Role of a Mechanical Engineer in Construction

There are a lot of mechanical components that go into the construction of a building. These components add functions to the building which helps make it more habitable and comfortable for its residents.

Renovation or construction of any building most often requires the expertise of mechanical engineering consultants in Sydney. Mechanical Engineering is considered one of the broadest disciplines in engineering and has vast applications in the construction industry. The role of a mechanical engineer is to design, construct and maintain the mechanical components and machinery of a building.

Various systems require the attention of a mechanical engineer to maintain.

Components of a Building that Require a Mechanical Engineer

Depending on the type of project involved, a mechanical engineer is required when dealing with various different mechanical systems such as the following;

HVAC Systems

HVAC systems ensure the comfort of a building's occupants by regulating the heating and cooling of indoor air circulation. HVAC systems most commonly comprise ventilation shafts, furnaces, air ducts, air conditioning and filtration systems. A construction project would need to hire a mechanical engineer to install an HVAC system in a ground-up project or while remodelling a building.

Without the proper expertise of a mechanical engineer, the HVAC system of a building might cause issues concerning the comfort and well-being of its residents. The use of inappropriate equipment or a malfunctioning HVAC system can result in dry throat, allergies, itchy skin and irregular distribution of heat. Inadequately designed HVAC systems can affect the rise of operating costs as well.

A construction company would require the expertise of a mechanical engineer in determining the adequate cooling and heating load for an HVAC system while optimizing its use of energy. Their skills are crucial to designing an efficient layout for the HVAC ductwork which acts coherently with the building's architectural and structural features.

Water Distribution Piping

Water is an important resource that does not entertain compromise. During the construction of a new building, the mechanical engineer is required to design an efficient and cost-effective piping system. The engineer would have to ensure that the piping system can supply hot and cold water to all appliances, showers and taps. The expertise of the mechanical engineer is also required when installing a water heating system. This system would typically include a network of pipes for either supplying hot water to all its fixtures or for distributing heat throughout the building. A mechanical engineer will need to be consulted again when the water piping is being replaced or moved while remodelling.

Sewage Systems

Without a sewage system, a building can potentially overflow with wastewater. This water can be categorized in two ways; Blackwater which is flushed through a building's toilet and must be drained through the sewage system, and Greywater which can be recycled from home basins and washing appliances. An efficient sewage system can help reduce the consumption of water in a building. It is up to the mechanical engineer to design such a system for a new or continuing project.

Fire Suppression Systems

It is necessary for every building to have a fire suppression system. The mechanical engineer in charge of the project would need to design an efficient fail-safe fire suppression system. Their skills and expertise are required when altering the same system.

Conclusion

A mechanical engineer is vital to any construction project. Without their knowledge, skills and understanding constructing the mechanics of a building are highly risky. However, hiring a full-scale engineer for applying minor renovations and alterations can become redundant. Hence hiring the services of a Mechanical Engineering consulting firm in Sydney can prove to be more cost-efficient.