Jul 2014 Issue
Tips & Tricks By CAD/BIM Trainers
FEATURES
ONSITE OFFICIAL Travels to Japan AcePLP’s Alumni MUSTAKIM B. SENIN
Speak up for the first time
LIGHT FANTASTIC
By Tommy Tian
BIM/CAD RESOURCES
CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE
1
TIPS & TRICKS FOR YOUR FINGERTIPS
2
ONSITE OFFICAL TRAVELS TO JAPAN WITH MUHAMMAD NIZAM
4
DISCOVER NEW INSPIRATIONS
6
PEER THROUGH ACEPLP TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM WITH OUR ALUMI – MUSTAKIM B SENIN
12
THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
16
BIM/CAD ONLINE RESOURCES
19
ENGINEER’S ADVICE
23
HEALTHY EATS
24
EMPLOYEES’ CORNER
26
THE BULLETIN
29
EDITOR’S NOTE We’re entering the time of year many of us think of as vacation. I sat through my day in the office, wishing that I can pause the grind of my working calendar. *Ding, ding* An incoming mail came through and it was from Muhammad Nizam. In his email, there were attachments – his handover report and photos from his assignment in Japan. I had, in that moment, decided to share his Para-Para-Sakura in this month’s issue with people whom are stuck behind their summer holiday (pg.4).
In this issue, we’re devoted to push for independence of thoughts and originals – Tommy shares his experience on Singapore Sports Hub project assignments (pg.16) and having our alumni, Mustakim, penned his transformation from a Trainee CAD Engineer to becoming a Project Engineer (pg.12) I thought about how Mustakim struggles through his training and keep himself alert on his toes all the time. Well, here’s your luck. We’ve prepared Tips & Tricks from AcePLP’s seasoned trainers (pg.2), advices from our engineers on the field (pg.23) and how you can improve your skills through online resources (pg.19). Stepping sideways with your reading, this summer our secret agents were dispatched to spy on what our staff at AcePLP are up to (pg.26). Lastly, stay healthy and hydrated while sweating all out this July (pg.24). We hope the stories shared will make “passion” as the language for your career. Enjoy this issue.
Shareen Tam Shareen Tam AcePLP Media
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TIPS & TRICKS 1.
Creating a multi-coloured line/ polyline entity in AutoCAD by Zulkifli B. Ain.
Use the MLSTYLE command to define a new multiline style and define (element properties) two line elements, both with the offset equal to 0. Use different line types, e.g. DASHED and DASHED 2 (you may need to load them first) – for real-life applications, it requires you to define your own line types. Save the new Mline style. Now use the MLINE command to draw a polyline using this new mlstyle – it has alternating green/red colours!
P LY N
P LY N
P LY N
P LY N
Repeat the same approach to define even three or more colours.
2.
Missed out on your tea-break because you’re stuck with shifting bits & pieces of object into a highly congested part of a drawing? No worries, Kee Kay Loke teaches you a trick with “Previous” command.
The “Previous” command can be applied with the Move, Copy, Rotate and Mirror commands. We put together a simple print screen steps for you to follow through!
To move object to Quadrant 4, enter command: Move (M)
Repeat Move command and followed by Previous command. The object which is previously moved will be automatically highlighted
But the object was mistakenly moved to Quadrant 3
Select the displacement point of the object and move to its intended position
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TIPS & TRICKS 3.
Facing difficulties aligning your mid-points? Muhammad Ridhwan tip you with a simple button that goes a long way!
Use “EQ� dimension button to align midpoints of 2 elements
4.
Too much going on? Lim Tian Hock teaches you how to use Crop Region tool to hide parts of the model in a view. Go to Properties tab > Extents > Crop Region
Whole layout drawing before cropping
Area with grid lines after cropping
The functionality allows for a more efficient sheet layout process. The ability to edit the Crop Region with grid lines makes it less time consuming!
