ABOUT
M A D CAD May 2015 Issue
10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW! By AcePLP Daily Practitioners
FEATURES LEARNING WITH GREAT PASSION By Lim Tian Hock
THE OTHER ANG BROTHER By Alumni, Kendrick Ang
We shape our buildings and afterwards, our buildings shape us.
Winston Churchill’s epic statement, is a fantastic observation of the architectural phenomenon, illuminating the fact that physical architecture is a static artefact and continues to transform us long after construction.
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MAY 2015 THE FEATURES EDITOR’S NOTE
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EVERY PROJECT IS A NEW GAINING EXPERIENCE
17
BY SITI RAUDAH
DISCOVER INNOVATIVE DESIGNS
5 THE OTHER ANG BROTHER
BY ACEPLP BIM/ CAD ENGINEERS
24
BY KENDRICK ANG
LEARN WITH GREAT PASSION
10
BY LIM TIAN HOCK
TIPS & TRICKS 6 ESSENTIAL TIPS & TRICKS
12
CAD RESOURCES
41
BY ZULKIFLI B MOHD AIN & KEE KAY LOKE
10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
28
BY ABDUL FATAH & MUHAMMAD RIDHWAN
PEOPLE POPULAR ROLES IN AEC INDUSTRIES
43
EMPLOYEES’ CORNER
48
BEAT THE HEAT
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ACEPLP BULLETIN
52
About 700 BC ago, the romans gave this month in which we write this issue, the Latin name – Aprillis. The traditional etymology is from the verb “aperire”, meaning “to open”, in allusion to the season when trees and flowers starts to blossom. In part, that was our inspiration when we were assembling this issue. You would see a similar positive trait celebrated in our featured writers’ stories – developing a positive learning attitude and in other words, maintaining a quality of openness. Just like motivation, a positive learning attitude can be difficult to develop and maintain. However, it is possible if you commit yourself to think and act positively. One common principle we can see from a lot of management success books is – performance is a function of ability and attitude.
Speaking of learning, more contents are packed into this month’s Tips & Tricks and Resources columns to help you with refining your drafting skill: 6 Essential Tips & Tricks, 10 M&E Hacks You Need to Know and 5 BIM/CAD useful sites you can refer for SOS. In months to come, we’ll be upping our content with more information for your learning as well, from tipping you with LTA text style standards to sharing engineers’ experiences and concerns that matter to you. Be sure to update yourself by visiting our employee’s blog, cadpro.sg and AcePLP’s Facebook page more often. Finally, flip over to People’s column (Page 43 onwards) for part II on some of the popular roles in the industry and ways to survive this hot season. In the meantime, we hope you will enjoy this issue; tips from our daily practitioners and much more about the life and craft of our featured engineers. Sometimes I find myself turning to our employees and engineers for inspiration. I leave you with lines from Tian Hock’s article “Having a goal is not enough, you need to have a learning attitude to work towards it”. Here’s wishing you a May full of light and joy!
Shareen Tam Shareen Tam MAC Editor
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DISCOVER innovative designs BY ACEPLP BIM/CAD ENGINEERS
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RENDERING BY ACEPLP ENGINEERS
Rendering of a library cafĂŠ created using Autodesk Revit software. Image courtesy of Nur Athirah Binte Razali (Batch 112).
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RENDERING BY ACEPLP ENGINEERS
Rendering of a 2-storey terrace created using Autodesk Revit software. Image courtesy of Jonathan Lim (Batch 93).
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RENDERING BY ACEPLP ENGINEERS
Rendering of an office space created using Autodesk Revit software.. Image courtesy of Jeremy Loo (Batch 116)..
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RENDERING BY ACEPLP ENGINEERS
Rendering of a patio bar created using Autodesk Revit software. Image courtesy of Tham Cheryl (Batch 117).
