This week’s Sector Spotlight focuses on events by the West region, Cork region and Fire and Safety Division.

'This is Engineering…' Film Festival

The Engineers Ireland West region, in association with SFI MaREI Centre and NUI Galway, hosted a film festival on 'This is Engineering…'. The event featured short films from finalists of the #ThisIsEngineering2021 competition for third-level engineering students. The aim was to explain engineering to school children through original, imaginative and engaging videos that arrest, entertain, provoke thought and showcase engineering to children. Winners took home a €800 prize fund, sponsored by Engineers Ireland West region.

Installation of large monopiles as offshore wind foundations using impact hammers or drills

The constant need to reduce the cost of energy from offshore wind is driving deployment of bigger wind turbine generators on bigger monopiles. These XXL monopiles with typical diameters of 10 metres and weighing upwards of 1600 tons are challenging beasts to install offshore. This event, hosted by the Engineers Ireland Cork region, gave an overview of the technologies used for installing these foundations. The presentation by Fabian Hippe, MD of Menck GmbH and Ivan Harnett from Acteon, focused on the pile driving / drilling equipment used for installation, the process for installation and some of the challenges posed by ever increasing monopile size.

Fire Duct: Changes from BS476-24 to EN Standards 12101-1 & 15871

In this webinar by the Fire and Safety division, Michael Renaghan, Technical Lead with Lindab, discussed the changes from BS476-24 to the EN Regulations, specific to smoke extract and fire rated ductwork. The aim of the presentation was to provide an understanding to all involved in the use of Fire Rated Ductwork and Smoke Extract Ductwork in compliance with the EN Standards. The talk covers: current EN regulations, areas that have changed since the new standard was introduced, testing involved in both Smoke Extract and Fire Rated Kitchen Extract Ductwork, changes to insulation requirements, and more.

Coming up in Sector events this week:

• ‘Critical Success Factors for Remote Working’ by the North West region will take place today (Monday, 22 March) at 8pm, register here.
• ‘The 2^nd Generation Eurocodes- A preview of what is happening and what to expect’ by the Civil division and ICE ROI will take place on Tuesday (23 March) at 1pm, register here.
• ‘The Sustainability Grand Tour: Sustainable Housing’ by the West region will take place on Wednesday (24 March) at 7pm, register here.
• ‘Lean & the Project Manager – Delivering Improved Project Outcomes’ by the Project Management Society and the South East region will take place on Thursday (25 March) at 8am, register here.
• ‘A Guide to TPM in Manufacturing Overall Equipment Effectiveness & OEE2’ by MEETA Asset Management Society, the Thomond region and Mechanical and Manufacturing division will take place on Thursday (25 March) at 7pm, register here.
• ‘President's Luncheon Discussion - Manufacturing Innovation in the North East’ by the North East region will take place on Friday (26 March) at 1pm, register here.

The Sector Spotlight series showcases and celebrates the events of our Regions, Divisions and Societies. This community facilitates networking and connectivity, encourages continuing professional development and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and informs public policy. You can join these communities and groups by logging into your member dashboard here.