Expert: Dr. Abdulaziz Jarkas - 5/20/2007

Question
i am an 3rd year undergraduate student.i want your help for selection of my final year project as i am very much confused
first, what is better, to chose a
- theoritical/research type project
- design/pratical project
- chosing a project which is actually being designed by some firm

i want to be a structural engg
i have interest in high rise building, brigde design
At this level of study,
-upto which target i can achieve
-what sort of building may i chose/ no of storeys/ type
-on what should i put my main focus
-what are division of fields/topics in designing
-what methodology/softwares i should use
what are the main points/considerations i should follow
can you suggest some topics, goals or ideas
i know my question is very arbitrary but please suggest me something in DETAILS and give me wide range of topics/fields

my second question is regarding a news item
i read out a building has been designed in Brazil which all storey can rotates 360 degree. can you locate this building
i failed to find anything about it
thank you


Answer
Dear Salman,

Indeed, your question(s) are very hard to objectively answer!

I really can not decide on your behalf; it all depends on what you like and prefer. For instance, if your aim is to go to the graduate school, then the theoretical aspect would certainly be better for you. If on the other hand you just want to get the Bachelor degree and get into the work force, then you may want to choose the practical area.

If you are interested in the the structural design, then multi-story buildings would be a good area to choose for your project, however, you may be facing a hard time at this level since your level of education does not cover the technical aspects associated with this kind of structures. I recommend choosing a low rise building, e.g. two or three floors. The material could either be structural steel or reinforced concrete, you have to choose! Your focus could be either on the analysis of the frame of the building or the design, again, you have to choose.

There are many softwares to choose from, but the most prevailing one in the structural analysis & design is "STAAD".

As for your second question, I'm sorry, but I have not heard of this building yet! I heard that the same concept might be implemented in Dubai, UAE, nonetheless, it's still an idea.

Hope this helps!

Dr. Jarkas