9th March 2017
Taking down material gauges but adding design features to retain structural integrity
Reducing the costs through different engineering approaches
Manufacturing a cost-effective product without sacrificing aesthetics, quality or structure
The recent increase in the price of steel gave us a prime opportunity to put Value Engineering into practice.
At the end of last year there was increasing volatility in the steel market and we could see by reading industry publications including ‘Steel Business Briefing’ and other specialist sources that the market was continued to move faster and faster with prices forecast to increase by 86% in the last calendar year.
How did we react? We wrote out to clients to let them know what was happening and what was being projected to happen to steel prices. We then also looked at how we could Value Engineer solutions so that our clients’ budgets weren’t compromised and they maintained their competitive advantage. That included looking at the thickness of the steel we were using / planning on using on certain projects and reducing the thickness. To ensure structural integrity we added in strentheners and stiffening ribs (we believe that every product we manufacture should combine structural integrity with creativity, quality and attention to detail).
https://www.jcmetalworks.co.uk/blog-articles/value-engineering-and-the-price-of-steel/
In calendar year 2017, the country's largest iron ore miner has raised prices 48 per cent, to match those in international markets.
https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/after-6-rise-in-jan-steel-mills-see-room-for-more-price-hikes-next-month-118011100023_1.html
3 Reasons Why Steel Prices Will Rise Well Into 2017
by Raul de Frutos on NOVEMBER 15, 2016
https://agmetalminer.com/2016/11/15/3-reasons-why-steel-prices-will-rise-well-into-2017/
Use of galvanised steel in Indian cars less than 17%, says IZA
PASSENGER VEHICLES
By Mayank Dhingra 21 Sep 2019
The use of galvanised steel or zinc-coated steel is as low as 17 percent (or less) for passenger cars, making them prone to corrosion.
But export models go through an anti-corrosion galvanisation process that covers up to 70 percent of the vehicle's body shell till the window-line.
In North America and Europe, vehicle manufacturers use galvanised steel in over 90 percent of the vehicle body even including the pillars, barring just the roof, which is a non-critical area when it comes to the topic of corrosion.
Zinc is a US$ 40 billion per year market and is the fourth-largest used metal worldwide behind iron, aluminium and copper.
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/tata-motors-reveals-two-new-ultra-truck-models-at-south-african-cv-expo-44161
Read
Value Engineering: Analysis And Methodology
Del Younker
CRC Press, 14-May-2003 - Technology & Engineering - 350 pages
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=Mtq_qunJIBMC
Electrical Value Engineering 101
In Electrical Contracting Articles, Electrical Estimating Articles by David Parden July 1, 2011
Interesting VE Idea in electrical projects
https://www.costclass.com/electrical-value-engineering-101/
A building, which utilizes water-cooled package units for primary cooling, is located near coastal Miami, on the flight path of Miami International Airport and it is a very corrosive environment for roof-mounted mechanical equipment. The original specifications called for a stainless-steel cooling tower. The project was over budget, so as part of VE measures to reduce upfront cost, a cooling tower (even the basins) of galvanized construction was recommended and accepted. The galvanised cooling tower saved the owner approximately $35,000. But after 12 years, the cooling tower has extensive damage caused by corrosion. The current replacement cost is nearly $500,000. Amortized over the cooling tower’s 12-year life, the cost is approximately $41,000 per year. This is an example of VE gone bad on a construction project.
Why did it happen. Remember. Value analysis has to recommend alternatives that are reliable.
https://www.hpac.com/clarks-remarks/article/20928827/where-is-the-value-in-hvac-value-engineering
ALUMINUM VS. COPPER CONDUCTORS
http://www.tesengineering.com/aluminum-vs-copper-conductors/
Value Engineering Ideas - More Thinking Required
Revised Plumbing VE List:
PEX piping in lieu of copper for 3 inches and smaller – $240,000
Plumbing fixture alternates – Accepted
Reduced valves – $120,000
Remove reverse osmosis system for humidifiers – $230,000
You may be now within target budget.
Issues
Some VE solutions may be good opportunities on projects during schematic design but since detailed design is completed, design fee might cancel out any savings.
What about design schedule now? How much time it will take you to make the changes from your list. You’re going to have to change your specs, rerun your calculations on the new PEX, which has different velocities, pressure drop and hanger requirements.
What about the alternate plumbing fixtures? Do any of their requirements change your design? What if the new water closet flush valve requires a higher static pressure to operate, which will change the size of the booster pump? This would be an unintended consequence of the VE process. Maybe your safety factor has changed? Now that is an internal dilemma. Are you willing to remove the little safety factor you had to meet the new pressure requirements of the water closer?
If you increase the pumps, you’ll have to go back to the VE exercise. They’re going to look for you to give them a recommendation. There’s a reason you design with a safety factor. Explain the value and show them the options.
https://www.phcppros.com/articles/7909-value-engineering-back-to-budget
Magnesium Wheels
SUPERIORITY OF FORGED MAGShttps://magnesiumwheels.com/mg-benefits.html
Carbon / magnesium wheels for high-performance vehicles
6 APR 2011
http://www.jeccomposites.com/knowledge/international-composites-news/carbon-magnesium-wheels-high-performance-vehicles
Thanks for sharing this information. Seamless pipe and tubes in a wide range of dimensions and thicknesses. For a Seamless Pipe Dealers is the very big opportunity to explore their area and deal with other people.
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