The Difference Between Construction Engineering and Structural Engineering – Ep 039

In this episode, we talk to Andrew (Drew) Twarek, a project manager at Ruby+Associates, Inc. Structural Engineers about construction engineering, what it is and how it differs from structural engineering. He also talks  about some of the top award-winning projects that he’s worked on in the past. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Drew Twarek about Construction Engineering: What is construction engineering and how does it differ from “regular” structural engineering? Why do you think contractors need a construction engineer? What does a construction engineering project look like? What are some of the real-life construction projects that Ruby+Associates has been involved with? Can you talk to us about the five-mile long suspension bridge painting project that won you the NCSEA Engineering award? Talk to us about the project you worked on with Colorado Springs Utilities, where innovative technology to reduce SO2 emissions at one of its power plants was used. What advice can you give to engineers considering a career in construction engineering? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Construction Engineering: There are many different types of constructional engineering, such as connection design, erection procedure engineering, and construction engineering. Construction engineering is a branch of structural engineering but is separate from the typical structural engineering. Additionally constructional engineering involves the construction process, planning, scheduling, manpower, labor, and material input that goes into the projects. It also involves solving structural engineering problems, how the materials are used, and helping the client to get the project built. Some examples of what constructional engineers work on are: Construction equipment loading on the already constructed parts of the project. Demolition design and stability analysis if parts of the building need to be removed or if new portions of the building need to be added underneath the already constructed building. Analyzing construction repairs to see if it needs to be demolished or if the construction that is there can be used and improved on. Contractors need construction engineers to ensure the safety of the workers and structure in the design phase, when they have construction issues that they need to solve or run into problems that need repairing. On the other hand, Andrew was part of the award-winning project of painting the iconic five-mile long Mackinac suspension bridge in Michigan. They designed a one-of-a-kind platform to replace the scaffolding, transporting the painter's up and down the towers of the bridge while they removed the old paint and replaced it with new high-tech paint. Andrew also worked on a project with Colorado Springs Utilities where innovative technology to reduce SO2 emissions at one of its power plants was used. They used a combination of reinforced fiberglass (FRP) with a steel exoskeleton. The fiberglass is used in tanks and pipes that are made of corrosive materials but rarely used in ductwork. The entire duct was made from fiberglass and enveloped in structural steel to enhance the strength of the duct. They faced challenges in joining the two materials together because the structural steel needed to have space for the fiberglass to expand and contract.  If you are thinking of moving to a construction engineering field, you need to pay attention to your steel, concrete, timber, and statics classes. Get experience in the field because it helps to see the construction process, and you will learn how to deal with contractors and get onboard with them. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION ARTICLE PHOTOS