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FEATURED STORIES
“Having a goal is not enough, you need to have a learning attitude so that you can work towards it”. by Lim Tian Hock
Ten years ago when I was studying in Temasek Polytechnic, CAD modelling was something that I always wanted to explore. I graduated in year 2001 with a Diploma in Product Design Engineering. During a career switch somewhere in year 2012, I ended up in landscaping industry. My duties ranged from handling different types of projects with multiple time-frames and guidelines, to going through audits and inspections from government bodies. Half a year later, AcePLP’s variety of advertisements caught my attention and this started me on my current journey. I went through six weeks of intensive in-house training and some of the classes were scheduled in the evening. The training was divided into two weeks for AutoCAD, two weeks for MicroStation and another two for Revit. It was strenuous to attend evening classes and in a blink of an eye, my batch mates and I are ready for our onsite attachments. While waiting for my first attachment, I was roped into various in-house projects which involved the applications of AutoCAD and Revit. I also had the opportunity to go for weekly BIM coordination meetings with BIM Coordinators, Project Managers and external Engineers at client’s site office; mainly to discuss on how to resolve clashes between the Plumbing and Sanitary (P&S) Services and other disciplines and at the same time, to understand the project requirements and deliverables. As a new Engineer, it was an eye opening experience and because each project has its unique challenges to overcome, I was able to hone my CAD drafting skills and knowledge. Getting to work alongside with our inhouse project coordinators and trainers has given me insights of what it is like working with the team. Two months later, I went on my first onsite attachment as a BIM Modeller at Nylect Engineering Pte Ltd. I was working on an international school building project and the BIM coordination had just began. On my first day, I was asked to produce a model layout for the following day’s BIM coordination meeting. As the only BIM Modeller, there was no one there to guide me at the client’s office and I was left to my own devices. Nevertheless, I managed to complete the work with the skills and knowledge that I have acquired from my in-house project experience. Thereafter, I started to liaise with subcontractors and on some days, I would visit the actual site to check on the installation works and return back to office to rectify discrepancies on the shop drawings. When I was four months into this assignment, I was approached by my Line Manager to see if I am keen to take on a secondary BIM attachment which would run concurrently with my first. I was eager to explore and therefore decided to take up this challenge. Following that, my second attachment was a BIM assignment for Mixed Development project at Cyclet Electrical Engineering Pte Ltd. I was mainly involved in CSD/SEM (Combined Services Drawing/ Structural Electrical and Mechanical) submission, BIM modelling and coordination for M&E services for the respective levels.
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FEATURED STORIES
Picture of 4D BIM Pilot Team Members From left: Lim Yong Shen, Lim Tian Hock, Low Ying Hui, Ng Yik Fei, Muhammad Ridhwan, Gan Jun Long
In September 2014, I was given an opportunity to be promoted to the position of Assistant BIM/CAD Trainer. Being unsure of myself, I sought career advice from the HR team, my seniors, Trainers and the Line Managers and eventually, I decided to take on this challenging role in order to pursue my interest in Project Management. I started off with preparing training materials, conducting day and evening classes. Subsequently, I was also roped in to work on the inhouse BIM Pilot projects. I believe learning and teaching are inseparable. I found that even as I was mentoring the new Engineers, I was also learning new things. I also believe that there is a constant need for learning, so that we can continuously grow and become better. Even now as a Trainer, I seek for continuous learning and I am passionate to share the skills, knowledge and experiences that I have acquired with the next generation of Engineers. The AEC industry remain as one of the most challenging industries to work in because of its constant technological advancements. However, it is an amazing and meaningful industry to be in as this industry touches and involves the lives of many people. We also work with people from all walks of life and together, we build a better place for everyone to live in. Lastly, my advice for juniors is to have career goals so that you have something to work towards. But having a goal is not enough, you need to have a learning attitude so that you can work towards it. For me, I always feel that there is a learning experience that we can take away from each attachment, be it good or bad.
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Page | 4
ESSENTIAL TIPS & TRICKS BY ZUKIFLI BIN MOHD AIN & KEE KAY LOKE
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TIPS & TRICKS - AUTOCAD
1. Importing Layers Do not re-use a CAD file to duplicate layers that you need. Instead, convert the file to .las file format and import into your CAD file. By doing so, you can prevent any file lagging or corruption.
2. Block Layers and Editors
Always ensure to set your block to the default layer zero (0) in block editor, to avoid facing difficulty to assign your block to the required layering and colour.
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TIPS & TRICKS - AUTOCAD
3. ‘Divide’ Command
Fig. 1.0 Before applying command
Fig. 1.1 After applying command
Use command ‘Divide’ to section the object equally in a split of a second. Drop the traditional way of doing geometrical or lines calculation and follow these simple and fast steps: 1. Select the line object you want to divide. 2. Type in the no. of segments for division. 3. Indicators will appear on your object for your selection (Ref to Fig. 1.0).
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TIPS & TRICKS - MICROSTATION
4. Setting Levels
Fig. 2.0 Level Manager
Fig. 2.1 View Attributes
Having difficulties to assign your level to the respective objects? Follow these simple steps: 1. Go to Level Manager, check that your level is set to ‘By Level’ instead of ‘Overrides’ (Ref to Fig. 2.0). 2. Go to View Attributes and if your icon appears to be orange as shown in Fig.2.1, it means that Level Overrides is still active. Turn off the option in View Attributes and you will be able to assign desired levels to your respective objects.
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TIPS & TRICKS - REVIT
5. Setting Wall Constraints When placing a wall, always remember to input the upper limit of the wall. Otherwise the wall height will end up higher than the next storey.
6. Floor Plans Insertion AutoCAD floor plans should be inserted to the Storey Plans instead of Site Plans. A typical mistake of a wrong plan insertion is illustrated from the picture on the left. Correct
Correct insertion of the AutoCAD floor plans to the respective levels will ease modelling process as the respective floors are segregated apart.
