JOSHUA ASIIMWE

• MEng, Structural Engineering with Architectural Design, Grade achieved: 2:1
  Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, (2013-2017).
  
  

• The course is fully accredited by the ICE, IStructE, IHE, CIHT.
  
  

• The course offers a blend of creative architectural modules with applied physics and maths which presents an understanding of the design process for structures from preliminary drawing right through to the construction stage.
  
  

• The course curriculum pays particular attention to construction material properties and how they influence design.
  
  

• Another aspect of the curriculum that is very engaging is the innovative multi-discipline projects which give insight into the role of a structural engineer in relation to other disciplines

Structural Engineering Professional Design Project (2017-18) – This was a multidiscipline group project involving the master's students from both Structural and Civil Engineering disciplines. We had to carry out a feasibility study for a new train line traveling from Penicuik to Waverly. This project required us to embody the role of a Structural/Civil Engineer and understand their scope of influence on a project. We were guided by ATKINS who gave us insight into the GRIP style approach to rail infrastructure analysis and development. On my team, I was responsible for designing the infrastructure needed to carry my group’s chosen rail lines from Penicuik to Edinburgh and forecast the costing for it. With the input of ATKINS, I developed an understanding of industry standard methodologies in costing and report writing. Working so closely with a highly credited company allowed me to gain insight first hand of professional demands placed on quality, time management, conduct, and integrity, in the industry.

Structural Engineering Design Project (2017) – This was another project undertaken alongside Civil engineers. The goal was to come up with a bridge design proposal given a random location terrain and ground data from boreholes. The design brief for this bridge was set by AECOM. The aim of the project was to exercise our problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret information. AECOM’s insight helped me to understand how to design with a client in mind and consider realistic restrictions. In this project, we had to consider Edinburgh city council as our client. Therefore, we had to consider an economical and feasible design. We also needed to consider construction methods and maintenance of our designs. The role I took in my team was to work out dimensions for all the components that made up my team’s bridge using my knowledge of design codes for steel and concrete design. This project encapsulated all the different aspects of design that had been covered from the first year up until the fourth year.

​

Dissertation (2016-17) – My topic of research was steel-concrete beams and shear loading. My research in part looked at how the level of interaction between the steel and the concrete affect the composite's strength properties. My main point of the research was looking into the contributions of the slab to the shear capacity properties of a composite. This is because the slab’s shear strength contributions are not considered by current codes of design practice. This leads to over designing. A big part of the research was using LUSAS modeller to test steel-concrete composite beam sections and steel beam sections under shear and flexural induced failure conditions. I then studied their behaviour to measure the difference the slab makes to the strength properties. This research enhanced my understanding of structural materials. It also helped me to advance my skills in independent learning and professional report writing.

​

Design of place (2015) – I undertook a project in this class with Urban planners, Architectural Engineers and Geography students in redesigning St Andrews Square in Edinburgh. The aim of this project was to develop an appreciation of the main principles of design in the built environment considering sustainability as a key factor. I developed an understanding of urban design, considering the importance of people, culture, and image. This was done through site visits to popular areas within Edinburgh such as the royal mile, quarter mile, and New Town looking at infrastructure. In visiting these places, we learned about their historical contexts, accessed land use for buildings and open space, movement and accessibility, and context with the wider area.

​

Critical Architectural studies Project (2014) – This was a multi-discipline project undertaken alongside Architectural Engineering and Interior Design students to refurbish and develop Newington Library in Edinburgh. I learned through this project how to critique the integrated design of buildings, how identifying functional and aesthetically problems and use creativity to propose innovative solutions. We visited the library and focused our analysis on the building’s context, the design of other structures around it, researching all the functions of the library and the types of users. I came to appreciate how all these factors influence design.

​

Collaboration Group Project (2014) – I worked with a group of students studying Civil engineering, Architectural Engineering, Interior Design, and Construction Project Management in designing a school in Winchburgh. The idea was not only to think about the design of the school but to also consider the effect of the school on the community and the future of the town. A big part of my role was to design the sub and superstructure of the school building. I also selected the materials used for the whole school structure. Because the school was going to be designed near a nature reserve, I selected stone, wood, and glass for the walls of the building to give it a natural look that would fit in with the surrounding environment. My group also designed a community leisure center near the school with the vision to make the school area the community hub of Winchburgh. I learned that in creating ideas, you have to consider not only the long-term effects of a design but also room needs to be left in the design for expansion and change as the environment and culture are constantly changing.

CLIENT:                     Amina Kara (Local drinks company)       

CONTRACTORS:   Inova Limited Uganda

PROJECT:                 Construction of a two-floor whisky and wine storage building

LOCATION:             Acacia Avenue, Kololo, Kampala, Plot no. 1A & 1C

REFERENCE:          Charles, Site Engineer, +256751315173, mcharles2064@gmail.com

​

MY ROLE: I shadowed the site engineer for the 3 weeks I was on site. I studied the architect’s drawing and was responsible for cross-checking dimensions of different structural details relevant to the building as they were being constructed to make sure of accuracy and quality. I also gained some hands-on experience as I helped in setting up reinforcement bars and stirrups for the concrete beams and columns required. I exercised my communication skills in this experience and got insight into the functional nature of a construction site in terms of working in a team.

• KFC, Edinburgh, EH8 9DT                                             May 2016 to January 2017

• Four Seasons Care Home, Glasgow G67 4BW            Summer 2015

• KFC, Cumbernauld G67 1AX                                           Summer 2013

• The Oasis Fish and Chip shop, Glasgow, G67 2UQ    August 2011 to April 2013

• Tower Doors Ltd, Glasgow, G33 4DR                              July 2018 to Now