Friday, 31 July 2020

What the future of peak engineering and construction may look like

Image source: gulfbusiness.com 
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.

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

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.
Image source: blog.capterra.com

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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.

Friday, 29 May 2020

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.

Wednesday, 29 April 2020

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.

Image source: thebalancesmb.com
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.

Tuesday, 4 February 2020

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.
Image source: Institutionalinvestor.com

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.

Friday, 10 January 2020

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.

Wednesday, 4 December 2019

Wooden structures that have amazed the world

The world is filled with architectural marvels. Some are known for their longevity, some for being built ahead of their time, and others because of their unique characteristics. Today, purely wooden structures are rare because of advancements in construction materials. However, some architects have utilized nothing else but wood as primary construction material yet have wowed the world. Here are some of the most amazing wooden structures in the world today, courtesy of Reddy Kancharla.
Image source: popularmechanics.com

Superior Dome, Michigan

Most people would think that a stadium should be built on concrete and steel. But the Superior Dome of the Northern Michigan University proves them wrong. This 14-story dome covers 5.1 acres and is composed of fir decking that stretches over 108 miles. It just narrowly beats Tacoma Dome as the world’s largest wooden dome.

U Bein Bridge, Myanmar

Wood had been the common material used for building bridges until architects learned to utilize stone and concrete. However, some wooden bridges are still being used now. The world’s longest wooden bridge, the U Bein Bridge, was built in 1850. While it’s only 15 feet tall, it helps people cross the mud flats at Taungthaman Lake. Its length measures to about 3,960 feet.

Murray Grove, London
Image source: popularmechanics.com

Built in 2009, Murray Grove is currently the tallest timber structure in the world, with a height of 9 stories. According to Reddy Kancharla, everything about the grove is made of wood, including the lift, floor slabs, load-bearing walls, and floor slabs. Its builders boast that the structure has had no issue 10 years since its unveiling.

Reddy Kancharlahas more than 25 years of experience in projects involving civil construction, geotechnical consultation, and construction QA/QC. This includes ten years of senior management experience. For more reads on engineering, visit thiswebsite.