Wrong
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FEATURED STORIES
Every Project Is A New Gaining Experience SITI RAUDAH TALKS ABOUT HOW SHE MANAGED TO GO ON 3 DIFFERENT PROJECTS, ALL DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF A BUILDING.
I did Electronics (Computer & Networking) when I was still studying in ITE. As the days went by, my enthusiasm in engineering sector grew. Unlike other girls, I preferred to craft, design, create and take on challenging tasks as my hobbies. I would rather be repairing bicycles than playing Barbie dolls. Don’t ask me why because I don’t have an answer to your question.
I was given 2 days to think about it before they cancelled off my name from the list, in the end, I decided to pursue Higher NITEC.
Again, I had to serve 1½ years for my Higher NITEC for an Electronics Engineering certificate. I couldn’t switch to any other courses as the higher NITEC course was offered to me based on my current one. What I had to go through was much more complex than to my NITEC course. My practical examinations were no longer on just soldering a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), but more on protocols, cables for telephones/computers, IP addresses, WIFI as well as LAN & WAN networks through programming in the C# and C++ language.
After my ITE studies, I wanted to switch my interest but was not willing to waste another 2 years just for another NITEC certificate. I had a long break to consider if I wanted to continue schooling or try my luck instead at searching for a job with just a NITEC cert.
Realising that my interest was not in Electronics, I knew I had to find a job which was not too dependent on Electronics, but could still make use of the basics. So while waiting for my Higher NITEC certificate, I looked for job opportunities. I did consider pursuing a part-time Diploma as well but eventually I gave it a miss.
One morning, I tried my luck by sending my resume to a Chinese company as a QC Technician, and was glad that I made it. My QA Manager then told me that I was the youngest and the only QC Technician with Electronics background. It was okay for me though because I really wanted to change my field of interest. From there on, I have learnt about the Mechanical Industry’s expectation and their standards. I was keen to learn anything as long as it was not Electronics, and as per my expectations, this was nothing like Electronics at all.
As I browsed through JobStreet portal, I chanced upon AcePLP. I was quite curious about the job scope. I asked my friends studying Mechanics and they briefly explained to me what it was all about. I found it interesting and thus, I immediately sent my resume to them. I was then called up for an interview and made it through. Honestly, I didn’t have any knowledge in AutoCAD but when I saw the ribbons with icons, I felt kind of relieved because during my Secondary School years, I did a hands-on on CorelDraw so the icon just about saved my life! Thank God!
Not long after that, ITE called me and asked whether I was interested in Higher Nitec. My mind-set totally changed at that moment. I knew that education was important for my future, especially because I was just only 18 years old. 17
MAD About CAD
FEATURED STORIES
How it all started… On my first day, there were only 4 of us from Batch 96. We had to learn AutoCAD 2D/3D, MicroStation 2D/3D and Revit Architectural/Structural within 3 months. During those 2 months or so, our schedule was so tight, with assignments, homework and tests at the end of every 2 weeks. If you were wondering what the difference is between AutoCAD and MicroStation, it lies in the commands. MicroStation uses numbering whereas AutoCAD uses alphabetic. For 2D-wise, AutoCAD is more user-friendly but MicroStation is more recommended for 3D modelling as the graphics are better and the axis is easier to set. As for Revit, it’s the best for 3D. It’s user-friendly and straightforward software where you don’t have to do 2D sections based on the 3D drawings. Revit does it for you.
Picture of Siti Raudah with AcePLP colleagues, Isa (Batch 94)and Qaiyum (Batch 95) at AcePLP Movie Night Event 2014!
Experience at Honeywell Assignment My first attachment was with Honeywell located at Changi Business Park. I was assigned as to draft schematic drawings for the Distribution Control System.
Ever heard about the night classes? Yes, I went through that too. I picked up Tips & Tricks for AutoCAD & MicroStation from Dave, CSD from Jack, Triforma from Gregory, as well as Project Planning from Low Pak Sing. They were generally really good in making the lessons interesting although it may seem boring at times. You won’t understand why you need it when you’re undergoing In-House training but when you are doing your on-the-job training, you’ll then realise the usefulness. Pay attention during lessons because if not, I can ensure that you’ll reap the benefits. You’ll appreciate that quality, time & speed will make us stand-out from other drafters.
