How is virtual reality changing the construction industry?

In recent years, the use of virtual reality has gone beyond entertainment and gaming. This technology is now being used in construction and engineering. Civil engineer Reddy Kancharla discusses how VR can advance processes in construction projects.

Upgrade client experience

Thanks to advancements in technology, clients can check on their collaborators and projects in real time. Using virtual reality allows them to see the visual rendering in their projects and later on, the progress in the construction sites. Now that people are more concerned about their safety, this presents a better alternative that will lessen the need for frequent site visits and inspections.

Train the workforce

Just as VR is being used in other industries such as education and military to train people, this technology can be used to train those who work on-site. According to Reddy Kancharla, preparing manpower to become familiar with the manual and technical processes in construction projects with constant trainings will help them work on-site safely. Doing this through VR will help them visualize and apply what they have learned before they enter the worksite.

Detect issues early on

No construction project is similar which is why it's important to be one step ahead when it comes to detecting issues. Reddy Kancharla shares that using virtual reality can help point out problems in a site. While 3D modeling provides a detailed and accurate look at a project, VR can help engineers examine the details as if they were in the site. This process can help them pinpoint potential issues as well as find the right materials to use. This walk-through process allows teams to cut costs and stay efficient.

Reddy Kancharla has more than 25 years of experience in civil construction, geotechnical consultation, and construction QA/QC, and more than a decade in senior management for civil engineering firms. Subscribe to this Twitter page for more updates.

Engineering marvels – Some design elements of the Burj Al Arab

When it comes to setting standards in engineering and design, one cannot help but look at the iconic structures that proudly represent their countries of origin. One such example is the Burj Al Arab, Dubai's prized hotel. In this blog post, Reddy Kancharla talks more about the world's most luxurious hotel.

The initial planning and design stages of the Burj Al Arab faced the challenge of building something simple, easily recognizable, and iconic. In the mind of architect Tom Wright, since Dubai had the elements of sun, sand, and sea, he knew that he wanted the final structure to look like a majestic sail, as though it was rising from a yacht on the ocean.

With this objective in mind, there was a huge hurdle. If this were to rise from the sea, it needed an island base to stand on, shares Reddy Kancharla. Seeing that Dubai had no islands out in the ocean, the design team decided to build an island first.

Seeing that the need was for them to establish a low rise island, the team first explored using a base of rocks. However, weather conditions in the Arabian Sea proved to be too challenging, that even rock-solid foundations like the island they had in mind could not withstand. The solution they came up with was a set of concrete hollow blocks. Instead of going against strong ocean currents, these were designed to absorb forces, which only dissipated as the water entered smoothly and out of the blocks. Reddy Kancharla notes that this technology was never used in Dubai in the past.

Soon enough, the team had a water challenge, which saw that the ocean found its way into the hotel's sand base. Their solution was to create a triangular steel wall 20 meters deep into the ground, which was strengthened with a concrete sealant, making the island protected from flooding.

These are only a few examples that prove how much of an engineering marvel the Burj Al Arab truly is, but truly, this brilliantly crafted structure has more stories to tell.

Reddy Kancharla has a master's in civil engineering with a professional career spanning 25 years in civil construction, construction QA/QC, and geotechnical consultation. He has a broad comprehension of engineering theories, principles, practical solutions to engineering problems relating to civil engineering and the construction industry, and developing and implementing quality systems per ISO standards. For more articles like this, visit this page

Record-breaking architecture around the world

As the saying goes, records are made to be broken. This age-old adage rings true for both physical capabilities of man, as well as his capacity to create. Over a century ago, the tallest building in New York only measured at 391 feet. Today, the New York skyline has several buildings that are over 1,000 feet tall. According to Reddy Kancharla, setting a world record often falls upon the size of a structure, as well as its uniqueness.

Image source: worldrecordacademy.org

The Palace of the Romanian Parliament has the record for the biggest administrative building in the world with a floor area of 365,000 sq/m. It also holds the record for being the heaviest building in the world.

Now, take a look at Henri Coanda International Airport, which is also a Romanian structure in Bucharest. It isn’t the biggest, busiest, or even close to being the airport with the most traffic on earth. But it does hold the record for being the first guitar-shaped airport terminal in the world.

These two are prime examples of what it takes to become a record-breaking piece of architecture. While one is celebrated for its dominance in size and weight, the other is known for being the first of its kind in terms of design.

Reddy Kancharla believes that this idea of creating record-breaking architecture will always be man’s measure of how far he can push the limits of what is possible in the world of architecture, as well as a test to come up with new designs that derive inspiration from other objects in the world.

Image source: worldrecordacademy.org

Having obtained his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Osmania University in Hyderabad, India and his master of science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University at Lubbock,Reddy Kancharla also logged more than 25 years of experience in projects involving civil construction, geotechnical consultation, construction QA/QC, including ten years of senior management experience. For more insightful reads on architecture, visit thiswebsite .