Eager to share your Tips & Tricks? Send in your contributions to media@aceplp.com.sg. Read page 27 on how you stand to win Starbucks vouchers! Page| 3
Onsite official with
This summer, MAC catches up with Muhammad Nizam on his onsite assignment at Hitachi Plant Technologies in Japan. “The MicroStation software used was Powerdraft version and it was in Japanese!” Read on to find out more… Hi Nizam! How does it feel to travel to Japan for this assignment? It was a wonderful and joyous experience. I was able to work with people from different countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy and Germany. We often get together to share stories about our home countries and pictures. My colleagues were very friendly, helpful and willing to share their knowledge. In addition, it was a relaxing environment to work in, because of the reasonable project deadline and beautiful scenery outside of the office. During weekends, I was able to go sight-seeing and I explored lots of places. Well, I see it’s all fun for you huh! So were there any challenges faced? Haha, yes of course! Firstly, I was new to Telecommunication services. As such, there were tones of abbreviations and symbols that I’d never seen before nor understand. For the first few weeks, I had no choice but to refer to the abbreviations and legends standards when I do my work, which was very time consuming.
In addition, the Microstation software used was Powerdraft version and it was in Japanese. It took me quite a while to familiarize myself with the software interface. Powerdraft does not support 3D interface. However, I was told to draft 3D drawings on a 2D plane, which was very rather challenging. This increases drawing file size which inevitably causes my PC to hang. I also faced problems like file conversion; where I was required to convert DWG format to DGN format. The conversion causes the texts to jumble around and thus, I will need to re-draft the drawings again.
Nizam at Hikarigaoka Park WOW understanding MicroStation interface in Japanese? That’s a tough one. What exactly is your scope of work? My department handled Fire Alarm Systems, Emergency Siren Systems, Data Network Systems and In-Plant Communication Systems, just to name a few. My duty was to create Block Diagrams, Connection Diagrams and a Structured Cabling System for all the systems. On top of that, I was tasked to do the Cable Routing Layout, Console Layout and the Conduit Layout. I also had to check the cable and equipment tagging and had to make sure all tags were correct. The Telecommunication Room Layout, Detail Drawings and Typical Installation Drawings were to be done in both 2D and 3D as per the request of the client, to help them have a better picture of the whole system. The drawings had to be amended constantly as we were in the planning and design stages and the amendments and design revision had to be done every week prior to the weekly meetings.
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Hitachi Plant Technologies, Japan So what is the take away from this assignment? After 6 months of exposure to Telecommunication services, I now have a better understanding of telecommunication works, as I was given many opportunities to learn. For example, I was given a chance to design the Telecommunication Equipment Room in 2D and 3D. It was very tough and it took me 3 tries before the design was finally approved. I also had to liaise with the Civil Department engineers regarding the sizes and layouts of the Telecommunication rooms to ensure that all Telecommunication equipment were able to fit into their respective rooms.
Glad that you’ve acquired new knowledge. So how has this experience change you?
“As my superiors were always attending back to back meeting, I have to be independent and source for other solutions on my own when necessary. Instead of getting spoonfed, I have to learn on the job”. For example, if the dimensions of the Telecommunication equipment were not stated in the Project Specifications, I have to take the initiative to go online to search for product catalogues and cross reference the product number of the equipment with the ones we have in the Project Specifications to get the actual dimensions. Besides doing my research online, I also have to liaise directly with the vendor so I can get the information needed to complete my work. Furthermore, I have to update drawings based on the comments given in the document transmittal, without mark-ups from the engineers.
Overall it was a very good learning experience and I have learnt so much in the past 6 months here. I enjoyed the time spent here in Japan very much. If given the chance, I would will not hesitate to experience this all over again.
Gundam Statue, Japan Thank you AcePLP for giving me this opportunity!
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DISCOVER new INSPIRATIONS
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Cambridge, Building Structure
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San Francisco, California, Urban City Houses
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Stairs, Kontorhaus, Hamburg
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Tower of Pisa Stairs, Italy
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Wells Theatre, Norfolk Virgina
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The leap of faith MAC sat down with Alumni, Mustakim B. Senin as he shares his experience and transformation from CAD Drafter to Project Engineer.
