Engineering Problem Solving Principles Assignment (A2) - Interim Report

Overview - Assignment is an Interim Report made up of two parts:

Part A: Statistical Analysis

Part B: Research in Engineering Factors

The purpose of A2 is to ensure that each student has considered all aspects of the problem and is able to make informed decisions based on the facts and data available. The findings from Part A and B of this report will be used to justify decision making for the final location and concept design of the solution to be covered in a later assignment.

Part A: Statistical Analysis

Write a short report describing the climatic conditions experienced across the specified sites from the data provided. Your report should be no more than seven (7) pages, including the most appropriate charts/graphs, descriptions and interpretations.

INSTRUCTIONS: As a team, assign each team member one (1) dataset for analysis (provided on Studydesk). Each team member must analyse a different dataset individually based on the techniques learned in the statistics tutorials. Note that each dataset contains data from three locations for comparison. Include the following sections in the report:

A1 Average Rainfall

Use appropriate descriptive numerical summaries to describe the main features of the average monthly rainfall for each location separately. Use an appropriate graphical summary to describe the distribution of average rainfall across all sites and months combined (i.e. use one graph for all 'average rainfall' data). Graphical summary is to be supported by interpretive comments.

A2 Average Wind Gust

Use appropriate descriptive numerical summaries to describe the main features of the average monthly wind gust for each site separately. Use an appropriate graphical summary to describe the distribution of average wind gust across all sites and months combined (i.e. use one graph for all 'average wind gust' data). Graphical summary is to be supported by interpretive comments.

A3 Number of Rain Days

Construct a frequency table of the total number of rain days for each site and construct a bar graph of these data. Use both to describe the data, and comment on its interpretation.

A4 Number of Windy Days

Construct a frequency table of the total number of windy days for each site and construct a bar graph of these data. Use both to describe the data, and comment on its interpretation.

A5 Number of Cloudy Days

Construct a frequency table of the total number of cloudy days for each site and construct a bar graph of this data. Use both to describe the data, and comment on its interpretation.

A6 Temperature Range

Create a new variable and calculate the 'temperature range' for each month at each site. Produce a histogram and calculate the Range, Median, and interquartile range (IQR) of this data and use this information to describe the distribution of 'temperature range'.

A7 Implications for Possible Solutions and the Project Delivery Plan

In three or four paragraphs indicate how the previous analyses may influence decision making with regards to the possible solutions and project delivery.

Part B: Research in Engineering Factors

Write a report investigating the important factors and considerations related to a specific location for the potential project and how they may influence the decision making of an engineer. Your report should be no more than ten (10) pages and include in-text references and a reference list to Harvard AGPS.

INSTRUCTIONS:

As a team, assign each team member one (1) potential site location that corresponds to that used in part A. Each team member must research a different location. Reference to appropriate literature will be required (with in-text referencing) to show the quality and depth of research, and that the context and constraints of the problem are firmly grounded in factual research. References could include: statistical data, information, formula, guides and/or standards. These should be also listed in a reference list at the end of the report. Include the following sections in the report:

B1 - Construction Factors and Impacts

This part includes the investigation and identification of the construction factors that should be considered for the problem. These may include:

• construction labour and equipment options
• impact of the weather may have on construction
• any other determined by the group

B2 - Civil/Structural Engineering Factors

This part includes the investigation and identification of the Civil Engineering principles including relevant influencing factors that relate to the problem. These factors may be associated with the following:

• Geotechnical and foundation design
• types of structures and material options
• any other determined by the group

B3 - Electrical Engineering Factors

This part includes the investigation and identification of the Electrical Engineering principles including relevant influencing factors, parameters and constraints that relate to the problem. These factors may be associated with the following:

• alternative energy sources
• energy storage options
• any other determined by the group

B4 - Mechanical Engineering Factors

This part includes the investigation and identification of the Mechanical Engineering principles including relevant influencing factors, parameters and constraints that relate to the problem. These factors may be associated with the following:

• mechanical devices
• Water storage options
• Any other determined by the group

Please note that the subheadings/bullet points are suggestions only and you should determine what factors are relevant and relate to the problem.

Attachment:- Assignment Files.rar