ABOUT
MAD CAD Apr 2013 Issue
From Realty Sales to Conquering CSD Salihin Bin Sani shares about his complete career switch. Pg. 2-3
Tips + Tricks
Learn the disability codes! Pg. 4-7
What’s new in AcePLP? Check out The Bulletin for latest updates on company events. Pg. 8
From Realty Sales to Conquering CSD Switching from business to design engineering, Salihin makes a complete shift after completing the Traineeship. Salihin Bin Sani is not our typical AcePLP Trainee CAD Engineer. His Business background and sales experience made him one of the rare few who bravely applied despite the lack of an engineering background. As a result, the company was surprised to receive his application then. Nonetheless, after a preliminary assessment, we decided to give him an interview chance. Salihin admitted that he was uncertain about the interview at first. However, he exuded confidence during the interview and expressed his determination to pursue a complete career change away from sales. In short, he was adamant to succeed, even when facing this vastly different job scope. As the end of his employment approaches, Salihin shares with us his takeaways from the two years’ journey and his plans after AcePLP. You’ve done the incredible and conquered the uphill task of jumping from Business studies to the AEC Industry! What now ? I intend to study a BCA Specialist Diploma in M&E Coordination for the necessary paper qualifications, because I would like to become a coordinator eventually. I believe my CSD/SEM experience during my two years, coupled with some design coordination experience will give me a head start compared to some engineers who are limited to only one specialization throughout their careers. How did you come across coordination in the first place ? When I was assigned to client China State Engineering Corporation to understudy a fellow colleague, I found out the Coordination Team was looking for drafting support, so I hopped on board because it was an opportunity I could not resist. Did you immediately know that you had what it takes to do CSD and coordination ? Admittedly, Combined Services Drawings, using Microstation V8i, was a complicated discipline to conquer with my inexperience. However, CSD had always intrigued me because of its complexity and the various disciplines it encompasses. I was aware of the challenges, but I believed my strength in Microstation, and my willingness to learn and work hard will make up for whatever I lacked.
His Tips on CSD CSD is all about collating information, verifying those information and space coordination. A trainee CAD Engineer needs to be equipped with an arsenal of skills and knowledge. If a trainee CAD Engineer has none, start from the minimal, which is be at the very least, competent with the drafting tools, after which, develop and seek understanding of the various disciplines. For example: Architectural Understand the Conceptual Designs according to a particular approach in achieving objectives under the given constraints or limitations. Structural Basic Structural knowledge such as slab and wall reinforcements. M&E Services include ACMV, Plumbing and Sanitary, Mechanical & Electrical, Signals & Communications etc. Track Works For an MRT project, having some knowledge in this area is a bonus as the under-platform level is an important element of the MRT station design.
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Salihin and his colleagues at client China State Engineering Corporation.
What kind of challenges did you face initially, given your lack of engineering background ?
Do you have specific sources of information that helped in guiding you ?
Learning the technical terms, capturing and incorporating details were some key challenges. Many a time I found myself reaching an impasse at work, but I would push on, using the web to search for answers and ask others around me. There were a lot of mistakes that I committed in the initial phase, resulting in “reprimands” ranging from normal tongue-lashing to humiliation (yes, I am not kidding). But I believe drafting persons are capable of much more if given the opportunity. So I persevered on, seeing them all as a part of my learning curve.
I had a great mentor onsite who has more than 20 years of experience doing commercial and civil projects. He is even more resourceful than any websites and his explanations were very clear. I also used general search engines extensively when I looked for information, and did not rely on a specific source.
It appears that you have struggled a lot before achieving success. How did you work to develop a more natural work instinct in this industry ? Being proactive and taking charge of my own learning elevated my personal growth. I began to appreciate the complexities of the CSD processes and as I probed deeper, the micro aspects of each process. I began to see problems in 3D perspectives and working meticulously came more naturally after a while.
“
Building bridges between different individuals has greatly enabled me… to get my work done.