Distributed Control System (DCS) refers to a control system where its elements are not centrally located, but are distributed throughout the system with each component sub-system controlled by one or more controllers. The entire system of controllers is connected by networks for communication and monitoring. Generally, DCS is a very broad term used in variety of industries to monitor and control distributed equipment. A DCS typically uses custom designed processors as controllers, also it uses both proprietary interconnections and communications protocol for communication. Input and output modules form component parts of the DCS. The processor receives information from input modules and sends information to output modules. The input modules receive information from input instruments in the process (or field) and transmit instructions to the output instruments in the field. Computer buses or electrical buses connect the processor and modules through multiplexer or de-multiplexers. Buses also connect the distributed controllers with the central controller and finally to the Human–machine interface (HMI) or control consoles. The first drawings that I had to amend were the Electrical Components’ schematics in the As-Built drawings. I had 2 projects going on at the same time then. One was the SERAYA2 and the other was the Exxon Mobil. T, in which the drawings that I needed to amend and draw from scratch were the DCS board itself and also the component that had to be fixed inside it. Aside from this, I was also given a chance to draw a toggle/button switch based on the actual product. It was quite challenging but I managed to pull it through. 18
MAD About CAD
FEATURED STORIES
My workstation @ SAA Assignment!
Experience with SAA Architects Assignment In SAA Architects, I was assigned as an Architect Consultant, and worked closely with my Senior Technical Manager. I was involved in one of their projects – Northpoint City (Yishun Mixed Development) Project. My first task was to draw a layout plan for the Male/Female/Handicap Toilets, Pantry, Janitor and Family Room for every level of the shopping centre. This was totally different from the services which I’d seen in the previous company I was attached to.
My senior technical manager (STM) provided me with toilet drawings based on what he sketched on tracing paper. From there, he guided me with the Architectural drawings on how to understand it and I amended them accordingly. I considered myself very lucky because Harmeet – one of my seniors at acePLP – was there too, to assist me with the understanding of the drawings. He gave me tips so that I wouldn’t make a lot of mistakes and to minimize the time consumed drafting. Usually Architectural drawings are very tedious and complicated to understand. The drawings that I did were Tender Addendum 2 & Tender Addendum 3. While waiting for Tender Addendum 3, I would help the technical manager out on the same project but in a different sector, namely the roofing for the boundary of the layout, section & elevation. That was for URA submission.
It was such a nice experience working with them. The environment is good and everyone is so friendly and helpful. I even made friends with the drafters, architect, assistant architect and receptionist. .Here are some tips that I can share regarding the dimensions of objects: • Entrance of the toilet (min. 1400mm) • Plaster thickness (25mm) • Wall thickness (100mm) • Center of cubicle to the other center of cubicle (900mm) • Handicap room area (2100mm x 2000mm) • Tiles (600mm x 600mm) • Center of wash hand basin to the other center of wash hand basin (750mm) • Wall from center of wash hand basin (400mm) 19 MAD About CAD
FEATURED STORIES
I’m Here!
Picture of Siti Raudah with clients from Active Fire, having Christmas dinner
These are a few tips I have for Fire Protection: • The center of Dry Riser pipe should be a minimum of 150mm away from the wall. • The center of Hosereel pipe should be a minimum of 100mm away from the wall. • Pipe size – Sprinkler Running Ratio should be as such: 3 32 6 40 9 50 18 65 • The center of Dry Riser pipe should be a minimum of 150mm away from the wall. • Sprinkler Coverage has a radius of 1500mm from the center point of the Sprinkler. • Sprinkler to Sprinkler distance: Min. of 2000mm away for horizontal wall Min. of 1300mm away for vertical wall Min. of 2000mm for Sprinkler to Sprinkler OR average distance is 3000mm
Experience with Active Fire Assignment I did Fire Protection Services at Terminal 4, Changi Airport Project for Active Fire. This project was on-site unlike the previous ones. Everything was still raw and the building was still being cast. As usual, I took on yet a new service again. This time round, I had to concentrate more on the Fire Protection Services. My coordinator let me start off with one of the Detail drawings for Hose reel & Dry Riser. I had 30mins to complete it and managed to submit on time. It was quite hard at first. They were so busy that even to the extent that they cannot entertain my queries. Therefore, I had to do my own homework and research for the Fire Protection System and whatever else I was handling. I didn’t understand it in the beginning because it was quite complicated.
Useful and advice for juniors •Do not forget to bring your thumb-drive or hard-drive with you and make sure to save a back-up copy of everything before you start amending any drawings. •Remember to change the LAYER, LINEWEIGHT and COLOUR accordingly •Do not forget to SAVE (if possible every 20mins) because when you are attached to a site area, you’ll frequently encounter power outages. •Double check your Titleblock as make sure that it is labelled as such: REVISION, DATE, NAME, DESCRIPTION, KEYPLAN/HATCH, DRAWING NO., PROJECT TITLE •Place GRIDLINEs, preferably one horizontal gridline and one vertical gridline per side •Avoid using YELLOW, CYAN or GREEN for texts. •Do your own checking before submitting •Ask your in-charge if you’re not sure BEFORE YOU PRINT
So for me to dig up more information, I asked the nearest drafter. He told me about most of the services that we’re handling, such as hose reel & dry riser, sprinkler, pipe sleeve and water tank. There’s more to it, but they weren’t the main services so I didn’t focus much on them. It took me some time to remember the sizes of hose reel, dry riser pipes and sleeves. I also did as-built, shop drawings, concrete body plan and main terminal building drawings – which is the most challenging part as it requires sprinkler drawings. For shop drawings and concrete body plan, I just did hose reel, dry riser penetration and sleeves.
