Internet Resource Guide

for Architectural Engineers

Chris Barlow 11 February 2014

Table of Contents
1 Front Matter 1.1 What this Guide is for 1.2 Who this Guide is for 1.3 What this Guide assumes 1.4 Organization 1.5 Tips General Websites 2.1 Engineering Village (Compendex) 2.3 Statistical Abstract of the United States 2.2 LinkedIn (Engineering Jobs) Mechanical Option 3.1 Catalog of U.S. Government Publications Construction Option 4.1 Occupational Safety & Health Administration (Construction Industry) Structural Option 5.1 American Institute of Steel Construction Lighting/ Electrical Option 6.1 Archlighting Architectural Resources 7.1 ArchDaily 7.2 Oxford Art Online 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

3 4 5 6 7

1.1 What this Guide is for

In this guide I will be presenting sources of information regarding AE that others in my field or related fields will find useful. Given the various divisions within AE (e.g. Mechanical, Lighting/ Electrical, etc.) and the plethora of material available for each option, the focus of this guide will be to organize only the most important information in a clear and efficient manner. After three years in the discipline, I have found that the most frustrating aspect of AE is its lack of order. I hope to alleviate some of this pain from future AE students, and even current professional AEs, by offering a clear guide on how to use certain resources effectively.

1.2 Who this Guide is for

Audience members with the highest level of acuity regarding AE, even above my own a.k.a. those with jobs on the field will find this guide useful while constructing or laying out plans to construct a new building. Beneath them, students of varying levels will be able to reference this document when gathering information for class assignments. Students will be addressed directly in the Tips section of each abstract as they become more familiar with using these resources. The former group will find a brief overview of what each resource is and does in case their memory temporarily fails them. Beyond this, their time will not be wasted in locating the information they seek. Additionally, I personally hold a rather uncommon even unpopular opinion that Architecture should not be looked down upon by Engineers. The status quo asserts that it is Architects who design the building and Engineers who make it stand. Subsequently, the two are mutually exclusive. I disregard this notion. A true Engineer must be able to think creatively, and a true Architect must understand what is and what is not practical to build. Thus, this guide includes resources relevant to both fields.

1.3 What this Guide assumes

In order to make the best use of this guide, users should have a basic knowledge of operating a computer as well as any common internet browser. This guide will not address the basic mechanics of surfing the web or viewing a webpage. Additionally, users must have a very basic knowledge of various terms, concepts, and some acronyms used commonly in AE. For instance, it should be known that AE stands for Architectural Engineering.

1.4 Organization
The organization of this document will be as logical and straightforward as possible. The most general resources applicable to all AEs will be placed at the beginning of the document under the heading of General Websites. Following this, each Option will be designated its own section containing the most beneficial resource for that division of AE. For the benefit of students, brief explanations for why each resource is applicable to the listed Option will precede each of these new sections. Lastly, because it is my personal belief that all AEs should be well versed in both Engineering and Architecture, I will include two extra resources pertaining to Architecture in a separate section at the end of this guide.

1.5 Tips
Be aware that I am not an expert on most of these websites. If you have additional questions, seek help from your professor. Always start with the Table of Contents. This Guide is organized in a very precise manner. Utilize this arrangement by looking up information in the Table of Contents rather than flipping through pages one-by-one. Do not become intimidated by the amount of information presented here. Often times in AE, new information will be presented to you in large quantities. Do not let this stress you out. Even though it may not seem like it, everyone in AE started out where you are now. No one expects you to become an expert overnight. Take it one step at a time.

2 General Websites
Why are these resources helpful for all AEs?
The following resources offer a broad spectrum of information covering multiple facets of information even beyond AE. The first is an index of periodical literature from the world of mathematics and science as a whole. The second is a database from the United States Census Bureau containing large amounts of data pertaining to the nations people and economy. The final resource is a job search website offering services to anyone seeking employment in the field of engineering.

