Brian Tufts - Structural

303 Third Street, Cambridge, MA

Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work‐in‐progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Brian Tufts. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.

Reflection

ABET Outcome Survey

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering				X
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data				X
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs				X
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems				X
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility				X
g. An ability to communicate effectively				X
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context				X
i. An ability to engage in life-long learning				X
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues				X
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice				X
o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program				X
p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				X

Reflection

The first part of thesis was an excellent learning opportunity for me. As I had never worked at a design firm, the individual effort that went into the preparation of the these reports was very important for my development as an engineer. I spent a lot of time familiarizing myself with codes and structural software packages that I may have used before, but never really mastered. Tech reports were a struggle at first, but it was a necessary struggle as I learned a great deal from the research I performed during the preparation process.

After the fall, I started working at a strucutral design firm while finishing my thesis work by correspondence. I found this experience to be complimentary to finishing my thesis. I was able to learn a lot about structural design and become more familiar with software packages such as RAM Structural System. It was also beneficial to have experienced professionals at my disposal to ask questions when problems surfaced. Without my spring internship, the spring portion of my thesis would have been much more difficult. I am thankful that I was allowed the opportunity to complete thesis while interning in Boston as I feel it benefited my thesis as well as allowed me to become a more well-rounded engineer.

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