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RENDERING BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Rendering of Sports and Recreational Centre in Autodesk 360. Image courtesy of Giuseppe Semprini and Autodesk.
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RENDERING BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Rendering of a spine bridge in Autodesk 360. Image courtesy of Trev G. and Autodesk
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RENDERING BY INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Rendering of a chamber de vannes in Autodesk 360. Image courtesy of Ludovic Malet and Autodesk.
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FEATURED STORIES
THE OTHER ANG BROTHER KENDRICK IS THE YOUNGER BROTHER OF ALUMNI, ANG HUAT BOON (BATCH 39) SPEAKS ABOUT HIS LEARNING JOURNEY AT ACEPLP.
My scope involved the drafting of Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) ducting on an architectural layout based on the hand-drawn hardcopies using AutoCAD software. As a new trainee, I had limited handson knowledge on ACMV ducting and at the same time, we were given very tight deadlines to complete the drawings. Luckily for me, I was able to seek help from Hisham and we made internal arrangements to split up the workload in order to meet the requirement.
Before I joined AcePLP’s Apprenticeship Programme, I worked as a free-lancer at NTU Alumni Affairs Office, with ST Kinetics and UPS Pte Ltd helping to fund my part-time diploma programme. After juggling between work and studies for some time, I graduated in March 2012 with a Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
Job searching was a tough process and I had gotten several rejected applications because I was just a fresh graduate who did not have any relevant hands-on experience yet. That was before I came to know about the AcePLP’s Apprenticeship Programme on JobStreet.com. I was enticed to apply for the Trainee CAD Engineer position as I was already familiar with AutoCAD software, having scored distinction for it during my poly days. At the same time, this position will provide the opportunity for me to enter the AEC industry.
After the assignment at Johnson Control ended, I came back to AcePLP headquarter and happened to meet Hisham when he dropped by the office to print some drawings. I was really happy and relieved when he told me that my submitted drawings were approved with minor comments. It meant a lot to me as I had put in so much effort for its completion. Being in an unfamiliar environment, I was really glad to see my senior and thankful for all the guidance he has given to me.
Eventually I was selected for the position and I began my career in the AEC industry.
My second assignment was an eye opening experience. I was assigned to assist the Project Engineer of Deluge E&C Pte Ltd (formerly known as Zenith E&C) on the ACMV drawings for the “V on Shenton” project; a big mix-used development situated in Shenton Way, formerly named as the UIC Building but was later redeveloped to meet market demands. This is where my on-the-job training really began. During the first three months, I was working from the client’s headquarter at Chin Bee Drive. Although I had limited knowledge on ACMV and Chilled Water System (CHW), the Project Engineer (PE) was very patient in assisting me.
I joined batch 76 and together with the rest of my three batch mates (Daryl, Teck Seng and Firdaus) we started our in-house training in December 2012. The training was intensive but the in-house trainers were well-versed in their respective areas and readily available to provide guidance to us. Within two months, they had equipped us with drafting techniques, conventions and technicalities in AutoCAD, MicroStation and Revit. My first onsite assignment was at Johnson Control(s) Pte Ltd where I was assigned to assist Hisham, a senior AcePLP CAD Engineer from batch 32.
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Shenton on V
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FEATURED STORIES
Kendrick Ang at Site Office
My next assignment was at Wah Loon Engineering Pte Ltd. I was tasked to assist with the Equinix SG3 IBX Data Centre project on the ACMV system. Everything went on quite smoothly except that I was facing difficulties managing my workload efficiently; engineers from different projects would approach me for multiple amendments on the same drawings throughout the day, which caused disruptions to the current projects I was handling. I provided my feedback to the Drafting Manager and was relieved from the heavy workload. A few months later, I was relocated from the Wah Loon headquarters to the project site at Ayer Rajah Crescent. As I was able to leverage on the experience acquired from the previous assignment, I knew what needed to be done on the drawings for submissions and initiated to print the drawings for their Engineers for site inspection.
In July 2013, the project team was shifted to the site office at Shenton Way and I was given the opportunity to experience what it is like being on the field. The project was not without its adversity; there was an internal communication breakdown which made the process more complicated. It started when the ACMV drawings I produced were constantly rejected. The feedback given was that the architectural plan I made was not from the most updated version. I reckoned something was amiss and initiated to compare the drawings in my folder against the drawings that were rejected by the main contractor. To my surprise, it was a different set of drawings; the architectural layout, ducting layout and ACMV equipment were changed without my knowledge. Upon learning of this, I immediately informed the Project Engineer of my findings and not long after, the project team was relocated to Bestway Building to resolve the issue. Miscommunication would be the most common difficulty a person will encounter especially being in a diverse industry.
