated by:
- Archive Information
- Desktop Study
- Site Investigations
- Iterative Design
- Further Site Validations
- Conclusions, Limitations and Alternative Approaches.
Secondly, I demonstrated a general investigation procedure so that it was clear to students what is required at each stage of a structural investigation.
I then showed how I applied the R.A.P.I.D approach with two of my live refurbishment project (Case Study 1 & 2), and that even though they followed the same process, they produced two entirely different outcomes.
Overall, Case Study 1 highlighted that with access to the appropriate information, structural investigations can be straight forward, swift and rewarding. However, Case Study 2 proves how with little archive information, all analysis and design is subject to change due to the manifestation of unforeseen problems.
In summary, even though the R.A.P.I.D approach differed for both case studies, they both eventually proved structural investigations can highlight the untold capacity of existing buildings. Curtins R.A.P.I.D approach has helped to regenerate projects such as the Albert Dock and Fort Dunlop, and we will continue to remodel buildings such as this.
But whether it be a single element or a flagship project, investigating structural capacities can redefine a building’s potential, and prove what really can be possible.