2.1 Engineering Village (Compendex)

http://www.engineeringvillage.com/ Created by: Engineering Information (1995) Maintained by: Elsevier (1998- present) Overview Compendex is the computerized edition of the Engineering Index, a comprehensive archive of scientific and technical research, covering multiple disciplines in the field of engineering. Abstract Compendex (COMPuterized ENgineering inDEX) is one of twelve databases offered on the Engineering Village platform, the foremost web-based index of scientific literature pertaining to the field of engineering, and contains over 15 million records across 190 different engineering disciplines. These include abstracts and citations of engineering journals, conference proceedings, trade publications, and more, brought together from over 5,000 sources around the globe. In collaboration with the Engineering Index Backfile, these databases cover all essential engineering literature from 1884 to the present day. Approximately one million new records are contributed to the database every year. Analysis Due to the intense level of metadata contained in this site, the format of the homepage may appear chaotic. Those already familiar with the Engineering Village platform likely will not have any trouble navigating this index. Newcomers, however, may easily become confused. Unfortunately, the website itself does not offer much assistance to this audience. Several About links are listed at the bottom (About Ei, About Engineering Village, About Elsevier, etc.); none, however, list any relevant information regarding the search engine itself. In fact, it seems that the website assumes that the user already has some basic familiarity with its software and basic history. I have provided some tips below to help new users improve the performance of this metadata manager search engine. Aside from this, the website operates in a very formal and consistent manner. The words that appear on each page read more like code than actual speech. For example, the search bar contains several drop-down boxes and checkboxes with phrases such as All document types, All treatment types, or Autostemming off. Each of these can be changed according to the users needs in order to alter the search results, like replacing variables to change the output of a function. Indeed, this website is meant to be tailored to the highly analytical minds of its users. Tips Truncation can be used to search for words with the same core spelling o For example, integ* will return integral, integrate, integer, integers Use braces or quotation marks to search for an exact phrase o Steel Construction Manual or {Sustainability and low-income housing} Click on the Author index to find all possible variants of an authors name

2.2 Statistical Abstract of the United States

http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ Created by: United States Census Bureau IMPORTANT NOTE: No new data has been collected for this resource since October 11, 2011 Overview The Statistical Abstract of the United States is the highest ranking authority on statistical data regarding the social, political, and economic makeup of the United States. Abstract Collecting and compiling data from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and many other federal agencies and private organizations, this website is the most comprehensive statistical reference available on the organization of the United States. Although it provides some information on a state level, even down to individual cities, the primary focus is on national data. AEs can make use of this website by researching the statistics surrounding the job market as well as the demand for their specific set of skills in various areas of the country. As the note above states, this resource has not been updated for more than two years. Therefore, exact information cannot be obtained; however, predictions can still be made regarding job growth in different states. In addition to this, the Construction sector of the Abstract provides in-depth information regarding newly completed and planned construction (both commercial and residential), the amount of money spent on construction, newly issued building permits, and more. For example, a survey titled New Residential Sales offers national and regional data on the total number of new single-family homes currently on the market or recently sold, their median price range, and other statistics. These findings are available in both PDF and Excel formats. Tips The recommended method for citing this resource is as follows: U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2012 (131st Edition) Washington, DC, 2011; <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/>. To locate the Construction sector of the Abstract, hover your mouse over the Business header located in the top ribbon. From the drop-down list that appears, select Construction from the section titled Data by Sector.

2.3 Linked in (Engineering Jobs)

http://www.linkedin.com/job/q-engineering-jobs Created by: Linked in (May 5, 2003) Overview Linked in is a social media platform aimed at networking its users by building connections through professional and academic backgrounds, allowing users to discover new opportunities within their career. This resource also provides the latest news tailored to the users designated industry. Abstract This resource pulls together people with various academic and professional backgrounds (e.g. Accounting, Education, Health Care, and many more) and offers them a meeting ground by which to share information, network, and mutually improve productivity. Stated as the worlds largest professional network, the website boasts 250 million users from over 200 countries and territories around the world. The greatest benefit of this website to those entering the working environment (i.e. students) is that it allows you to easily and effortlessly make connections with potential job employers. By simply creating a profile, providing basic information regarding your career interests and educational background, and uploading a resume, the website goes to work for you immediately. Similar to a dating website, it will find other users in your area who may have an interest in working with you, make your profile available to them, and, with their consent, link your profile to theirs. The moment that this first connection has been established, hundreds more will soon pop up. This is because with every connection, your profile is then presented to the colleagues of that connection, most of whom will have very similar interests, making the growth opportunity exponential. For those already established in the working environment, this website can also be of tremendous use. Not only will it allow you to easily connect with potential employees, it will also keep you up-to-date on what else is going on within your industry. A news feed is provided for each profile, personalized specifically to each users given background information. Analysis The primary audience for this website is people who already use social media sites. In fact, the layout is very similar to Facebook. The top ribbon contains a search bar, your notifications, messages, and connections (friend requests). Those who use Facebook will find this website very easy to use. For those unfamiliar with social media, after creating an account, you will be prompted with a number of simple steps for customizing your profile, news feed, and homepage. These guidelines are designed to give new users a feel for the various attributes of the website. Tips If you have any questions regarding the use of your account, hover over your profile picture in the top right-hand corner. Then from the drop-down menu, select Help Center.