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“If a man is comfortable, they will be complacent” By Mustakim B. Senin Before I joined AcePLP on the 3rd October 2011, I was working as an Audio & Visual Technician at Sheraton Towers. I got bored with the mundane routine works and I needed a career switch. I live by this principle “if a man is comfortable, they’ll be complacent”. Thus, I started searching for jobs that offers more excitement, uncertainties, and challenges to keep myself on my toes.
Like some of you, I came across AcePLP recruitment advertisement in the jobstreet.com. The Traineeship Programme offers training and opportunities to enter into the AEC industry. Looking at the job description and criteria, it was a win-win situation. Unlike other employers of the similar trade, they are willing to hire ITE Nitec Holders. So when I saw the job advertisement, I thought that this is my chance and ticket to climb up the career ladder. The training and experience that AcePLP were offering was irresistible. 3rd October 2011 is the date that I will not forget, for that is the day that changed my life. In a Batch, we started our in-house training. We were taught on how to use Autodesk’s software (AutoCAD 2D & 3D, Revit Architecture, Revit MEP & Structure) and Bentley’s MicroStation software, from the fundamental up till professional level. We also learned the Code of Practice for Construction Computer-Aided Design or also known as CP 83. It is important to familiarize ourselves with the CP 83 standards before attempting any assignments. At that time, CAD software and Code of Practice was all new to me, but with the help and guidance of our experience trainers and seniors, we are able to master all these skills within a month or two. 11 November 2011 (I’d like to call it 11/11/11), I was the first in my batch to head out to the field. I was extremely excited and anxious, as I do not know what to expect at the construction site. The client’s project that I was assigned was involved in Fire Protection System. It was nerve wrecking but the Project Team that I was working with on-site helped me along the way. They provided me the relevant information on the specifications, details & requirements while I helped them to plot the information in the drawings.
Mustakim at job site While on the field, I was advised by the site engineers and manager to read up on the Code of Practices for my own benefit. I was also advised to go on-site together with my project engineers or project manager whenever I have the time to spare so that I can better visualise the drawings. At first, my scope of work was to help them convert their sketches on paper to AutoCAD drawings. As I improved gradually, I was given the opportunity to conduct site visits and update as-built drawings, shadow the site engineers and projects managers to meetings, site inspection, testing and commissioning. I was further exposed to shadowing the engineers and project manager to their meetings, site walk, inspections, testing and commissioning. It was an enriching experience, far more than what I had expected.
The biggest challenge faced was, time. In order to meet crucial deadlines, it is important to always know the deadline beforehand for all the tasks before executing them. Other than meeting deadlines, understanding of the system and services is the utmost priority for me. (Continue next page)
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“Before I step into the AEC industry, I did not have much confidence and I definitely thought that a job is just a job”. As I am required to sit in the meeting rooms amongst the team of experienced project engineers, project managers, coordinators, sub-contractors and etc. I need to be clear on the systems or topic of discussion.
During one of the project meetings, I was randomly questioned by the main contractor on issues like how is our fire protection system capable of protecting a certain area and does it comply with the Code of Practice. He goes on to ask what type of material or type of model did we chose and why. The questions were never ending and I was extremely nervous because I was all alone and I had to answer to these questions in the meeting without the presence of my supervisor. Guess what? All my readings and understanding of the CPs, drawings and site experience gave me the knowledge to reply their questions with detailed sketches and explanations. Thank god. And after that day, I was able to gain their trust and confidence. Man! This experience has changed me and my career prospect. After 2 years of onsite experience through AcePLP’s Apprenticeship Programme, I felt accomplished and confident in myself, my work and my conversation. Without confidence, people will start taking advantage of you because how confident you are reflects how much you know about your work.
Mustakim at job site
Also, within the 2 years, I found a new passion – being able to assist in the process of building a building from a piece of land even though I was just involved in the Fire Protection System and the sense of achievement goes a long way. Why? Because your name will be written in the titleblock of each and every drawing that you've drawn & submitted. I don't think I will ever get bored of working in the AEC industry. My advice is just give your best everyday and work smart. Work smart means understanding what you are doing instead of just drawing blindly. By understanding the drawings, you may be able to highlight areas in the drawings that you think or foresee of any discrepancies. I used to hear this very often from my site engineers and project managers “An experienced and clever engineer does not need to go down to site to know of problems facing currently or will face in the future. Just by looking the drawings my engineers could tell many things”.
