The roles and responsibilities of a mechanical engineer on construction projects have been defined for many years. But they are always evolving. Recent advancements in technologies are quickening that evolution. From AI technologies and their applications in construction to a growing focus on sustainable designs, the responsibilities and skill sets needed by mechanical engineers in construction projects are being reshaped. These shifts are producing fertile ground for innovation.
What Is the Role of a Mechanical Engineer in Construction?
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and drawing mechanical systems within buildings, such as HVAC and fire protection systems. They:
- Oversee the work involved in installing these systems.
- Perform inspections of the installation.
- Analyze problems relating to these mechanical systems.
- Collaborate with other stakeholders in the construction project, such as project managers, architects, structural engineers, and more.
Emerging technologies and trends have changed the roles and responsibilities of mechanical engineers on construction projects. These changes require mechanical engineers to continuously adapt and develop their skills to remain competitive in the construction industry landscape.
The Evolving Role and Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineers in Construction Projects
Sustainability and digitalization, in particular, have led to numerous innovations in the field of mechanical engineering. One of those innovations is the integration of energy-efficient systems in construction. These help to meet both regional governmental goals or requirements and the demands of building owners, such as cost savings, reliability, and environmental benefits. Mechanical engineers are responsible for:
- Testing these new innovations
- Analyzing problems that arise
- Collaborating with others to make the system as cost-effective and efficient as possible
This increases productivity and allows greater opportunity for the automation of repetitive processes .
Construction Engineering Trends That Will Impact Mechanical Engineering Contractors
Just as the field of mechanical engineering itself is a broad one, the trends impacting the roles and responsibilities of mechanical engineers on construction projects are also broad and far-reaching. In fact, some people are referring to current times as the fourth industrial revolution. Just as previous revolutions involving the use of coal, gas, and electricity for power changed how construction and other work was done, the developments being made in digital technology are also making significant changes. Here is a look at some of the construction engineering trends that will impact mechanical engineering contractors.
Digitalization
Digitalization of processes used in mechanical engineering is crucial for improving project efficiency by minimizing errors and time spent on reworks. BIM is one facet of digitalizing that creates a workflow in order to increase productivity and prevent errors during the collaborative process of building construction. However, there are other ways that digitalization is making its mark on the field of mechanical engineering.
Virtual reality allows mechanical engineers to walk through the project components to understand first-hand how the individual pieces are working together. They can zoom in on individual components or even disassemble them. Test runs can be made risk-free in the virtual environment, allowing engineers to comprehend design flaws before systems are installed.
The cloud has also become a tool in a mechanical engineer's toolbox. It enables the storage of project data to ease collaboration among the various project teams.
Sustainable Designs
More than a third of CO2 emissions are the result of buildings and construction. The role of a mechanical engineer in construction is to be at the forefront of sustainability in buildings. There is a large demand from property owners and project managers for sustainable systems. The notion of ultimately replacing fossil fuels with renewable resources relies on systems that are both created with recycled materials and designed to operate efficiently.
Modular Construction
There is a growing trend in mechanical engineering to focus on modular construction. Builders can use modular techniques to achieve faster project delivery and reduce costs and waste. Modular construction involves constructing a building offsite in controlled plant conditions before transporting and assembling it at its final location. This allows teams to work continuously on the project without weather delays. It also assists with controlling the materials used in the project.
While modular construction benefits the overall construction team, it often creates additional considerations for mechanical engineering contractors. They must adapt traditional designs and installation processes to the modular methods to ensure seamless integration with the building's other systems.
Resilience and Disaster Mitigation
In response to increased risks posed by climate change and extreme weather events, a greater emphasis is now being placed on resilience and disaster mitigation in building construction. The role of a mechanical engineer in construction in meeting these challenges involves the design and installation of:
- Robust HVAC systems
- Flood-resistant infrastructure
- Emergency backup systems
Automation in Mechanical Practices
Automation in mechanical practices has increased the efficiency and productivity of mechanical engineering teams, helping them to meet the changing roles and responsibilities of their field. With ongoing staff shortages in the construction industry, automation allows the work to be done with fewer people through processes such as prefabrication, assembly, and the installation of mechanical systems.
In addition to efficiency, automated practices enhance safety and sustainability in mechanical engineering tasks. Robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor-based technologies are increasingly being integrated into the work of mechanical engineers, who also see an increase in precision and quality through these tools.
One tool that is becoming increasingly more common in the field of mechanical engineering is construction layout technology. Construction layout robots can be used to create precise layouts by printing the layout plans onto the construction site floor.
How HP SitePrint Can Help Mechanical Engineers Get Ahead
It's true: advancements in technology and considerations brought about by issues such as staff shortages and weather events have altered the roles and responsibilities of mechanical engineers in construction projects.
HP SitePrint is the ultimate digital solution for streamlining construction layout processes. HP SitePrint offers an automated site layout printing tool to assist mechanical engineers in staying on top of the increasing demands for precision, increased productivity, and decreased waste. To learn more about our leading construction layout solution, tap the upper right-hand corner to contact us or browse through our FAQs today.
Selected for you
Challenges to adopting site printing robots in the construction industry
How Construction Layout Robots Improve Construction Productivity
The benefits of using field printers for construction site plans & blueprints
Contact us
Talk with an expert
Contact us to get pricing information and to take par in the HP SitePrint Early Access Program.
Stay informed
Sign up to stay informed on the evolution of HP SitePrint and an entire industry.