2010 Magazine Archive
December 2010
Conducting an arc flash study
Consulting engineers have an opportunity to provide real-time arc flash diagnostics remotely to their customers. » more
Consulting engineers have an opportunity to provide real-time arc flash diagnostics remotely to their customers. » more
Preparing for air quality initiativesChanging air quality regulations are affecting everyone from large industrial and power plants to small manufacturers, universities, and colleges. Uncertainty has always been a component of air... » more
Fire protection engineering: Where are we today? Where are we going?When this article was being written, the question was raised, “What keeps fire protection engineers up at night?” The first and foremost answer is the fear that a major fire catastrophe may be just... » more
Keeping up the paceI’m not sure what it is about the cold, dark days of December that makes everyone so reflective, but it’s a good time to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. » more
Right-sizing HVACImproperly designed HVAC systems can be a source of headaches. Too big for a project and they can lead to huge bills, both at the outset and over years of operation; too small, and they don’t provide... » more
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Fanning away the heatConstruction of a new campus recreation facility for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, called for the installation of Big Ass Fans to provide elevated air circulation within the facility. » more
Talking yourself upEngineers have a reputation of being less-than-great communicators, but selling energy-efficient design requires a keen ability to paint a verbal picture about your capabilities. Here are some tips. » more
Leading the chargeMeet Robert Linder, PE, a mechanical engineer with a focus on commissioning, retrocommissioning, energy audits, and overall problem solving. » more
Communicating so others hearCommunication skills are critical to your career and will help you see things from the other person’s point of view. » more
It’s all about relationships
It’s relationships, both personal and professional, that are so important. » more
It’s relationships, both personal and professional, that are so important. » more
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Commissioning on the riseSpecialized commissioning, retrocommissioning, and testing, adjusting, and balancing firms are increasing, with emphasis on specialized work. » more
MEP Giants 2010In 2010, engineering firms focus on energy-efficiency initiatives this year, while investing heavily in the continued development of their in-house engineers. » more
Consolidation nationIndustry consolidation is part of the “new normal” for MEP firms. More than a quarter of the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2010 MEP Giants merged with, sold to, or acquired another architecture,... » more
View from the topThe 2010 MEP Giants provide insight on the state of the engineering industry and what to look for in 2011. » more
Slow recovery slatedThe nonresidential building construction recovery is restrained by the slow recovery in the overall economy, lingering credit access problems, and the ebbing of the federal stimulus construction... » more
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2010 Product of the Year WinnersAt the close of the Sixth Annual Product of the Year Awards, one thing stands out above the rest—this year was definitely different from years past. » more
Steam plant decentralization projectIn 2004, Sandia National Laboratories, located at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., began researching what would be required to decentralize the steam plant that has been in use on... » more
Paralleled Generator Design StrategiesHere is some guidance on how to implement paralleling strategies for generators, plus how to lay out a proper control scheme to achieve it. » more
Bright light, brighter studentsGood school lighting provides myriad benefits—including lower power bills and boosted test scores—but effective design requires smart planning. » more
Higher education, higher protectionIn response to the shooting incident at Virginia Tech in 2007 and other similar events, the call for providing better forms of emergency communications on a university campus is growing at a rapid... » more
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Lights! Camera! Banjo!Meet Mark Bauserman, Executive Director Engineering, Paramount Pictures Corp. Bauserman is a brilliant lighting engineer, a fascinating story teller, and a superior facility planner who knows exactly... » more
The value of full disclosureThis article discusses the benefits of mandatory disclosure of a building’s energy performance and how its future could impact the buying and selling of commercial properties. » more
Speaking of certificationMany engineers believe certification educates and bolsters careers; others think that there are too many available certifications, diluting any potential benefit. » more
The 2010 National Engineering SurveyThe roles of engineers are changing; but some things never change. » more
Apportioning loads on paralleled generator setsSelection of the right load-sharing control system depends on the sizes of the generators, their governors and voltage regulators, the sensitivity of the loads to voltage and frequency, and desired... » more
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Product of the Year Voting time is here!VOTE NOW Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual Sixth Product of the Year competition announces its finalists. Readers can cast their votes in these 10 categories online for a chance at deciding... » more
2010 40 Under 40 winnersConsulting-Specifying Engineer announces the winners of its third annual 40 Under 40 awards program. » more
Using elevators in firesEngineers in the United States are rethinking the traditional stairwell centered approach to emergency egress from buildings and embracing a more holistic strategy that includes all aspects of... » more
Using spec writers properlySpecification writers can play a key role in a project’s success, but the design team must use their skills effectively. » more
Part 2: Basics of sustainable lightingIn this second article of a two-part series, the author discusses how to balance environmental and economic concerns, architectural considerations, and human needs in sustainable lighting design. » more
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