3 Mechanical Option
Why is this resource helpful for Mechanical AEs?
The following is a resource granting its users access to numerous government-related publications. Given the current trend in the United States government toward promoting a green environment, this resource will be especially useful to those searching for the most up-to-date research regarding efficient, low-energy output buildings. In fact, out of the first ten results obtained by a simple search of the word Architecture, seven include the word energy in the title. Thus, this is a resource most Mechanical AEs will find extremely helpful.

3.1 Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

http://catalog.gpo.gov/ (http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/gpo36920/56023.pdf) Created by: U.S. Government Printing Office Overview The online database for all records of printed and electronic publications issued by any of the three branches of the United States federal government, both historical and current, this website comprises the National Bibliography of U.S. Government publications. Abstract The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) enables its users to search for publications from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Unites States government, providing detailed reports of over 500,000 publications as well as direct links to many publications available in an electronic format (e.g. pdf, doc, ppt). This database is updated daily with both newly published reports as well as newly discovered historical publications, extending the range of available resources from the 1800s to the present day. From the top ten results of a simple search on the word Architecture, I have chosen one to talk about specifically in order to further explain the scope and use of this site. The article I have selected is titled Comfort, indoor air quality, and energy consumption in low energy homes.Once the user has located and clicked on a specific resource he or she wishes to use, a new page opens up listing all the relevant information on record. This includes a direct link to the document if available. In this case, a pdf version of the article is listed. Users are free to download or print this resource for their own personal use. In this report, presented by the U.S. Department of Energy, the results of an intensive assessment of thermal comfort factors in two separate net-zero energy homes in Massachusetts are documented. The article provides a list of important terms and definitions, an executive summary of their findings, a detailed report including text and images, followed by their conclusion. This is just one example of what type of information this resource can offer. Analysis This resource offers a variety of methods for finding information. In the top ribbon, four different search options are listed: Basic, Advanced, Expert, and Browse. The Basic and Browse functions allow you to search the catalog on a very broad level. If you are searching for a specific publication, I would not recommend using either of these options. Instead, these are available for instances where you are looking to find information from various sources on a particular topic. The Advanced and Expert searches allow you to specify more clearly what exactly you are looking for (e.g. an article, an author, an agency, an ISBN number, etc.). Tips Use the E-mail button found on each record to send a link to the page directly The Basic search option is the default, but Advanced and Expert searches are also available for when the user wishes to locate a specific record A red Help button is located in the top-right corner for new users

4 Construction Option
Why is this resource helpful for Construction AEs?
The number one authority on any Construction site is OSHA. A visit from a representative from this government agency could potentially incite a variety of penalties -- including the following: fines, delays, even losing your job -- if certain rules and regulations are not being followed. Therefore, it is of maximum importance to always be aware of what these government officials will be checking for on your site. In order to keep up-to-date with all the rules and regulations pertaining to the Construction Industry, I recommend using the following resource.