The history behind the White House Bunker

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The safety of the most powerful man in the world is paramount in keeping peace and order in the United States of America. While the White House may not be as formidable as other presidential palaces or residences of world leaders, it is equipped to keep the president safe from almost every emergency, including fire, flooding, and even a nuclear attack. Reddy Kancharla has read about several bunkers made by the military to protect personnel and some doomsday preppers have made impressive bunkers on their own, but nothing can surpass the Presidential Emergency Operations Center in the White House.

Constructed during World War II, the goal of the PEOC is to protect then President Franklin D. Roosevelt from aerial attacks on Washington. This comes decades after the infamous White House fire that engulfed the executive office of the West Wing. And because the PEOC was created for security purposes, very little detail has been released to the public. In her memoire, former first lady Laura Bush described the room as a command center equipped with television sets, communication equipment, and was sealed by a pair of big steel doors.

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Reddy Kancharla claims that in recent years, the PEOC was hardly used. In the last two decades, only two incidents led to the use of the PEOC. During the terrorist attacks on 9/11, vice president Dick Chaney, Laura Chaney, Condoleeza Rice, as well as several high ranking military and White House officials were escorted into the PEOC. The latest use of the bunker was in May 29, 2020 when President Donald Trump retreated to the PEOC during the height of the George Floyd protests.

Reddy Kancharla has extensive knowledge of engineering theories, principles, and practical solutions of engineering problems relating to civil engineering and the construction industry, and the development of quality systems in the construction industry per various codes and standards. For more reads on engineering, visit this website.

What the future of peak engineering and construction may look like

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One of the most fascinating conversations Reddy Kancharla has with his friends revolve around possibilities for construction and engineering. They love to paint pictures of what man can truly achieve with future technology and his unlimited imagination.

On that note, Reddy Kancharla will attempt to travel in time and look at what the future of peak engineering and construction looks like, with solid examples.

Image source: thesuffolkblog.wordpress.com

Reddy Kancharla first travels to the Middle East to check out the World Islands of Dubai, or simply the World. This construction of this outrageous megaproject has been on and off throughout the past two decades. The plan is to create 300 small islands in shapes that resemble the countries of the world. From a bird’s eye view, the World Islands of Dubai looks like a world map.

Towards the east, the Japan-Korea Undersea Tunnel is still awaiting construction. It is understandable that this 79-mile tunnel that stretches from Karatsu, Japan all the way to Busan, South Korea is a mammoth undertaking that will far surpass most, if not all of the world’s undersea tunnels.

Staying in Japan, Reddy Kancharla talks about the proposed Shimizu Megacity Pyramid, which will be constructed along Tokyo Bay. The Megacity Pyramid holds dozens of smaller pyramids and stands a whopping 14 times taller the Pyramids of Giza. It will house residential units as well as commercial spaces such as offices and stores.

Reddy Kancharla has more than 25 years of experience in projects involving civil construction, geotechnical consultation, and construction QA/QC, including 10 years of senior management experience. For similar reads, visit this page.

Consider these tips for increased productivity and improved project management

Simpler times required simpler solutions. Before the emergence of construction project management software, contractors had to encourage employees to become more productive. But now, old strategies to motivate employees are no longer practiced.

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Reddy Kancharla believes that motivation and productivity are connected. One of the things that motivate employees to do more is recognition. Celebrating small and huge wins is a solid pat on the back and encourages employees to put their best foot forward. Rewards, like simple meals after a demanding day or cups of coffee for caffeine-fueled employees, are great ways to show appreciation and concern for the well-being of employees.

Clear expectations leave no room for miscommunication. Beating around the bush regarding requirements will only leave employees puzzled as to what’s expected of them. Instead of telling workers to try their hardest, let them know exactly what they need to accomplish, so long as it’s within reason. Maintaining a team mindset enables a manager to let the workers in on the progress of the project. Clients, managers, and supervisors are not the only ones who need to see the big picture. Keeping construction employees updated regarding developments lets them know they are valued.

Empathy and respect are two qualities that should always be present in any workplace, says Reddy Kancharla. Instead of leading with an iron fist, become a leader who recognizes and values teamwork and each member’s well-being.

Reddy Kancharla is a civil engineer with more than a decade’s worth of experience in senior management and a background in civic construction, geotechnical consultation, and construction QA/QC spanning 25 years. For more updates from Reddy Kancharla, head over to this blog.

The road to becoming a geotechnical engineer

A geotechnical engineer analyzes, plans, and constructs foundations and support edifices. Professionals in their field, they use engineering fundamentals and routines to make sure a structure can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and mudslides. Their usual job requires them to work in a central office and hold job site visits when requested.

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An aspiring geotechnical engineer must obtain a bachelor’s degree in civil, geological, geotechnical, or environmental engineering. While it’s not necessary, a master’s degree in the field can give them a career boost, notes Reddy Kancharla. In college, geotechnical engineers will have to attend courses in computer-aided design (CAD), where they can use advanced principles in creating, analyzing, and reviewing plans.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in engineering, an aspiring geotechnical engineer must find entry-level work in the industry. Their initial tasks would be to assess and develop support structures like embankments, anchoring systems, and retaining walls. They may employ their knowledge in CAD software in designing and examining structural models and elements. Other tasks include devoting time to unpropitious weather conditions. As they gather experiences in the field, they can take part in elaborate plans.

