A Passion for Civil Engineering: Er. Simon Wee
Being an active advocate for engineering education and professional development, Er. Simon Wee (Senior Consultant, CPG Consultants Pte Ltd) who has 44 years of experience in Civil and Structural Engineering, and is also an Accredited Checker, regularly sits in educational committees related to the enhancement of the engineering profession. This year, for the “NTU Bridge Design Competition (BDC) 2021”, Er. Simon Wee will sit amongst the esteemed panel of judges who are tasked with selecting the best entry out of 87 local and overseas teams participating in the competition.
The CPG Editorial Team sat down with Er. Simon Wee for a chat to hear more about his thoughts on the competition as well as his experience as a local veteran engineer.
Editor: Let’s start with a fundamental question. As a judge of the “NTU Bridge Design Competition 2021”, what do you think are the key considerations in bridge design?
Er. Simon Wee: All structures, not only bridges, should be well designed and properly constructed.
In a bridge design, there are 3 key considerations:
1. Aesthetics / Forms (conventional or iconic)
2. Usage / function
3. Design and construction capabilities
Bridges (and all structures) should also be within budget, safe to use and fit for its purpose with due consideration for maintenance.
Editor: Bridge engineering has evolved greatly over time with changing requirements to fit environmental needs, how do you think bridge design has changed over the years? What are some of the “must-haves” for bridges in our current time?
Er. Simon Wee: This really depends on affordability, also driven by “needs” or “wants”. Requirements of bridges in different environments will be different. For a modern city like Singapore, my idea of some of the “must-have” would be:
1. Aesthetically pleasing, with a design that blends in well with the surroundings
2. Having separate lanes for large vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
Major bridges can also be of double-deck design, having designated spaces to incorporate train lines and utilities.
Editor: As a veteran who has had the opportunity to work on many major LTA projects, which bridge in Singapore interests you the most and why is it special?
Er. Simon Wee: I love the Benjamin Shears Bridge at the Marina Reservoir area.
During its construction, I was then a young engineer and went for site visits a few times. I was very impressed with the large span post-tension deep beams and the sheer height of the columns and bridge deck. It is 40 years old now and still serving us well and looks grand and elegant as always.
Editor: In your opinion, what impact do competitions like the “NTU Bridge Design Competition” have on the young schooling engineers of today?
Er. Simon Wee: Such a competition will trigger off very original ideas because young engineers do have good imagination. During the judging and commentary processes, the participants and observers will be able to learn from experts in the panel who can advise them on key elements of designing as well as considerations of a good design.
Editor: As an experienced Civil and Structural Engineer, what do you still find most interesting about Civil and Structural Engineering even today?
Er. Simon Wee: Civil & Structural Engineering is “interesting” only to those who love this profession, thus I have always found Civil & Structural Engineering to be interesting as it is my passion. Apart from the interest, there is this job satisfaction knowing that a big part of our world is driven and supported by Civil Engineers.
Editor: Before we end our chat, do you have any advice for our young budding engineers?
Er. Simon Wee: Yes, I do! I would believe that our young Civil Engineers are in this profession by choice.
To be a responsible engineer who is good in one’s work will require dedication, continual education and self-motivation. These can only be achieved when one loves the work and has a passion for one’s profession.
Lastly, we are in this Information Technology era, young engineers must strive to have a good understanding in basic engineering concepts and not end up as mere computer software operators.
About CPG Consultants
CPG Consultants, a subsidiary of CPG Corporation, is a leading design, development and management services provider for the infrastructure and building industry. CPG has played a part in shaping Singapore’s skyline with landmark developments such as Singapore Changi Airport, Gardens by the Bay, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, National Gallery Singapore, as well as the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus.
Through a culture of collaboration with clients, partners, and other CPG teams and subsidiaries, we continually strive to surpass expectations by delivering creative, innovative and integrated design solutions. Beyond our rich heritage, we continuously push ourselves to keep up with cutting-edge innovations and techniques, ever ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow while working towards creating a sustainable environment.
To learn more about CPG Consultants, please visit http://www.cpgcorp.com.sg/cpgc or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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