One of Mustakim’s current M&E project job site
(Continue next page)
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OWNER
DESIGN MANAGER
DIRECTOR
OPERATION MANAGER
ASSISTANT DESIGN MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER/ TECHNICAL MANAGER DESIGN ENGINEER M&E ENGINEER/ M&E COORDINATOR CAD/BIM ENGINEER Without Site Experience/ Technical Knowledge/ Code of Practice Knowledge ASST CAD/BIM ENGINEER
SITE ENGINEER
CAD/BIM DRAFTER/ OPERATOR
Since then, after completion of the Traineeship Programme, I climb up the career ladder from a Trainee BIM/CAD Engineer or better known as Draftsman to now a Project Engineer. Basically from my rough understanding and chat with other experience Professionals, this is the tree-chart for career progression. From drafting to project engineer, it is a huge leap because although we may be excellent in drawings, we lack the coordination skills and site experience. Therefore, most companies will offer only site supervisor position to those who wish to progress from drafting to engineer. My knowledge in the CPs for Fire Protection System and my site exposure and meetings exposure is what gave me the upper hand. All thanks to my wonderful project engineers and project manager and the safety officers. Without their “green light” to go on site, I too, would not have had the chance.
PROJECT ENGINEER
SITE SUPERVISOR
Most of the time, my workers will find me if they have any installation issues or doubts and in need of advice. Yet one thing remain the same – Time, is of the essence. Now that I’m independent, I need to attend more meetings and do more paper works too. But honestly, the most important thing to note if you decided to go into AEC industry, is to make sure you have the passion. It’s a dirty and smelly but interesting job that not everyone is up for it.
Lastly I would like to thank AcePLP for giving me a chance to change my career path, my lifestyle and also to kick start my career in the AEC industry. This is my story. Cheers, Mustakim
Right now as a project engineer, I took on a supervisory role with more responsibilities on overseeing whether the work is done right and providing solutions to correct any problems. Being new in this position and ACMV services I do face a handful of problems myself, but nothing is impossible now with the help of google, Code of Practices, ideas from the experienced workers and advice from my great colleagues.
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THE
Light FANTASTIC
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“I learnt that team work and cooperation is extremely important at the construction site. Project delays usually occur because of the lack of communication and sharing of information�.
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Tommy Tian
I really appreciated that I could be involved in the construction of Singapore’s new iconic stadium, the Sports Hub and its special moveable roof. My role in this assignment as to help the client, Light10, with their job of Lighting Design and its installation on the roof. This included both fixed and movable parts. I was involved in the whole process, from design to installation. We designed the spherical roof of the stadium to hold a big LED display and the spherical nature of the roof meant that each row of lighting points was at a unique angle and each cable tray had its own length. This is different from LED installations in normal buildings like shopping malls and condominiums, as normal buildings can be divided into levels, unlike this piece of roof. The LED installation for this project was to be on a single piece of giant ceiling. A single moveable piece of giant ceiling. Understanding the concept behind this idea was easy for the designers and engineers. After all, they were the ones who created it in the first place. However, when it came to explaining the design concept to the workers who were to do the installation of the LED display, they found it a great challenge. In this situation, the drawings played a crucial role in the accurate delivery of information. They were the keys for the precise installation of the LED display.