The Engineers were very satisfied with my drawings as it’s handy for them during site inspection. During my assignment at Wah Loon, I also participated on minor amendment works for Electrical, Fire Protection and Plumbing and Sanitary systems.
Besides acquiring technical knowledge on M&E, ACMV and CHW systems from this assignment, I have also learnt many other things from on-the-job such as the preparation of transmittal forms for submission to the Main Contractor, troubleshooting and understanding how different plotter machines work, how the wireless and fibre broadband runs for the whole site office as well as new AutoCAD commands exchanged with Deluge’s permanent drafter.
From my assignments, I observed that drafting is an essential skill that one needs to acquire especially in the AEC Industries. There is always a demand for drafting work as they are many on-going projects; new lands will be developed and old buildings / lands will be redeveloped. Besides acquiring drafting skills, the assignments also build up my technical knowledge which will help me to advance to a professional Engineer in the future.
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FEATURED STORIES
Have friends or relatives you wish to refer to join our apprenticeship programme? Check on page 48 on AcePLP Employee Referral Programme and the attractive rewards available!
The Ang Brothers!
The Ang Brothers: AcePLP Alumni Ang Huat Boon (left) and Kendrick Ang.
Construction Site
Here are a few advices I wish to provide for my juniors whom are preparing to embark on their onsite assignments: 1. Be humble and honest. 2. Always possess a positive learning attitude 3. Every company has their unique drafting standards. Always be flexible and adaptive to the client’s requirements, be it individual drafting standards or company’s standards. 4. Don’t be afraid to clarify when in doubt. However, also inject some initiatives to find answers to your questions such researching through the internet or reference books, seeking help from in-house trainers etc. 5. Practice makes perfect. In your spare time, try to practice your drafting skills on various CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, MicroStation and Revit. For me, I’ve injected a little fun in my practice. I like to collect Gundam plastic model kits and hence, I will insert pictures of the kits into the CAD platform to trace them out and then hatch the colours that I like to the drawings. By doing so, I can improve on my drafting speed, practice my skills and shortcuts and have fun at the same time. Lastly, I would like to thank AcePLP and my colleagues for the help and opportunities that they have given to me during my apprenticeship. It was an enriching experience.
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TIPS & TRICKS
M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW BY ABDUL FATAH BIN ABDUL JAMAL AND MUHAMMAD RIDHWAN BIN RAHIM
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Manual call point, Alarm bell and Hose reel will always be near each other.
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
•
There are some of the sprinklers that are frequently used in projects Exposed sprinklers head (can be seen easily from the drawing) Concealed sprinkler head (cannot be seen easily as its placed between the false ceiling and the slab) Flush type sprinkler head Side-wall sprinkler Dry pendant sprinkler
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
•
The pipe size will increase as the number of sprinkler increases (ref to diagram above) 0 < 3 = Ø32 4 < 6 = Ø40 7 < 9 = Ø50 10 < 18 = Ø65 19 ~ = Ø80/100/150
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
•
At times, the same location may have 2 to 3 different type of sprinklers. Ensure that you know what type of sprinkler is being used in that particular area.
•
Most sprinklers does not share a same branch out pipe as they each have different pressure.
•
There will always be duct sprinklers are ducting areas.
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Fig 1. Worksets for a typical host file
Fig 2. Current Active Workset
Fig 3. Electrical Cable Tray in Sanitary Layout
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW View Templates Make use of View Templates for Quick Setup of Layouts/Sections/3D Views. Reduce the hassle of going through Visibility/Graphic options for each layout for the same Service Drawing. When you are dealing with tens of drawings and you forget to off a certain element layer, View templates will save all the troubles.
Fig 4. Create/ Apply/ Manage View Template
Step1: Apply a template to a layout and click ok.
Step 2: Select the Layout View Template in Properties Tab and select â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noneâ&#x20AC;? and click ok. This allows a layout to absorb a templates property and edited according to your wish, without adjusting the main template.
Fig 5. Select View Template to use
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW Symbol Visibility Parameters For Family Visibility parameters is very useful and can be used for many different applications. Using 1 Family to manipulate different symbols for an element.
