The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) defines engineering as "the practice of science, engineering science and technology concerned with the solution of problems of economic importance and those essential to the progress of society". ECSA states that, "Engineering work is essential to both economic activity and to national development. Effective, safe and sustainable engineering work is founded on the competence and integrity of engineering professionals."
Over time, we have seen that much of the problem-solving, analysis and synthesis and heavy mathematical lifting is now done by computers. Gone are the days where engineers are seen pouring over drawing boards to produce work, coordinating computer science vs computer programming drawings and sketches to ensure clash-free designs, and conducting expensive testing in the real world to confirm test results.
Engineers are now using new digital skill sets and associated technologies. Hand sketches and site photographs are now replaced by 3D scans and drone photogrammetry. Large teams of draftsmen in offices have been replaced by lean 3D modelling teams that produce rich, three dimensional, realistic, clash-free digital models. Mock-ups and small-scale models have been replaced by immersive virtual and augmented reality applications; sophisticated simulation tools have replaced physical testing to a large extent, and now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, site inspections and meeting are conducted by high-resolution cameras that stream site visuals back to the office. All of this has happened in the space of 20 years and is contributing to the first wave of digitisation!
No comments:
Post a Comment