”
Salihin
Which part of the in-house training do you value the most ? The Microstation training has helped me a lot as it is a prerequisite for many government transport projects. However, I still feel that while anyone can be taught to use a tool, how he/she makes the best out of it depends on the person’s motivation and creativity. Could you share with us your understanding of the industry and the lesson you’ve learnt thus far ? One thing I learned about the roles in this industry is that while drafters may not have an in-depth engineering knowledge, engineers also lack the knowledge of the drafting and design process. As a result, engineers and coordinators can make mistake after mistake, creating difficulty for drafting persons. The lesson learnt here is to always double check the information given to you, rather than blindly absorbing them. This will help you to avoid adopting misconceptions; derive better judgments and make informed decisions on your own in the future.
Any regrets of having taken this route ? No. AcePLP has been a catalyst in my career transformation. Throughout my various client assignments, I have learnt a lot and discovered the important qualities one should focus on to succeed in this industry. One of the most crucial qualities is the building of healthy working relationships with fellow co-workers and superiors. Building bridges between different individuals has greatly enabled me to obtain additional knowledge and technical support to get my work done. I had taken up a challenge of doing something different and I am proud to say I had achieved it.
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[ ARCHITECTURE ]
TIPS+TRICKS
Disability Codes of JEM
If there is a vertical rise 15mm to 200mm or greater, the ramp and landings should be of contrasting colours. The top and bottom of the ramp can be painted with the colours. To further improve, a tactile warning indicator may be provided in lieu of coloured band. This is offset at 300mm from the edge of the ramp. As illustrated in Figure 2.
Last month, we featured Harmeet working on the Jurong East Mall (JEM). This issue, Harmeet shares about the drafting considerations of JEM. Being a mall, it has to be accessible by any human being. This includes the ambulatory and the physically challenged. Here are some guidelines set by BCA regarding accessibility.
PASSENGER ALIGHTING & BOARDING A passenger alighting and boarding point: 1.
Figure 2
Provide an access aisle of at least 1500mm wide by 4500mm long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space
RAMPS
2.
Have a curb ramp complying with clause 3.4 if there is a curb between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space
The ‘change in level’ is a generic term. This essentially pertains to Ramps. Ramps allow wheelchair users to move from one level to the next. The requirements for the ramps are as follows:
3.
Where possible, be sheltered
1.
If a horizontal run approaches 0.9m, an alternative staircase is required.
2.
The gradient of the ramp shall comply with Table 1
3.
The min width of the ramp is 1200mm
4.
The surface should be coated with a slip resistant and in accordance with SS 485
5.
The landing of the Ramps should be a min of 1500mm long and be of an interval as specified in Table 2
CHANGE IN LEVEL If there would be any change in level of the floor surface, the gradient of the slope shall follow the specs in Table 1. Changes in Vertical Rise (mm)
Gradient not steeper than
0 to 15
1:2
more than 15 to 50
1:5
more than 50 to 200
1 : 10
Exceeding 200
1 : 12
Gradient Ramp
1:12 – 1:14
1:15
1:20
Not gentler than 1:25
Intervals (Maximum length of horizontal run in meters)
9
11
15
18
Table 1
Table 2: Gradient and length of a ramp Ref: http://www.bca.gov.sg/BarrierFree/others/AccessibilityCode2007.pdf
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RAMPS (continued)
RAMP RAILING
Figure 3, 4 & 5 illustrate the standards dimensions for the ramps.
Along with the ramps are the handrails meant for additional support. The general requirements are as shown in Figure 6. The horizontal distance should be a minimum of 300mm beyond the top or bottom of the ramp. The vertical height of the handrail should be from 800 – 900mm from the finished floor level respectively. In cases where the gradient is greater than 1:25, a handrail need not be provided.