4.1 Occupational Safety & Health Administration (Construction Industry)

https://www.osha.gov/doc/ Created by: U.S. Department of Labor (September 4, 1995) Overview In order to avoid potential disasters in the construction industry, OSHA has developed this webpage to provide both workers and employers with useful and up-to-date information on government regulations and safety tips. Abstract The construction industry is responsible for the highest rate of work-related incidents in the United States. Examples of possible hazards include falling from scaffolds or rooftops, trench collapse, exposure to harmful chemicals, collisions with heavy equipment, etc. With the proper understanding and execution of certain basic guidelines, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration asserts that each of these incidents is preventable. The information, tools, and numerous resources organized on this website were designed to help workers and employers to recognize and eradicate all construction-related hazards. The website provides a vast amount of literature in various formats including downloadable PDFs and PowerPoint presentations as well as online training sessions which can be taken at the users leisure. Analysis Unfortunately, this is not the most efficient or sensible website. Please be aware that it will take time to get comfortable with using this resource. The front page is cluttered with text and images, which can often distract and confuse new visitors. Also, note that all of the features on the top half of the page including the search bar, Newsletter, Index, and FAQs pertain to the broader spectrum of the United States Department of Labor and are not directly applicable to the Construction Industry webpage. As for the rest of the homepage, a short paragraph without any heading is interjected into the middle of the page. This is the sites purpose statement. Next to this is a button written in Spanish which directs the user to another webpage written entirely in Spanish. It would seem they are attempting to reach out to construction workers who are unable to read English. Unless you can read Spanish, I would ignore this button completely. Beneath the purpose statement, there are seven boxes in various colors. Again, there is no organization here. A link titled Women in Construction is placed next to Nail Gun Safety and underneath Cranes & Derricks in Construction. To the right of the colorful boxes is the Highlights section which features new posts to the website. The last update was November 8 of last year. A Related Topics section appears to the right as well; although, exactly to what these links are related to, it is not made clear either. Tips Be patient Utilize the Training sessions by downloading the links directly to your computer. Taking these resources outside of the chaotic environment of the website will allow you to use them more effectively.

5 Structural Option
Why is this resource helpful for Structural AEs?
The AISC provides the most up-to-date information regarding the most used structural material in buildings: steel. Without this organization, no Structural Engineer would be able to do his or her job. This website exists to provide reliable information regarding the Structural Steel Industry in a timely and efficient manner.

5.1 American Institute of Steel Construction

http://www.aisc.org/ Created by: American Institute of Steel Construction Overview The AISC is a non-profit organization designed to serve the needs of those in the structural steel design industry and the construction industry as a whole within the United States. This website exists to provide a meeting ground for those involved in Structural Engineering via forums, articles, event posts, and other services. Abstract The largest source of relevant information for Structural Engineers in the world is the AISC. Their four most prominent publications are: Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings, Codes of Standard Practice for Structural Steel Buildings and Bridges, Design Guides, as well as the Steel Construction Manual. Together, these technical documents comprise the better half of the available research for the field of Structural Engineering. The AISC created this website to assist Structural Engineers in a variety of ways by providing access to the following: online forums, public seminars and conferences, engineering journals and articles, even many of their own publications, and more. The greatest advantage of this website is the section titled ePubs and FreePubs. Here you will find links to many useful technical documents, including downloadable pdfs of the four publications listed above. Beneath this there are also several links to websites offering free help and services including SteelTools, a free file-sharing and social networking website hosted by the AISC. Analysis This website is targeted at professional users. Thus, its layout is quite plain, simple, and easy to use. In the bottom left-hand corner, there is a column titled I want to followed by several links pertaining to various attributes of the website. I would recommend starting here each time you visit this website. If you are looking for help on a particular project, click on the ePubs and FreePubs link located in the top ribbon of the page. Here you will find a list of links to several incredibly useful resources, each of which are explained in one to two sentences. If additional information is required, simply click the Ask AISC link at the top of the page. Tips Take advantage of the downloadable Steel Construction Manual immediately. This is essentially your Bible as a Structural Engineer. Use SteelTools for quick solutions provided by the Structural community A free monthly industry publication service from AISC is available on the ePubs and FreePubs page titled Modern Steel Construction.

6 Lighting/ Electrical Option

Why is this resource helpful for Lighting/ Electrical AEs?
The following is an online magazine from one of the premier media, event, publications, and information services in the world of lighting design in architecture. In keeping aware of current trends in the industry, this resource can be a tremendous help.

6.1 Archlighting
http://www.archlighting.com/ Created by: Hanley Wood Overview Archlighting is an online professional journal for residential and commercial architects specializing in lighting design. Abstract Far more than your average online journal, Archlighting has a lot to offer. In addition to articles about recent developments in the field, opinion columns, updates on the latest products to hit the market, as well as yearly competitions for best architectural lighting design, this website also offers a number of online training courses. These courses are designed to teach young architects about the various methods and implications in lighting design. For example, a course titled How We Use Color promises to review what affects certain light sources, colors, and saturation levels have on the human eye and why this should have an impact on the overall design of a building. Analysis The one major downside to this website is that it is not updated frequently. The last post at the time of writing this guide was submitted two weeks ago. For an online journal, that is a significant amount of time. Other than this, the website has no major flaws. The layout is simple, professional and easy to use. Tips If you wish to comment on a post, you must first log in using a Facebook, Twitter, or Gmail account Hanley Wood offers a monthly printed magazine and e-mail newsletter; both of which can be subscribed to by hitting the Subscribe button in the top ribbon and following the instructions given

