Tips Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Being Brunel
EngCel: Colours, Names and More
March 28, 2013 2
EngCel is a free add-in for Excel that I write and maintain. At its core EngCel it’s an easy-to-use in-line syntax for super-script, sub-script, Greek and mathematical characters. This week I thought I’d update you all on…Read More
Even More Track Structure Interaction
March 21, 2013 4
Since the 1950s we’ve been using continuously welded rail in the UK, and with the introduction of the Eurocode we’re finally being made to consider the effect this has on our structures. If you want a reminder take…Read More
CalcPaper for Excel
March 14, 2013
Tom asked if I would like to write a post. I have been impressed with Tom’s office add-ins. Similarly irritated by excel, I thought I too would post some useful excel macros that I have developed to overcome this.
Calculation…Read More
Building on Finite Elements
January 31, 2013 6
Over the past few decades traditional engineering analysis techniques have rapidly been replaced by computerised methods. Probably the most widely-used type of stress analysis software is based on the ‘finite element’…Read More
Five Ways Out of a Design Corner
January 24, 2013
Here are a few techniques I’ve picked up over my time, which can offer an escape when things just aren’t working out. Common Sense: Beware of stair climbing fire trucks… There’s always the “but would it really…Read More
preDict’ive Text in Word
November 22, 2012 47
One of my chief criticisms of winword (as it was once known) is that I have to do all the typing. I know what you’re thinking: “Tom- that’s a little unfair, you can’t expect it to know what you’re thinking.” But it’s not. The…Read More
Five Ways to Annoy Contractors
October 11, 2012 6
It is surprisingly easy, sitting in the office, to forget that the bunch of design calculations and drawings you’ve been pondering over all morning will one day have to be built by someone. Consideration of constructibility is a CDM requirement … Read More
Services Buried
September 6, 2012 4
In my short experience as an engineer I think that few things change as much between design and as-built as the route of new buried services across existing. As a designer your first hint of what is…Read More
Engineering with Excel
August 30, 2012 4
Considering how ubiquitous the Office suite is, however, it is not that surprising that for (relatively) simple calculations, repetitive design methods and result processing most engineers turn to Excel. Despite how much it…Read More
