SFU-007 - Module 3 (Simulation)

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Materials Needed

Computer with internet access

Data analysis tool

CAD software

Pen and paper

(Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet tool)

(to make quick notes)

(SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or a free alternative like Fusion 360)

(to find resources for research)

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As you work through this simulation, imagine that you are working for a design engineering firm as part of the team that has taken on a brand new project to develop a new site. The scope is to undertake a feasibility design to determine the most suited development for the site. The site is as follows:

click the image

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Simulation

As a reminder, below are the steps we're going to take in order to complete the simulation. These timings are just for guidance, so there is no pressure to finish before or after the time is up!

If you're ready, click the 'Next' button below to get going!

Preparation Task (10 minutes)

Research Task (30 minutes)

Analysis Task (30 minutes)

Create Task (20 minutes)

Document and Present (15 minutes)

Reflection Task (10 minutes)

Expected Outcome

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Preparation task (10 minutes):

Your first task as part of the team is to consider all of the site information and begin to consider the key components of civil site design. Objectives:

• Remembering: Identify the key components and steps in civil site design.
• Understanding: Define the specific design constraints and objectives for the selected site.

Step one: These are the key components that you need to familiarise yourself with, and the specific elements that you will need to know:

• Site Topography
• Utilities
• Access Points
• Environmental Impact
• Planning Regulations

You will also need to think about and define design constraints, such as:

• Maximum allowable building height
• Setbacks from property lines and natural features
• Requirements for stormwater management and green spaces

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Research task (30 minutes):

With those considerations in mind, your team has been asked to gather data on a selected site to inform the design process. Objective:

• Applying: Gather site-specific data such as topographical features, area regulations, and utility locations using online resources like Google Earth and municipal websites.
• Analysing: Organise the collected data in a structured format for further analysis.

Step one: consider these features for your data collection:

• Topographical Data: Analyse the site's elevation changes and natural features.
• Planning Information: Research local planning laws, including permissible land use, building heights.
• Utilities: Identify the availability of utilities such as water, sewage, and electricity.
• Environmental Concerns: Research any potential environmental concerns, such as floodplains, wetlands, or protected areas.

Step two: It’s time to compile the data. You should organise the collected data into a spreadsheet, including topography, planning regulations, utilities, and environmental concerns. Use the section to the right to upload your spreadsheet.

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Analysis task (30 minutes):

Now that your team has compiled and organised the data clearly, it’s time to analyse it to identify any site constraints or opportunities. Objectives:

• Applying: Clean and organise the data, using it to inform the design process.
• Analysing: Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify site constraints and opportunities, and determine the best strategies for site development.

Step one: analyse the site constraints in the following categories:

• Topography: Identify areas that may require grading or levelling.
• Setbacks: Determine the required setbacks for buildings from property lines, roads, and natural features.
• Utilities: Assess the proximity to utility connections and the need for any extensions or modifications.
• Environmental Impact: Identify areas where construction might impact local ecosystems and propose mitigation strategies.

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Analysis task (30 minutes):

Step two: analyse the site’s opportunities, highlighting parts of the site that are well-suited for development, such as flat areas, proximity to main roads, and existing infrastructure. Step three: identify potential areas for green spaces or stormwater management. Step four: undertake a SWOT analysis for the proposed site. You could break down your SWOT analysis into these four steps:

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats.

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Create task (20 minutes):

You’ve done such a great job on researching and analysing the site, so now you’ve been tasked with developing a preliminary site layout using CAD.

Objectives:

• Evaluating: Design a preliminary site layout using CAD software, ensuring it adheres to all regulatory and environmental guidelines.
• Creating: Develop the site layout, incorporating essential elements such as building placement, roads, utilities, and green spaces.

Register for a free personal CAD licence to complete this task

Step one: create the layout design, ensuring you have included the following:

• Building Placement: Position the main building(s) on the site considering setbacks, access points, and topography.
• Roads and Parking: Design access roads, parking lots, and pedestrian pathways.
• Utility Lines: Plan the routing of utility lines (water, sewage, electricity) to the buildings.
• Green Spaces: Incorporate green spaces and stormwater management features, such as retention ponds or bioswales.

Step two: create a basic site plan, including:

• Building footprints
• Road layouts
• Utility line placement
• Landscaping features.

Ensure the layout adheres to area type and site constraints identified in the analysis phase.

Input your data on the next page

9/15

10/15

Document & present (15 minutes):

Now that your team has a design in place and all of the supporting materials, it’s time to document everything and present it in a professional presentation to share with your peers.

Objectives:

• Creating: Compile the site layout and supporting analysis into a presentation.
• Evaluating: Share the presentation with peers or mentors, seeking feedback on the design choices.

Step one: document your work in a presentation. Your presentation should be structured like this:

• Introduction: Overview of the site, its location, and key characteristics.
• Site Analysis: Summary of constraints, opportunities, and SWOT analysis.
• Design Layout: Presentation of the site layout, highlighting key design decisions.
• Environmental Considerations: Explanation of how the design addresses environmental concerns.
• Conclusion: Summary of the expected outcomes and benefits of the proposed design.

Step two: In no more than 150 words, repare to explain and justify design choices, particularly how they address site constraints and regulations.

Input your data on the next page

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Reflection task (10 minutes):

It’s vitally important for any civil and architectural engineer to constantly reflect on their work to ensure they are always at the top of their game, and to learn from anything that may have been a challenge.

Objectives:

• Creating: Compile the site layout and supporting analysis into a presentation.
• Evaluating: Share the presentation with peers or mentors, seeking feedback on the design choices.

Step one: Reflect on the design process, evaluating the decisions made and areas for improvement. You should:

• Identify the main challenges encountered, such as balancing site constraints with design goals or integrating utilities effectively.
• Highlight aspects of the design process that went well, such as efficient use of space or creative solutions to environmental challenges.

Step two: Consider and reflect on future applications of your knowledge:

• Real-World Relevance: Reflect on how the skills and knowledge gained from this activity can be applied to real-world Civil Engineering projects.
• Skill Development: Identify specific areas for further learning or practice, such as advanced CAD techniques or in-depth area type research.

Input your data on the next page

13/15

14/15

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Expected Outcome

By completing this simulation, you will have gained practical experience in civil site design. You will have:

• Identified and analysed key site constraints and opportunities.
• Developed a preliminary site layout that adheres to area type and environmental considerations.
• Compiled and presented your work in a clear and professional manner.
• Reflected on your design process, gaining insights that will help you improve your approach to future civil engineering projects.

This activity will enhance your ability to balance technical requirements with creative problem-solving, preparing you for the complex challenges of civil site design in your career as a Civil Engineer.

Well done for completing the simulation! In the next section you will upload your research.

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Threats

Opportunities

Strengths

Weaknesses