6 Architectural Resources
Why are these resources helpful for all AEs?
In the current working environment, most Architecture firms consist of a variety of people specializing in different areas of research (e.g. Engineers, Designers, Project Managers, Consultants, Architects, etc.). Engineers must collaborate with these groups in order to move the project forward. Therefore, any Engineer who has not only achieved a thorough understanding of his or her own field but also a basic understanding of Architecture will be of great value to the company he or she works for. The following two resources are provided to ensure that the AEs using this Guide will be able to attain a basic understanding of one more area of study outside their own, and in so doing they will look more attractive to the companies from which they are seeking employment.

7.1 ArchDaily
http://www.archdaily.com/ Created by: Plataforma Networks Broadcasting Architecture Worldwide (March 2008) Overview ArchDaily is an online journal intended to provide architects with the latest in architectural news regarding projects, events, competitions, design software, and more. Abstract Claimed as the worlds most visited architecture website, ArchDaily exists to provide inspiration to young, aspiring architects and to allow established architects a media through which to share their work. ArchDaily also offers a public forum for discussion on where the world of architecture is heading and where it ought to go next. With new articles contributed nearly every day including abstracts on recent developments from architecture firms both big and small, interviews with the worlds most innovative thinkers, updates on competitions happening world-wide, reviews on all the latest software updates, and more ArchDaily serves as a conduit through which creativity can flow freely and expand in the minds of its readers. Analysis The ArchDaily audience includes primarily young, artistic individuals. The website functions very similarly to a typical blog. A majority of the website features pictures with limited text, like Tumblr or Pinterest. There are several links posted on the homepage allowing the user to connect their ArchDaily account to their Facebook or Twitter account. Posts can then be liked and commented on via Facebook, or shared via Twitter. The website also has its own Instagram feed and flickr page. Clearly, they are looking to attract a younger audience. Despite targeting a younger audience, contributors to ArchDaily use a very professional tone in their writing. Their About page states very clearly that their staff works on a daily basis with the most prestigious and influential architectural practices around the world. This suggests that, though their format mimics other less serious online environments, they still wish to be viewed as a website used by professionals. Tips Make an account This will allow the site to learn from the posts you view and suggest more posts relevant to your interests Use Google to search for articles by typing the name or author or keywords into the search bar, followed by ArchDaily The homepage features a useful column of links on the right-hand side that allows you to select exactly what kind of articles you wish to read (e.g. Architecture Infographics, Editors Choice, Q+As, etc.)

7.2 Oxford Art Online

http://www.oxfordartonline.com/ Created by: Oxford University Press (2007) Overview Oxford Art Online is essentially a very large encyclopedia of art. Abstract
In printed form, this massive collection of publications from artists, art critics, art collectors, etc. consists of over 34 volumes, which include over 32,600 pages of text, written by 6,700 experts from around the world. The online version is available through subscription only and provides the user access to a variety of bonus content. Oxford Art Online includes an interface through which its users can gain access to several Oxford University Press reference platforms including Grove Art Online and the Benezit Dictionary of Artists. All of these resources are made accessible through a search engine, which can be used to locate and view specific content directly on any internet browser.

Analysis
This website is perhaps the most self-explanatory and easiest to use of all the resources I have listed in this guide. The home page provides several links to help sections for new users, including a Guided Tour on the right-hand side. The search bar sits in the upper right-hand corner, where the user can search for specific content within the encyclopedia. An All Content link is also provided , which lists all of the sites content alphabetically. Each entry on this website contains three tabs: Article, Images, and Related Content. The Article tab shows all of the textual information available regarding the subject. It is important to note that another search bar can be found here, which allows the user to search for keywords within article. The Images tab allows the user to view and download all high-resolution photos from the Oxford University Press. Lastly, the Related Content tab helps direct the user to any similar entries available on the website.

Tips: A highly in-depth Tips for Users webpage is provided on the website on the home page in the Find Out More column on the right-hand side, or via the following link: http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/page/oaotips
See the FAQs section, in the same column on the home page, for even more tips http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/page/FAQ