Civil Engineering/Design

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Expert: - 8/12/2002


Question
Hello Arshad:

I have a 14 year old son who is very interested in building structures---especially bridges, buildings and "space structures".  He also enjoys documenting all of these on a computer.

I was wondering if you know of any software (CAD or design type programs) that a young man could use for designing and playing around with structures and all the parts----however not too advanced.

Also do could you suggest any books written for his age group (14-17 years old)

Answer
Hi Mike,

There are several CAD software on the market, but I have not tried out the simple/basic ones. However, you could try "Total CAD 2D-3D" by Focus Multimedia Limited of Rugeley, Staffs, UK. Their website is www.focusmm.co.uk

Regarding books, again there are lots of these but the only ones that I have read and can recommend are:

1. Why buildings Stand up, by Mario Salvadori.
2. Why buildings fall down , by Salvadori & Matthys Levy (this one even you will find interesting, I think).

Both are published by W.W. Norton.

Regarding websites, I would suggest http://www.ideers.bris.ac.uk/ but this is specially for earthquake design for students. However, you may find other links from there.

If your son wants to know more about a career in civil/structural engineering, then let me know and I can forward you some Q&A on the subject that I have dealt with in the past.

Hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Arshad

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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