Fig. 6 Control Panel Family Symbols
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Eager to share your Tips & Tricks? Send in your contributions to media@aceplp.com.sg. Read page 50 on how you stand to win Starbucks vouchers! 37 MAD About CAD
10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
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10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Eager to share your Tips & Tricks? Send in your contributions to media@aceplp.com.sg. Read page 50 on how you stand to win Starbucks vouchers! 39 MAD About CAD
10 M&E HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Eager to share your Tips & Tricks? Send in your contributions to media@aceplp.com.sg. Read page 50 on how you stand to win Starbucks vouchers! 40 MAD About CAD
TIPS & TRICKS - RESOURCES
CAD FORUM Free tips & tricks, blocks and discussion to AutoCAD, LT, Inventor, Revit, 3Ds Max and other… Ten Links No. 1 Tips Site and Site of the Week award. http://www.cadforum.cz CAD TUTOR CAD Tutor delivers the best free tutorials and articles for AutoCAD, 3Ds Max and … it’s monthly article brings you the best up-to-date AutoCAD tips and tricks. In addition to the text-based tutorials, video tutorials are also made available. http://www.cadtutor.net/ THE ARCHITECTURE STUDENT A one stop information sharing hub for Architectural services, ranging from AutoCAD tips to photoshop tips, rendering tips and even urban design tips! http://192.168.1.150/wordpress /wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ thearchistudent.png
CAD online 41 MAD About CAD
TIPS & TRICKS - RESOURCES
AEC DEVBLOG Maintained by Autodeskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developer technical services (DevTech) team, the site offers good resource for managers and developers using Revit, Navisworks and other Autodesk products. Where else do you think, is a better place to obtain accurate technical information from?
http://adndevblog.typepad.com /aec/about-this-blog.html
BEYOND DESIGN
http://beyonddesign.typepad. com/posts/
Beyond Design has been a key asset for BIM managers since 2009. The site is maintained and updated by Autodeskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Naviswork team and covers an array of tips and tricks, best practices and insider knowledge for you to have a better grasp of the BIM software functionality and management.
More CAD and BIM resources in the next publication of MAC newsletter! Visit Cadpro.sg for more resources.
CAD online 42 MAD About CAD
Popular roles in AEC Industries
DESIGN ENGINEER Responsibilities • Provide technical support in various stages of project, including conceptual design, design development, contract documentation, authority submissions, contract administration, site meetings and etc. • Prepare schematic design, layout, calculations, technical reports and specifications and etc. • Liaise with external consultant teams, architects, contractors and suppliers to resolve project issues • Supervise and review the work of Assistant Engineers, Designers and/or Drafters in the project team • Discuss and propose solutions to technical issues and improvement on design standards • Develop technical knowledge and competency Requirements • Degree or Diploma in any discipline - Architectural/ Structural/ Mechanical/ Electrical • 2-3 years related work experience • Ability to deliver ideas and conceptualise system design • Proficient in the use of AutoCAD and MicroStation
43 MAD About CAD
PROJECT COORDINATOR Responsibilities • Attend client meetings and assist with determination of project requirements • Prepare project organization and communication charts • Use project scheduling and control tools to monitor projects plans, work hours, budgets and expenditures • Track project milestones, develop and deliver progress reports with requirements documentations and presentations. • Preparation of quotations, specs, schedules, progress & delivery reports • Review field inspection reports from Consultants throughout the lifecycle of the project • Issue Contracts, Letters of Intent, Purchase Orders, etc. • Maintain Contract Execution Tracking Log
Photo: Randi Silberman Klett
BIM MANAGER (PROJECT) Responsibilities • Prepare and implement BIM execution Plan for projects/tender • Examine and evaluate BIM goal and Uses • Integrate information from different stakeholders of the construction and ensure no dilution of responsibility between the project design team and the contractor • Responsibility Matrix • BIM Deliverables • Delivery Schedules • BIM Modelling quality Control • BIM Coordination • Responsible for BIM standards development, implementation, and enforcement • Assist project teams in BIM project setup
Requirements • Diploma/Degree in Architectural Technology, Quantity Survey, Civil Engineering, Project/Construction Management, M&E related discipline • At least 2 years of working experience in the related field • Knowledge in AutoCAD, MS Project and/or Primavera • Proficient in Microsoft Office • Resourceful and able to work independently with minimal supervision • Able to read Architectural/ Structure/ M&E drawings
Requirements • Diploma/Degree in Architecture/ Civil Structure/ Construction/ MEP related • Experience in BIM software • Knowledgeable in local MEP BIM e-submission process, requirements and guidelines • Completed BCA Academy’s BIM Modelling and/ or BIM Management or similar courses
44 MAD About CAD
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL COORDINATOR Responsibilities • To develop a schedule program for the commencement and completion of all M&E works to meet the master schedule • To coordinate, monitor, and control M&E subcontractors’ progress and quality of works • To coordinate sub-contractors work so that there are no conflicts amongst sub-contractors • To liaise with suppliers on the product needed for the projects and delivery schedule • To carry out submission to consultants for materials, drawings and method statements approvals before commencement at work • To incorporate structural and M&E elements in preparation and production of coordination drawings • Assist in the deployment and storage of M&E materials, plant and equipment delivered by the M&E subcontractors • To arrange for testing of M&E materials and equipment function test • Assist Quantity Surveyor to carry out verifications for various claims • Contract administration of M&E subcontracts • Updating M&E drawings
Follow us and learn more about other POPULAR ROLES in the next publication of Mad About CAD!
