Chen Ming-Ku in Taiwan, Shaun Yang in Australia, Cheng Kim Bong in Malaysia and Daniel Stefanescu in Romania share the conviction that a design only counts when it can be built. This story follows how each of them keeps the construction site in view while the design is still on the screen.
In their own words.
01
AVP of Structural · CECI Engineering Consultants, Inc · Taiwan
"Even the most flawless structural analysis is meaningless if it can't be built."
As a senior engineer, I often see junior staff overly focused on theoretical software results. Once, a junior engineer designed a highly optimized structural node, but it was impossible to execute with the equipment on site. I took them to the construction site to help them understand the physical constraints.
By showing them how to bridge the gap between software models and actual constructability, I helped them completely shift their mindset. They are now one of our most practical engineers, always factoring in field conditions from day one.
Q. Has a construction team ever told you a plan of yours was impossible?
Yes. The construction team once said the original plan was impossible to execute, and we had to completely revise a structural design due to unforeseen on-site equipment limitations. Using MIDAS, I was able to rapidly adjust the model, run the analysis, and verify a new constructible solution within a fraction of the usual time. It is the moment that stands out most for me.
02
Principal Bridge Engineer · Hatch · Australia
"I have always completed my own independent hand calculation validation, so that I can gain the trust of the model that I built."
On the Melbourne Elevated Roadway project, I was the structures disciplinary lead for Bridge 03, which consists of 13 spans of bicurvature elevated roadway and has a bifurcation at the end of the bridge tying into the existing airport parking building. The complex vertical and horizontal geometry has been challenging to model. I was able to use Midas Civil with customised configuration to evaluate the worst case design actions due to the large cantilever super T flanges for the design.
Throughout my career, I have learned that even the most elegant design only succeeds when it can be safely constructed, maintained, and operated in the real world. The hand validation is also how I understand the sequence that aligns with the practical construction methodologies.
As both a Chartered Engineer in Civil and Structural fields and a University of Melbourne industry lecturer, I am passionate about combining technical rigour with continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
03
Chief Resident Engineer · AECOM · Malaysia
"Precision checking is important for every piece of work. Work must be practical and buildable."
I see myself as an innovative engineer, working from fundamental principle with a realistic concept.
My experience using Midas Civil software to model the Penang 2nd Bridge for camber analysis on the cable-stayed bridge is fantastic. I also used Midas GTS NX to model the CRD method in the NATM tunnel construction, and Midas Civil NX to model the incremental launching, both in the ECRL project.
04
Bridges Designer and Administrator · COMPLEX ING · Romania
"I always factor in real site conditions and actual usage. A good design is one that works in the real world."
I really love what I do. I am a hardworking engineer who enjoys constantly discovering new things, and an honest and perseverant person. My experience helped me to solve a lot of technical problems.
The Midas Civil program has greatly assisted me in my design work, which is why I highly value this structural analysis software.
A design can satisfy every check in the model and still run into trouble when it reaches the equipment and the construction sequence on site. Each of these four engineers tests the design against that moment before it leaves the office. We share that habit of designing with the site in mind, and it was good to hear it from four engineers who work that way every day.