sweco interview prep Flashcards
how to make buildings sustainable?
solar panels on buildings
renewable energy sources to power the buildings
harvesting rainwater for surrounding gardens
using sustainable materials (recycles or renewable)
healthy indoor environments with natural lighting and ventilation (non toxic materials)
SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS
I see myself progressing within the company to more managerial/senior roles where I will have more responsibility on projects and imparting my knowledge and expertise to train fresh engineers working at the company.
Gaining chartership and maybe pursuing my Masters degree alongside my standard work duties.
PLUMBING
Learnt how waste management systems are designed in residential buildings and their requirements (p-traps)
Learnt how to solder copper piping to repair leaks (abrasive to sand down the connection, apply flux, heat the pipe, apply the solder around)
Location of stop valves
Different materials used in waste systems such as ABS and PVC and how to properly prime PVC to ensure the glue properly adheres.
Liaised with clients to make sure they understood the scope of the project (how long it would take)
WHY THIS COMPANY (SWECO)
-high profile impactful projects: bloomberg london, antarctic research hub (solar array on roof + rainwater harvesting)
-material selection (recycleable, non toxic)
-electric powered water pumps
-maximise natural lighting
-company focus on sustainability
-pledge for net zero by 2040
-sustainable building principles
-protecting natural environments and habitats
WHY THIS GRADUATE SCHEME
-joining a network graduates but also receive support from mentors + early careers team
-structure of the scheme with 3 key areas (skills development, subject expertise)
-have an impact on real world projects from the start (responsibility)
-range of projects as a consultant
-develop my soft skills as a consultant liaising with stakeholders
-support towards chartership
COMPETITIORS AND THREATS TO THE COMPANY
Apprehension to innovate and incorporate new technologies and software into future projects is a threat as the companies that do take that risk could pull ahead in project quality/efficiency.
Other consulting firms that have technicians in building services are competitors such as: Arup, Arcadis, Mott Macdonald, Rise Technical
DAILY BASIS ACTIVITIES
Provide the clients of the company with technical support through each phase of development from design to construction to operation. I also expect to liaise with stakeholders such as investors and contractors. Design electrical systems used in projects using BIM such as alarms, lighting, power supply and distribution.
SIZING LOW VOLTAGE CABLE SYSTEMS
Be able to withstand a short circuit:
Depends on fault current amount, insulation of the cable, the time duration of the fault
Current carrying capacity:
Must be able to deliver the expected load current
Voltage drop across cable:
Cable has some resistances and reactances causing a voltage drop, should remain within an acceptable limit to ensure connected equipment function properly (i.e motor)
Insulation material:
Air cables require UV and mechanical protection, also protection against heat and moisture
SUSTAINABILE ENERGY SOURCES
Energy derived from sources that meet contemporary needs without jeopardising energy access for future generations i.e solar, wind, hydro, geothermal. Finite energy sources/non-renewable energy sources include fossil fuels and nuclear.
BIM
Modelling is important as changes can be made swiftly with no hard commitment.
BIM can quickly track project costs as materials and price can be assigned as tags to assets to automatically track.
Revit
ELECTRICIAN
-Wiring circuit networks for sockets and lighting (ring and radial)
-Lighting is radial only (doesnt return to fuse box), junction for switch and light
-Sockets can be either depending on number of sockets desired
-Experience using hand tools (power drills)
-Experience designing, cutting and installing trunking for cables