We figured out several ways to overcome these challenges: 1. We divided the movable roof into 4 zones and installed them separately in a certain sequence. After discussion with the project manager and the designers, the engineers will then instruct the workers on the method of installation based on the drawings and sequence installation. 2. We arranged the drawings and marked the lights for every lighting row with a numbering system to show the details of each light’s position in each row (The distance to certain reference points, like the end point of the row). For instance, light A33 means the 33rd LED light on the row A 3. We modified the original design on site. We did not follow the designers’ words blindly, but reported on the problems we met and proposed suggestions. For example, to reduce the weight of the display and save material cost, we changed the original cable tray to cable tie 4. In the installation drawings, we helped the workers to sort the Cable and Trunking into different groups based on their lengths and positions
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Autodesk resources
Uh Uh, it’s not that kind of university that you’re thinking of. For those who are unfamiliar with Autodesk University (AU), the website offers a year-round learning and networking experiences to help its member develop professionally and advance in their career. You can sign up for a free membership and gain access to technical learning, social networking, blogs, videos and audio podcasts. The website focuses on technical learning, with in-depth training classes covering more than 1,500 topics with thousands of screencasts, class hand-outs, speaker previews and as well as technical articles. Autodesk Education Community Other than that, you can also login to Autodesk’s Education Community using the same account for: • Free software download • Learn and explore tips to work faster • Sharpen your skills and build a portfolio by entering Autodesk Competitions So what are you waiting for? Click on the links below and get busy!
Autodesk University: http://au.autodesk.com/ Autodesk Education Community: http://www.autodesk.com/education/home Page| 19
bentley resources
What does STUDENTserver do? STUDENTserver is your one stop location for accessing all of the resources you are entitled to while participating in Bentley’s academic program. The virtual learning platform provides: • Unlimited access to Live & On-demand training • Downloading and installing more than sixty of the latest version of Bentley software products relevant to your scope of work • Review of the logged-in user’s Bentley Professional Training Transcript • Professional networking and product support via Bentley’s BE Community social network site Request for login To reap the advantages of gaining unlimited access to the STUDENTserver, write in to training@aceplp.com.sg and request for your user ID and login details now! Start clocking learning units and stand to win prizes at AcePLP Appreciation Night 2014. Bentley STUDENTserver: http://apps.bentley.com/studentserver/home/index Page| 20
CAD online CADALYST A great resource of user-submitted CAD tips & tricks. You can download useful files from this website as well. It is also a great place to find video tutorials (which are mostly by Lynn Allen who has a pretty awesome blog too). Signup for their tips & tools newsletter to get the latest tricks sent right to your inbox.
http://www.cadalyst.com/
CAD NOTES A blog chock-full of CAD tips & tutorials. Software-focus is on AutoCAD, Revit & Microstation, with articles from beginner to intermediate level.
http://www.cad-notes.com/
ELLEN FINKELSTEIN This site features tips & tricks for AutoCAD, and a google custom search for easy reference. The tips section is also segmented into useful categories, which makes it easy to navigate around.
http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/AutoCAD_tips.html Page| 21
Ace Resource
CADPRO BLOG The official AcePLP Employee Blog features our resident engineers’ stories, industry news update, CAD/BIM tips & tricks and events happening in AcePLP. Visit our CADPRO Blog here: www.cadpro.sg
ACEPLP E-TRAINING Unfortunately, only AcePLP employees are able to access the new and improved e-training facility. The intranet site provides useful information such as Code of Practices, CAD standards, BIM, Training videos and Projects references. You will also be able to find useful links to the AEC industry related websites. Page| 22
Not much illustration/ info to start on the drawings. Best is to repeatedly approach the site- engineer with questions and ask for Mark-up of the amendments for better understanding!
There are many engineers & supervisors onsite and it’s common that some may have different opinions on the same drawings. Always clarify changes required to minimize misunderstandings. Be observant of the working style . - Jonathan Lim
- Mohd Farhan
When tasked with multiple projects, prioritise the most important work. Ask the engineer which set of drawing is more urgent and set a deadline for yourself e.g. limiting the no.of hours spend on a drawing. - Nurli’ Adilah
Constantly request for the required drawings/ layout plans from onsite engineer. Take charge and ask for it! If not, you will never be able to get it on time and would thus result in delay in project completion. Also, always create backup copy of previous revisions, so that you can fall back to older rev. if required. - Chew Chong Yan
Hear the advices straight from our Engineers’ mouth
Disclaimer: All information stated above are extracted from the respective handover reports
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International Fruit Day The fruitful thought to celebrate this worldwide festival on 1st July, originated from Germany in 2007. The aim is to share fruits and vegetables for individuals and family of any culture, nation and way of life.
