Civil Engineering August 2022 | Vol 30 No 7

Civil Engineering August 2022 15 things must change for the country to become future-ready. Achieving net zero and embracing smart concepts will be critical elements in this regard. Yes, budget will always be a challenge. But government and the private sector must look at the long-term potential as op- posed to getting a short-term return on investment. Making things more efficient must become a priority. And being sustainable and smart become integral to enable this. EVOLVING ENGINEERING PRACTICE In the past, engineers and architects had full responsibility and control over the projects they worked on. But as these projects have become more complex and the futuristic design concepts pushed the boundaries of what is possible, engineers and architects with different expertise started collaborating across different geographic locations. This has seen the adoption of digitally driven collaborative tools. Today, engineers and architects can work in virtual environments, reviewing and signing off designs and construc- tion remotely. Engineering companies that have been in the forefront of adopting these new practices have seen improved results while also reducing their overhead costs, improving worker safety, and even allowing for a better work-life balance. DESIGN WITH A DIFFERENCE Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow and become more sophisticated in all industries. AI is used in engineering software for generative design, material selection, and robotic process automation. AI generally adopts machine learning. This plays to the strengths of machines who are better and faster than humans in coming up with hundreds of solutions to a problem, including informing the most efficient solution in a shorter space of time. However, machines can only take instructions from us. Therefore, the solutions and accuracy provided by the software are only as good as the informa- tion we input. Generative design has also become increasingly popular. This is an iterative design process in which an engineer or designer enters certain constraints to a problem (size, weight, strength, etc.) and requests the computer to provide options. AI is then applied to materials selection, code compliance, and any other contributing factor related to the problem. Additionally, robotic process automation software enables bots to automate admin- istrative tasks, such as raising invoices, verifying change orders, or managing bills of quantities. For most applications, AI is already being built into the software, but engi- neering and architectural leaders will need to be sure they have people who can train and maintain the underlying models, so it is important to understand how specifically AI is being applied. CODEFYING THE PROCESS As any engineer or architect knows, design is an iterative process despite the benefits that AI can bring. As the technology evolves, so do to the core skills required and the engineering language used. Traditionally, a graduate might have needed a mathematics and physics background to complete their degree. But in a modern world, this must be enhanced by skills in computer programming and digital workflows. Take visual programming as an example. Platforms such as Grasshopper offer a visual programming interface that allows the programming logic to be readily seen, understood, and imple- mented. Flowing from here is parametric design. This centres on automated through scripts that can identify the parameters within a design. By assigning those parameters, engineers can explore multiple options either by automation or manually. Furthermore, once the parametric model is created using a visual program- ming platform, engineers can iterate options in seconds and the information can be shared visually with clients. SUSTAINABLE PRIORITIES Beyond software technology, structural engineering can utilise techniques to ensure buildings are designed and constructed efficiently and sustainably. These engineers are aggressively seeking low-carbon building materials to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environ- ment. Advances in concrete technology are providing solutions in response to these goals, helping the construction sector work towards its target of net zero carbon emissions. In this area, embodied carbon has become a significant factor in mini- mising the detrimental environmental impact of structures. It can be defined as the carbon footprint of a building or infrastructure project before it becomes operational. This is primarily associ- ated with the different life cycle stages: material extraction, manufacturing and production, construction, damage and repair during service life, and end-of-life considerations. BEING RESILIENT When it comes to the sustainability of buildings, resilient and redundant systems become a massive influencing factor. Climate change makes severe weather events much more likely, which increases the risk of flooding and wind damage. It is the responsibility of engi- neers to design with this in mind and future proof buildings for any potential future events. Aiding in this regard are concepts such as advanced model-based deliverables, integration of multiple services with core structural engi- neering, and using new materials and high-performance fabric. Resilience also sees increased interest in how smart buildings can help reduce the carbon footprint of people. Global energy utilisation concerns, as well as local ones given the precarious South African electricity grid, are major factors driving the need for smart building growth.  For most applications, AI is already being built into the software, but engineering and architectural leaders will need to be sure they have people who can train and maintain the underlying models Traditionally, a graduate might have needed a mathematics and physics background to complete their degree. But in a modern world, this must be enhanced by skills in computer programming and digital workflows.