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“A machine, to be economical, should be capable of being worked at any time,

day or night, summer and winter, with trifling exception.”

— Thomas Tredgold (1882 “Practical Essay on the Strength of Cast Iron and Other Metals“)

Today we scan of redlines of titles open for public consultation in the mechanical engineering domain as it is understood in building construction disciplines.   After architectural elements, mechanical systems in new building construction encompass a variety of components and technologies that are designed to ensure the comfort, safety, and functionality of the building’s occupants. These systems are crucial for maintaining indoor environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. Here are some key mechanical system elements commonly found in new building construction:

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning):
   • Heating: Furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, or electric heaters are used to provide warmth in cold seasons.
   • Ventilation: Systems that circulate fresh air, remove indoor pollutants, and regulate humidity.
   • Air Conditioning: Cooling systems, such as central air conditioners or ductless mini-split units, maintain comfortable temperatures during hot weather.
2. Ductwork: A network of ducts and pipes used to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the building. These ducts also serve to facilitate ventilation and air filtration.
3. Plumbing Systems: Water supply and wastewater removal systems, including pipes, fixtures, pumps, and water heaters for hot water supply.
4. Elevators and Escalators: Vertical transportation systems that move people and goods between different floors of the building.
5. Noise Control: Sound insulation and acoustic design are essential for ensuring a comfortable and quiet indoor environment, especially in commercial or multi-family residential buildings.
6. Building Automation and Smart Technologies: Integration of smart devices and sensors for energy management, security, and convenience, including lighting, blinds, and security systems.  These are computer-based systems that monitor and control various building systems, including HVAC, lighting, security, and access control, to optimize energy usage and maintain comfort.
7. Plumbing and Sanitary Systems: Sanitary systems manage wastewater disposal and sewage, while plumbing systems provide clean water for domestic use.
8. Environmental Controls: Systems for managing indoor air quality, including air purification, humidity control, and pollutant filtration.

These mechanical system elements work in conjunction to create a comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient building environment. The design and integration of these systems are critical to the overall functionality and sustainability of modern building projects. 

Many of the characteristics listed above are covered in separate colloquia.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our homepage. 

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Mechanical 200

Today we examine standards-setting activity of non-profit trade associations that set academic standards; with specific interest in how these organizations reference other organizations that set standards for the built environment.

The criteria for an organization to be recognized as a “college” or “university” is dependent on the jurisdiction. There are common characteristics and criteria that many institutions must meet to be officially designated as a college. Keep in mind that these criteria can differ between countries and regions. Here are some general considerations:

Legal Recognition: The institution must be legally recognized by the relevant educational authorities in its jurisdiction. This recognition often involves meeting specific standards related to academic programs, faculty qualifications, facilities, and governance.

• Accreditation: Many countries have accreditation processes that evaluate the quality of education provided by institutions. Accreditation is often granted by independent accrediting bodies that assess factors such as curriculum, faculty credentials, facilities, and student outcomes.
• Degree-Granting Authority: Colleges are typically authorized to confer academic degrees, such as associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or higher. The authority to award degrees may be granted by government education agencies or other relevant authorities.
• Faculty Qualifications: Colleges are expected to have qualified faculty members with appropriate academic credentials and expertise in the subjects they teach. Faculty qualifications often include advanced degrees in their respective fields.
• Facilities and Resources: Colleges should have adequate facilities and resources to support the delivery of quality education. This includes classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other infrastructure necessary for academic activities.
• Adherence to Educational Standards: Colleges are expected to adhere to established educational standards and guidelines. These standards may cover curriculum development, assessment methods, student support services, and other aspects of academic operations.
• Governance and Administration: The institution should have a transparent and effective governance structure and administrative processes. This ensures accountability and the ability to manage the institution in accordance with educational regulations and standards.
• Mission and Purpose: Colleges typically have a clearly defined mission and purpose related to higher education. This may involve a commitment to academic excellence, research, community engagement, or other educational goals.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and criteria can vary widely depending on the country and its educational system. In some regions, the term “college” may be used differently, and there may be variations in the types of degrees or programs offered by institutions with this designation. As such, it’s advisable to refer to the specific regulations and guidelines established by the educational authorities in a given jurisdiction.

Excellence in Facilities Management

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