Thirty Years Hundred Stories by Liu Fook Thim

Author:Liu Fook Thim [Thim, Liu Fook]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789814762045
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Indirect seawater cooling system in Changi Naval Base

49

Building Services

M&E engineers are able to transform a building into an inspiring environment.

CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING requires more than just civil and structural engineers. It also needs mechanical and electrical engineers (M&E), more so as developments become taller, bigger and more sophisticated. These engineers provide various building services.

Take the lifts in a skyscraper as an example. M&E engineers have to decide on the size, passenger load and speed of the lifts. Their decision affects the waiting time for a lift. It is a delicate balance. Too many lifts will take up precious rental space. Too few will cause a long wait for users. The quest for an optimal balance has led to innovations like double-deck lifts, destination control systems and even lifts without a motor room.

M&E engineers also put in place fire prevention measures and a contingency plan. They choose non-combustible building materials and plan an evacuation route in the event of a fire. They install smoke and heat sensors, ventilation and exhaust shafts and automatic sprinklers and risers.

Their work does not stop there. Water flows out from a tap because the engineers installed the pipes with the right pressure. After answering nature’s call, the toilet flush works because there are drainage pipes. In sunny Singapore, air conditioning enables people to work and live comfortably inside buildings. The indoor temperature is kept constant regardless of weather changes. There is air conditioning because engineers installed the infrastructure for it. All these engineering services are mostly taken for granted.

In Singapore, there is regulatory control to ensure that buildings are environmentally sustainable. Lighting and air conditioning have to use energy efficiently. The same goes for water use. Green features are necessary to save energy. Prior to construction, M&E engineers have to meet these requirements in their building plan that is submitted to the Building Control Authority.

Finally, electrical engineers provide the infrastructure for communication services. Occupants can use the telephone, Internet and television. Administrators can make announcements over the public address system. Security guards can use the close circuit television. Occupants can use smartcards to enter the building. The car park gantry can collect parking fees. Without all these building services from the engineers, daily life will not be possible.

With limited land and a growing population in Singapore, there is a growing trend of building underground. Once again engineers are called upon to render their expertise.

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