Reddy Kancharla elaborates that each state requires engineers to have a license. Graduates must pass the state-licensing exam tackling the fundamentals of engineering. After four years of being engineers-in-training, they can take the exam to become professional engineers. A licensed geotechnical engineer may obtain a voluntary certification given by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Reddy Kancharla is an engineer with more than 25 years of experience in civil construction and geotechnical consultation. Some of the noteworthy construction projects he was involved in are the USTA National Tennis Center, Yankee Stadium, and the Giants/Jet Stadium. To read more about Reddy Kancharla, visit this page.

Biggest megastructures in the world

In the world of architecture, there are construction projects that dwarf the scale of other buildings. These massive undertakings are called megastructures. Megastructures often take years to plan and several years or more than a decade to complete. They would often utilize several construction companies at the same time in order to reach the deadline and ensure the build quality of the structures. According to engineering enthusiast Reddy Kancharla, megastructures often present unique problems during all phases of planning and execution, but the results are often mind-blowing. Here are some examples of the biggest megastructures in the world.

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South-North Water Transfer Project, China

China is one of the world’s biggest country in terms of land area and is also one of the most populated country in the world. The regions in the northern half of China holds about 50% of its total population. Unfortunately, the area only produces 20% of China’s water supply. This is why they made the South-North Water Transfer Project. This massive dam is comprised of three 600-mile-long canals that carry water from the south to the north. It is projected to take 48 years to complete and will be able to supply 44.8 billion cubic meters of water annually.

Image source: businessinsider.com

Dubailand, Dubai

Dubailand is Dubai’s answer for every large scale amusement park or entertainment center ever built. With a size of 278 sq.km, it’s big enough to fit three Disney Worlds within its complex. Dubailand will be comprised of six major segments which are theme parks, sports venues, science attractions, eco-tourism areas, hotels and housing, and healthcare facilities. It will also house the world’s biggest hotel with 6,500 rooms and an adjacent 10-million-sq.ft shopping mall.

Reddy Kancharla believes that the construction of megastructures pushes the very limits of engineering and architecture. From utility to recreation, transportation, to science, megastructures around the world are slowly shaping how we see construction projects today.

Reddy Kancharla is equipped with a comprehensive knowledge on engineering theories, principles, and practical solutions of engineering problems in civil engineering and the construction industry. Visit this website for more insightful reads on today’s construction marvels.

Commercial real estate: A guide to the structures

Reddy Kancharla explains that many engineers, architects, and construction companies constantly observe the building of commercial structures because a lot can be learned from it. In fact, most of the largest, most advanced buildings ever created in the modern world are commercial structures.
Reddy Kancharla shares a short guide to commercial real estate structures below.

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Hotels: While hotels and resorts serve as the gold standard of the hospitality industry, there are also hostels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts. Some of the grandest hotels in the world have impressive architecture and mind-blowing engineering, like the Burj Khalifa.

Offices: Many of the skyscrapers in the world are comprised of offices. The megastructures that go way past 70 floors accommodate firms, agencies, companies, and other businesses. There are also mid-rise buildings for offices.

Image source: dw.com

Retail: The most prominent examples of retail structures are malls, and some of them are downright impressive, Reddy Kancharla explains. Other structures include groceries, outlet stores, and marketplaces. Retail buildings take up a third of total commercial estate structures.

Factories: Finally, Reddy Kancharla mentions industrial facilities or large factories. In many ways, industrial plants are the most complicated structures to construct, given the countless specifications needed to put up a plant. However, storage facilities such as warehouses, are simpler in design.

Reddy Kancharla has more than 25 years of experience in civil construction, geotechnical consultation, and construction QA/QC, and more than a decade in senior management for civil engineering firms. Subscribe to this Twitter page for more updates.

Common causes of structural failure and how they can be prevented

As a civil engineer, one of Reddy Kancharla’s biggest fears is structural failure. In fact, he believes it to be one of the biggest fears of many engineers all over the world.

Image source: usgs.gov

On that note, Reddy Kancharla explores a few structural failures, their causes, and how they can be prevented.

When buildings collapse, there are normally a number of culprits, which include a lack of stability, faulty construction of beams and walls, as well as inadequate rods used for columns. To prevent this catastrophic structural mishap, engineers and construction teams should stick to the standard construction requirements. They may also connect any other parts to the main structure.

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As for footbridges, they can be compromised when the welding itself is found to be defective. These structures, made of trusses, cross girders, and RCC slabs, may buckle under extreme load. Reddy Kancharla notes that for a footbridge to be safe and reliable, structural steel fabrication is necessary.

However, Reddy Kancharla also says that one of the most tragic structural failures happens with residential buildings. Oftentimes, when a residential building collapses, it’s due to their being built on weak foundations. One of the best ways to prevent this is to have it checked and re-checked by geotechnical engineers to ensure that the ground is safe, and that contractors and engineers spend a lot of time planning the foundation.

Reddy Kancharla has more than 25 years of experience in projects involving civil construction, geotechnical consultation, and construction QA/QC, including 10 years of senior management experience. For similar reads, visit this page.