Ep 31 Mechanical Engineers

Episode Overview

• This episode serves as an introduction to the relationship between structural and mechanical engineers, humorously highlighting the common challenge of coordinating openings in structures.
• It features an interview with Carl, a practicing mechanical engineer, to provide insight into his profession from an insider's perspective.
• The hosts and guest discuss the educational background required for mechanical engineers in the building industry, comparing general degrees to specialized ones.
• The conversation touches on the importance of early-stage coordination and the practical challenges of fitting mechanical systems within architectural and structural constraints.
• This episode is the first half of a two-part conversation and marks the finale of the podcast's first season.

Key Concepts

• The primary point of interaction and potential conflict between structural and mechanical engineers revolves around creating space and penetrations for HVAC and plumbing systems within the building's structure.
• Effective collaboration and communication between all disciplines, including architects, are essential for creating a better final product and avoiding costly rework.
• Mechanical engineers in the building industry often come from either a general mechanical engineering background or a more specialized architectural engineering program, with the latter focusing heavily on thermodynamics and fluid dynamics relevant to HVAC.
• Much like structural engineering, a significant portion of a mechanical engineer's practical knowledge is acquired through on-the-job training, as academic programs focus more on fundamental principles than specific design methodologies.
• The efficiency of HVAC systems is a major design driver. For example, squarer ducts are more efficient for moving air than wide, flat ones due to lower pressure drops, which influences the space requirements that mechanical engineers request.

Quotes

• At 00:18 - "The kind where they're putting holes in our structure." - Zach humorously describes mechanical engineers from a structural engineer's point of view.
• At 00:39 - "They make it just a little more fun to do your job, you know?" - Max sarcastically comments on the complexities that mechanical systems add to structural design.
• At 01:17 - "...working together as a team just brings a better product at the end." - Zach emphasizes that good interdisciplinary coordination is key to a successful project outcome.
• At 03:07 - "Are there people that are in the HVAC world that did like a more traditional mechanical engineering, like gears and pulleys education?" - Max asks about the different educational paths that can lead to a career in mechanical engineering for buildings.
• At 05:01 - "Does mechanical HVAC feel like you do more of the training on the job?" - Max questions how much of a mechanical engineer's skill set is developed after formal education versus during it.

Takeaways

• Initiate communication with the mechanical engineering team early in the design process to proactively address potential conflicts with the structural system.
• Understand that a mechanical engineer's requests for space are often driven by system efficiency; for example, a squarer duct is more energy-efficient than a flat, wide one.
• Recognize that, like structural engineers, mechanical engineers learn a substantial amount of their practical skills on the job, and their designs evolve as the project progresses.
• When designing, consider that mechanical systems are pervasive, running through walls, floors, and ceiling spaces, and early coordination can prevent major issues later.