8 Most Important Skills Required for an Engineer

Skill #1: Knowledge of the core subject

The most basic ingredient that identifies you as an engineer is the knowledge in your field of study. A Mechanical Engineer, for example, needs to know the basics of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Machine Design, Manufacturing Processes, CAD/CAE, etc. An awareness of the latest technological developments in your own field of study, like 3D printing & Alternative Energy techniques for Mechanical Engineers, will build your identity as an engineer further. We suggest you to be updated on the developments in your field of engineering, irrespective of the career you choose. 

Skill #2: Application of the knowledge

Good grades on your graduation certificate are a reflection of your (curriculum-based) core knowledge, howsoever vague. In spite of that, why do you think the correlation between job opportunities and grades is very less? It is because of the fact that a good knowledge on any subject does not warrant the ability to apply it to solve real-time problems. Employers are keen for engineers, who prove that they can call upon the relevant skills as and when required. We strongly recommend you to start developing projects “that work” to make your application skills evident.

Skill #3: Information Literacy

We, and also the employers, understand very well (from personal experience, of course!) that a limited time of 4 years is not sufficient to learn and excel in everything that the industry demands from an engineer. Moreover, new "jobs" demanding new skills are being created every year. It is, therefore, very essential to be an information literate. Information literacy is the ability to identify the need for information and find resources (online/offline) to start and finish a project from scratch.

Skill #4: Analytical & Creative thinking

Look around. Some of the most amazing gadgets and technologies are creative and, sometimes, simple engineering solutions to daily problems, starting from the smartphone to e-commerce. As engineers, you are expected to be creative enough to come up with innovative ideas and analytical enough to link knowledge from different areas to solve problems. Tinker with every new idea you encounter.

Skill #5: Multi-disciplinary exposure

The contemporary workplace makes it inevitable for engineers to work in inter-disciplinary teams with projects that involve skills and tasks that are multi-disciplinary in nature. For example, an electronics engineer needs to work in a team consisting of computer engineers, designers, project managers and marketing managers etc. for a project in mobile technology. A basic understanding of these different divisions in the work will make his/her life easier.

Skill #6: Acquaintance with Computers & IT

The world is now transformed into a place where an understanding of computers and gadgets is no more a trade-skill, but a life-skill. A working knowledge in at least one programming language, the internet, mobile and web apps, social media etc. is as essential as proficiency in English.

Skill #7: Familiarity with Industry Standards

There is an evident gap, reported by numerous studies, between the academic standards in engineering colleges and the actual operating conditions in the industry. Young engineers feel overwhelmed due to the sudden change in working conditions right from the technologies being used to the operating procedures of the organization they (want to) become part of and it reflects in their performance. Learning industry-certified courses is one elegant solution to handle this misalignment.

Skill #8: Passion for learning

The last and the most important characteristic that will make you not only a better engineer but a better person is the never-ending spirit for learning. Many eminent personalities (and "gods") are of the opinion that the day a human being stops learning is the day he dies! Let this single mantra drive your life and you will be successful at whatever you take up.

How to achieve above skills?

Building projects hands-on and learning while building the projects will increase your experience on the theoretical concepts that you have learnt. Building projects is a great way to achieve the above skills and you get to acquire all of them through the incremental learning and have fun at the same time too. For this, we at Skyfi Labs have launched online project-based courses through which you can learn and build exciting projects at your own convenience. 

HOW TO CHECK QUALITY OF CEMENT AT SITE ?

Cement is one of the most important materials used in construction. The strength of a structure depends upon several factors, cement quality is one of them. To achieve the desired strength of concrete and to increase the longevity of structure good quality cement should always be used.

So it is important to check the quality of cement before using. In our previous article, we have already discussed the different types of cement and their uses in construction.Today we will discuss how to check the quality of cement at site.

To check the quality of cement we need to pass some easy tests which are described below.

1. DATE OF PACKING:

The strength of cement decreases with time. First of all, check the manufacturing date in the bag before using. Generally, cement should be used before 90 days from the manufacturing date. The percentage of strength loss of cement is given in the below table.

2. CEMENT COLOR:

The cement should be uniform in color. Good quality cement should have gray color with greenish shade.

3. CHECK FOR LUMPS:

No lumps should be present in the cement. Lumps are formed due to absorption of moisture from the climate.

4. RUBBING TEST:

Cement should feel smooth while rubbing in between fingers. If it gives a rough feeling that means cement is mixed with sand.

5 TEMPERATURE TEST:

Simply insert your hand into the cement bag, it should give cool feeling if its quality is good. Otherwise, you may feel warm because of hydration reaction.

6. FLOAT TEST:

Take some amount of cement and throw it in water. The cement should float for sometimes before it sinks in the water.

7. SETTING TEST:

Make a thick cement paste with water and immerse it in water for 24 hours. It should be set and should not develop cracks.

8. STRENGTH TEST:

Prepare a cement block of 25 mm x 25 mm and 200 mm in length. Now submerge it in water for 7 days. Now place it on supports 15 cm apart and load it with 34 kg weight. Block made from good cement will not show any signs of failure.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONE WAY SLAB AND TWO WAY SLAB

ONE WAY SLAB:

One way slab is a slab which is supported by beams on the two opposite sides to carry the load along one direction. In one way slab, the ratio of longer span (l) to shorter span (b) is equal or greater than 2, i.e Longer span (l)/Shorter span (b) ≥ 2

Verandah slab is a type of one way slab, where the slab is spanning in the shorter direction with main reinforcement and the distribution of reinforcement in the transverse direction.

