The future of engineering lies in the hands of the next generation of professionals, making investing in their growth and development crucial. Recognizing this responsibility, AC Pama Engineering Consultancy provided extensive support to Ateneo de Davao University’s Civil Engineering students as they tackled their thesis, A Comparative Evaluation of the Seismic Performance of the DPWH-DEPED 4-Story Calamity-Resilient School Building in Davao City Using Pushover Analysis.
By bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice, AC Pama Consultancy demonstrated the vital role of mentorship in shaping future engineers. Their expert guidance ensured the technical excellence of the student’s work and instilled confidence as they prepared to defend their thesis.
The Need for an Experienced Structural Engineer
Engineering projects, particularly in structural analysis, demand precision and expertise that often exceeds undergraduate students’ experience. This gap can hinder students from fully realizing their potential in research. Experienced structural engineers are essential mentors, providing insights and practical knowledge to guide these young professionals in tackling complex challenges.
By partnering with AC Pama Engineering Consultancy, the students benefitted from mentorship that aligned their academic goals with industry standards, fostering both technical and professional growth.
Guidance in Modeling the Structure Using Midas Gen Software
Midas Gen Software is a cutting-edge tool for structural engineering, offering robust capabilities for analyzing and designing complex structures. However, mastering its features can be overwhelming for students who are new to the software. AC Pama Engineering Consultancy stepped in to provide comprehensive guidance on using Midas Gen, helping the students navigate its interface and functionalities.
The consultancy ensured the students could:
- Develop accurate structural models that reflect real-world conditions.
- Configure appropriate load cases and combinations for their seismic analysis.
- Utilize the software’s visualization tools to interpret structural behavior effectively.
This guidance not only improved the accuracy of the thesis but also equipped the students with skills that are highly valuable in the professional field of structural engineering.
Support with Performing Pushover Analysis
Pushover analysis, a nonlinear static analysis technique, is critical for understanding a building’s capacity under seismic loads. It is, however, a challenging method that requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of structural mechanics.
AC Pama Consultancy worked closely with the students to:
- Establish accurate hinge properties to simulate structural failure points.
- Interpret the capacity curve, identifying key parameters like the yield point and ultimate displacement.
- Cross-check the analysis results to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Through this collaboration, the students were able to confidently present their seismic performance evaluation, demonstrating their understanding of this advanced analytical technique.
Reviewing the Structural Design Concepts and Calculations
The students’ thesis involved intricate design concepts and detailed calculations, forming the backbone of their structural analysis. AC Pama Consultancy meticulously reviewed these calculations to ensure that every parameter was accurate and grounded in sound engineering principles.
Key aspects of the review process included:
- Verifying the structural layout and ensuring load paths were correctly established.
- Assessing the design of critical structural components like beams, columns, and connections.
- Providing recommendations to improve the design’s efficiency and resilience.
This thorough review process helped the students refine their work, reinforcing the credibility and reliability of their findings.
Verifying the Use of Proper Engineering Codes and Standards
Adherence to engineering codes and standards is a cornerstone of professional practice, ensuring safety and compliance. AC Pama Consultancy’s role in this area was pivotal, as they helped the students align their work with industry standards like:
- The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP).
- Seismic provisions applicable to school buildings.
- International guidelines for pushover analysis.
By emphasizing the importance of using these standards, the consultancy not only strengthened the thesis but also instilled in the students a commitment to ethical and professional engineering practices.
Assisting in the Interpretation and Analysis of Their Data
Data interpretation is often one of the most challenging parts of research, requiring both technical knowledge and analytical skills. AC Pama Consultancy guided the students in:
- Analyzing results from Midas Gen and pushover analysis to extract meaningful insights.
- Comparing their findings against benchmarks and standards.
- Identifying and addressing discrepancies in their data to improve overall accuracy.
This mentorship helped the students present their findings with confidence, ensuring that their conclusions were well-supported by the data.
The Journey to a Successful Thesis Defense
On November 22, 2024, the students—Edrianne Mae Kristine D. Go, Patricia Danielle C. Leonardo, and Xea Mac P. Solijon—successfully defended their thesis at Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU). This moment marked the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and mentorship.
Structural Engineers Francis Floyd Pimentel, Henry Abonitalla VI and Laarnie Aimee Abella from AC Pama Consultancy were present during the defense, further underscoring the consultancy’s commitment to the students’ success. Their presence not only provided moral support but also emphasized the importance of professional guidance in academic endeavors.