Requirements • Degree or Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Construction Building Services • Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in the construction supervision of M&E building services • Capable of leading the CSD coordination, managing design interface, coordination for construction project, chairing coordination meeting • Experience in HDB/ Condo/ Transit/ MRT/ Tunnel will be an advantage • Knowledge of AutoCAD would be an advantage • Proficient in using Microsoft Office • Must have local contractor experience • Familiar with our local building standard quality implementation, BCA CONQUAS and Quality Marks Assessment and Safety aspects in the construction industry
45 MAD About CAD
HOT WEATHER HEALTH SURVIVAL GUIDE! You might have noticed that March has been a good month for outdoor activities, with very little rain to put a damper on that picnic or cycling expedition even as grass in parks turn brown. However, this dry spell is expected to continue till April and May. Here are some tips on how you can stay healthy, even in warmer and dryer season…
2. STAY HYDRATED Swig often. To replace the moisture that you lose as you perspire, be sure to drink. As you lose water to dehydration, your body temperature rises, so replacing fluids is essential to keeping cool. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar, which are dehydrating. “Also opt for hydrating foods," says Deena Kastor, a marathon runner and an Olympic bronze medallist. "Try a smoothie for lunch, and add more fruits and vegetables to all your meals. Watermelon has the greatest water content of any food out there."
1. “VENT” A LOT Fans can complement air-conditioners and help them run more efficiently which is better for the environment, and significantly reduces electricity bills. Run a fan to remove humidity and removes heat away from your body.
3. EAT LIGHT There's a reason we reach for salads in the summer. They're easier to digest than, say, a fatty hamburger, which leaves you feeling sluggish in the high heat. Instead, go for fruits and vegetables, which are watery and help keep you hydrated (and cooler).
46 MAD About CAD
4. KEEP YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE DOWN Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day. If you are planning on when to do your Ice Bucket Challenge, how about doing it now?
4. INDOOR EXERCISE Maintain a healthy lifestyle by bringing your exercise routine indoor. Head to the nearest gym or take up an aerobic activity to keep your heart pumping strong and healthy. On warmer days, limit your outdoor refreshing activities to biking, swimming and evening hikes. Reconnecting with these activities will help keep your body and mind aligned.
Staff shall receive a healthy lifestyle bonus for every continuous 12 months period if there are no medical claims made. 47 MAD About CAD
48 MAD About CAD
HUAT AH! FANCY OR NOT, HERE’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY… 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.
49 MAD About CAD
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! 50 MAD About CAD
So we heard there’s some birthday boys and girls in the house.
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• 1 Noor Erdyani • 4 Pilapil James C Wang Feng • 5 Yin Tao • 6 Kee Kay Loke • 8 Yu Haining • 10 Chong Swee Kuan • 13 Abdul Qaiyum B Abdul Rahman • 15 Syed Nazri B Syed Shamshudin Chong Meng Kiang Nur Muhammad • 16 Allan Chris • 21 Muhammad ‘Izzat • 25 Tan Han Kiong • 27 Mariam • 28 Shen Jiayu
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1 Muhammad Fadhil B Merlan 2 Jacqueline Tang 6 Song Zhuang 11 Gladymaire 16 Siti Nurshahrain 19 James Tang Ashley Arvind 21 Muhammad Izdihar 25 Kamaraj S/O Sellah 28 Dy Francis Jiehan 29 Hannah Leah
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1 Nur Hazwanny 3 Yang Kaisheng 7 Nor Hafizah 8 Liu Huan Huan 9 Yeo Si Wei 10 Tan Gan Sen 11 Tan Yong Jian 15 Rusydiah BT Mohamed Noor 16 Lee Xihui 19 Tan Sze Hong, Eric 21 Mai Xiangjie 23 Chan Tsz Kin 26 Liu Zhi Yang Muhammad Ridhwan Siti Raudah • 30 Julie Ann
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 51 MAD About CAD
LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY We welcome eighteen new faces to the team! Finance Aerikah Binti Jaafar Human Resource Joshua Yong
IT Lee Kok Hui Admin Marianne Mirambel Line Manager Gretchel Gupit
BIM/CAD Trainees Mark Tan Kuganeswari Poovan Jiang Yuan Jie Seah Yew Hock Nur Asarin Noor Hafiz Muhammad Zakie Muhammad Farheen Dong Ziliang Mohamed Zuhairi Razmi Hariz Louise Anne
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