TWO WAY SLAB:

When a reinforced concrete slab is supported by beams on all the four sides and the loads are carried by the supports along both directions, it is known as two way slab. In two way slab, the ratio of longer span (l) to shorter span (b) is less than 2.

i.e Longer span (l)/Shorter span (b) < 2

This types of slabs are mostly used in the floor of multi-storey buildings.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONE WAY SLABS AND TWO WAY SLABS:

1. In one way slab, the slabs are supported by the beams on the two opposite sides.

In two way slab, the slabs are supported on all the four sides.

2. In one way slab, the loads are carried along one direction.

In two way slab, the loads are carried along both directions.

3. In one way slab, the ratio of Longer span to shorter span is equal or greater than 2. (i.e l/b ≥ 2).

In two way slab, the ratio of l/b is less than 2 (i.e l/b < 2).

SITE ENGINEER’S CHECK LIST FOR QUALITY BRICKWORK

While on site, a site engineer must ensure that the brickwork is going on as per quality requirements. Some of the general requirements of quality of brickwork are mentioned below. Use this as a checklist while executing brickwork.

1. The thickness of joint in brick masonry should not exceed 1 cm.
2. The face joints should be raked to a depth of 15 mm by raking tool when the mortar is still green so as to provide proper key for plaster or pointing.
3. Brickwork should be taken up in layers not exceeding one meter height at a time.
4. Check that the brick work is in plumb.
5. Check that the brick courses are in level.
6. Check the quality of bricks with specific reference to

• Strength
• Efflorescence
• Dimensional accuracy
• Water absorption

1. Check that no brick bats are used as queen closer.
2. Check strength of mortar by scratching with sharp instrument like screw driver.
3. Check quality of sand in mortar. (Test for fineness modulus and silt content).
4. Check mixing of mortar whether done by hand or by machine, whether mixing is done on a proper platform.
5. Check arrangements for curing.
6. Whether raking of green joints done or not.
7. Whether soaking of bricks done or not.
8. Check general quality of works with reference to lines, levels, thickness and trueness of the joints.
9. Whether brick corners are provided properly by a proper brick closer and not by pitting brick bats.
10. Whether top courses in plinth, in window sill and below RCC slab and parapet are provided with brick on edge.
11. Whether joints of brick work are filled with mortar fully, check especially vertical joints.
12. Check type of scaffolding and whether tied and braced properly.
13. Check reinforcement in brick partition wall, whether provided.
14. Check bonding of cross wall with long walls.
15. Whether holes left in the brick work while execution for supporting scaffolding are filled with concrete and not with dry bricks.

How to calculate the weight of steel bar

Weight calculation formula for steel bar

[WEIGHT CALCULATION FORMULA FOR STEEL BAR]-

[1]- For Round bar:

Weight in Kg  =   Diameter(mm) x Diameter(mm) x Length(meter) / 162.2

[2]- For square and Rectangular  bar:

Weight in Kg = Width(meter) x Thickness(mm) x Length(meter) x 7.85

How much paint do I need for a wall

1. Surface area of the surface(s) to be painted.
2. Spreading rate of the paint being used.
3. The number of coats needed.

Example:

1. To paint the living room walls - not including the ceiling. The walls are 3m high, with a total of 18m of wall length (allowing for doors and windows) the surface area is 3m x 18m = 54m².
2. The walls are currently painted and are in good condition. Resene Zylone Sheen - low sheen acrylic is selected and has a theoretical spreading rate of 11 square metres per litre.
3. Because the walls are previously painted and in good condition, only two coats of Zylone Sheen will be required.
   

How to estimae total number of brick required in a wall by nayakcadd

CALCULATION OF BRICKS IN A WALL:

Today we will discuss the easiest method to calculate the required number of bricks in a wall. So let’s start from the beginning.

REQUIRED DATA:

1. Volume of the wall.
2. Volume of a standard brick.
3. Details of openings in the wall.

PROCEDURE:

1. First, calculate the volume of the wall to be built.

Let us assume,

The length of the wall (l) = 10 foot.

The height of the wall (h) = 10 foot.

Thickness of the wall (b) = 1 foot.

Calculate the volume of the wall by multiplying the length, height, and thickness.

∴ Volume of the wall = l×h×b = 10×10×1 =100 Cu.F

2. Calculate the volume of the brick:

The standard size of a brick (IS Standard) is 190 mm ×90 mm ×90 mm and

with the mortar joint, it becomes 200mm × 100 mm× 100 mm.

l = 200 mm= 0.656168 ft.

b = 100 mm =0.328084 ft.

h = 100 mm = 0.328084 ft.

∴ Volume of the brick = l× b×h =  0.656168×0.328084× 0.328084 = 0.0706 Cu.F

3. To find out the total nos of brick divide the volume of wall by the volume of the brick.

∴ No. of bricks required = 100/0.0706 = 1416 no. of bricks.

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