Figure 3
Figure 6
EDGE PROTECTION All ramps that are not adjacent to the wall will require edge protection. The protections that can be given are: a)
A curb with a min of 75mm height
a)
A raised barrier with its lower edge not more than 75mm from the ramp or landing
a)
Or a rail with its bottom edge not more than 75mm from the ramp or landing surface
Figure 4
Figure 5 Ref: http://www.bca.gov.sg/BarrierFree/others/AccessibilityCode2007.pdf
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HAND RAILS & GRAB BARS
DOORS
The general requirements set out by the BCA are as follows:
For the accessibility route of the doors, the minimum clear width shall be 850mm measured between the dace of the door and the face of the doorstop with the door open at 90 degrees as illustrated in Figure 10
a)
All handrails shall be slip resistant
b)
have a circular section of 35mm to 45mm in diameter or an equivalent gripping surface.
c)
To be free of sharp or abrasive elements
d)
To have continuous gripping surfaces, without interruption or obstruction that can break a hand hold
e)
Have a clear space between the handrail and all wall surfaces. • Not less than 40mm or • At least 60mm where the wall has a rough surface
Figure 10
MANEUVERING SPACES AT DOORS
Figure 8
ACESSIBLE ROUTES, CORRIDORS OR PATHS Width Please note that while designing a corridor, the minimum clearance width of an assessable route is 1200mm. This is to ensure that both the wheel chair user and a walking person to pass each other with ease as shown in Figure 9 below.
Figure 9 Ref: http://www.bca.gov.sg/BarrierFree/others/AccessibilityCode2007.pdf
The doorway of a one-sided swing door shall have maneuvering spaces on both sides for wheelchairs and the following clear spaces shall be provided adjacent to the leading edge of the door. On the pull side, the minimum space of 600mm and on the push side a minimum space of 300mm. Figure 11 illustrates the following.
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STAIRS In every building, stairs are intended as optional requirements for the ambulant. And hence shall follow the requirements as set out by the BCA.
HANDRAIL As with the hand rails for ramps, the handrails for the staircase shall comply with the similar regulations. As shown in Figures 13 & 14.
Treads and risers The first step has a uniform riser of maximum 150mm and the treads of minimum 300mm. there should not be any opening between the risers as shown in Figure 12. Nosing The nosing of each riser should not have any abrupt undersides as shown Figure 12(b), and should not project 25mm over the back edge of the step as shown in Figure 12(c). To add further safety, all steps have to fitted with non-slip strips between 50mm and 60mm wide with permanent contrasting colours
Figure 13
Detectable warning surface Tactile warning strips shall be provided at the top, bottom and intermediate landings, or must not extend the full width of the stairs, and must consist of flooring material that is contrasting in colour and of different texture from the surrounding material.
Figure 12(b)
Figure 14
Look out for more
TIPS + TRICKS!
Any helpful knowledge that you would like to add on? Write in to hr@aceplp.com.sg. Figure 12(c) Ref: http://www.bca.gov.sg/BarrierFree/others/AccessibilityCode2007.pdf
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The Bulletin NEW SUPPORT STAFF The AcePLP family welcomes 3 new support staff! LINE MANAGER – EU JIN HOW
HR EXECUTIVE – TAN HUI FANG
Call him Eu-Jin! Our new Line Manager is definitely not the shy type. Drop him an email and let him know how’s the situation onsite. If you are having client issues, you just need to say, “Eu-Jin, HOW?” and he is guaranteed to be there for you.
Hui Fang takes over Compensation & Benefits, and Leave administration as our new friendly HR Executive.
Contact no.: 8488 0999
Together with Shu Lin, she will handle your queries about leave, salary and other HR matters; just send an email to the HR email to reach her!
Email: jinhow@aceplp.com.sg
Contact no.: 6455 9938
Email: hr@aceplp.com.sg TRAINING ADMIN – JESNY TEO Some of you would have already met her when you came for the interview. Meet the new training admin who is the law when it comes to training records. Hand in your training records on time or face her wrath! Contact no.: 6455 9938 Email: jesny@aceplp.com.sg
Upcoming Events… Financial Talks in May 2013 Make the most of your money by learning how to manage your income, spending and debt better as part of a coherent budgeting plan. Write in to hr@aceplp.com.sg to register your interest early to attend the workshop/talk by 18 April 2013 as a minimum no. of participants is needed. *This talk is conducted by held by MoneySENSE-Singapore Polytechnic Institute for Financial Literacy, an independent body not tied to any financial organisation or selling any products
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