Berries They may be little, but boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are big on antioxidants. A handful of chilled juicy berries is a fantastic snack option for this hot summer!
KIWI People are attracted to kiwi because of its brilliant green colour. Besides the uniqueness of its taste, kiwi has health benefits of balancing blood pressure, improving digestive health and reducing macular degeneration.
Unsweetened Nuts Packed with protein, fibre and essential fats, nuts are one of this season's best buys. A golf ball-sized portion (about 30g) of unsalted nuts makes a vitality-boosting snack and contributes a mix of valuable vitamins, calcium and minerals.
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NATURAL YOGURT ! Given the prime estate in the grocery stores, it’s no surprise that natural yogurt has impressive health benefits. Here’s the scoop: Yogurt gives you flat abs Most brands of yogurt contain good-for-you bacterial Yogurt is loaded with vitamins A daily serving of yogurt keeps colds away
Zest it up with drops of lemon juice, blend everything together and you will get a good healthy mix of nutritious treat.
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Dave conducting AECOsim training @ Parsons Brinckerhoff
Sakura and Gundam shared by @nizam
Who’s applying for leave again? – Line manager, Yen signing & sighing. LOL !
Hmm… what are they busy with?
AcePLP Directors and staff with ITE representatives!
Rachel & Shareen @ Bali for Autodesk Educational Summit 2014 ! What a lucky duo =)
Shakilah & Helmi attending night Planning class. Stay awake!
Yo what’s up Durai?
Our agent caught the admin team during one of their monthly movie night affair!
By tagging or participating on @AcePLP, #Aceplp, #AcePLP_sg, #AcePLPSNAPS! Or any topics or groups started by AcePLP on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram, you grant us permission to use or reproduce your contributing post, tag, image and handle on Facebook. Twitter or Instagram in relation to any media.
Our new trainers really knows how to enjoy!
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Receive a LOADED Starbucks Card Had a blast at your latest assignment? Got some useful tips & tricks? Share your on-site experience with the MAD about CAD team! If your contribution is featured in our magazine or CADPRO, you will receive a loaded Starbucks card!
Other than the promise of free coffee, you get: -
• • •
Your article professionally presented with copy-editing by the MAC team To enhance your professionalism by featuring article on your LinkedIN page A link-back from the article on CADPRO to your LinkedIN page
Send in your contributions to media@aceplp.com.sg. Our team will be in touch shortly! Page| 27
So we heard there’s some birthday boys and girls in the house.
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1 Jeremias 2 Chong Siaw Yen 4 Luisa May 7 Muhammad Jefferi 12 Chelsea Look 15 Masita Dewi 18 Abdul Fatah 21 Janet Lim Hao Bao Hui Muhammad Noor Hidayat 22 Keng Leng 23 Duraisamy Sridharan Joel Sua
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3 Kimm Ho 10 Yu Hao 20 Mark Chua 22 Khairul ‘Ain 26 Elson Lau
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6 Aziemah 7 Muhammad Hasswandy 14 Muhammad Zulfadly 17 Nurli ‘Adilah 22 Marhamah Mohamad Farhan 25 Khoo Lin Wei Muhammad Faisal 26 Denise Tong 28 Esmeralda 30 Mazlin Rusyda
In celebration of this joyous occasion, we have prepared a little gift for you. Write in to hr@aceplp.com.sg to confirm your collection appointment.
Happy Birthday Page| 28
The Bulletin LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY We welcome nineteen new faces to the team! Management Associate Lisbeth He Reprographic Specialist Raymond Lee Production Operator Cao Qing Qing Liu Xin Full-Time BIM/CAD Trainers Dave Wong Lim Tian Hock Muhammad Ridhwan
BIM/CAD Trainees Amirah Babu Jeganathan Lee Xi Hui Joy Ericka Khairulanwar Muhammad A’qil Muhammad Jefferi Muhammad Faizal Bin Zulkifli Muhammad Faizal Bin Anwar Nurul ‘Ain Syed Nazri Terrence Ko
DROP BY & SAY HI
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