Barbara Klaumann Lucas, a graduate civil engineer in our Dublin office, gave us the low down on how and why she stepped into the world of engineering.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make a difference and have a positive impact on the environment around me. I have always been curious about how building structures are created and maintained. A feature that has always stood out to me is a suspended grand staircase on my university campus which first triggered my interest in the world of engineering as I felt drawn to the science of how it could stand upright. I began to learn that buildings are so much more than their base structure; I then went on to study earthworks and geotechnical analysis for foundations and other uses, which is the path I eventually followed when partaking in my specialised degree. On completion of my degree, I began my job at Waterman Moylan, where I was able to see and experience the different aspects of civil engineering that I had not come across before. The constant learning curve and vast array of information to grapple with and understand is what inspires me as an engineer. There is such a wide and ever adapting range of possibilities and directions in which the profession can take you.
Adapting to a new engineering landscape
I have learnt so much here, especially as the field of engineering is different to that of my job in Brazil, so I have adapted and broadened my skills throughout my journey. The additional challenge of having previously worked in South America meant that once I arrived in Ireland, I had to learn different codes of practices and guides which has led to different design settings from the one I was used to.
Learning on the job
I now work mostly on school buildings, throughout the planning, design and construction stages, which has been an informative and invaluable experience for my professional development and future career. Every day, sites evolve and change, and can vastly differ from one to another, which highlights the importance of quick creative thinking and decision making for variable issues that can arise on site, a skill that improves with every building I work on.
However, one of my favourite projects so far was a smaller scheme where I was responsible for the design of the surface water and foul layout. The project was in Tomard, Athy and one of the challenging elements of the site was that it had varying ground levels with the middle part of the site being the highest point. We needed to design as much of the foul network as possible to drain by gravity, considering the site layout and topography. This approach minimises the area that needs to be pumped and, consequently, allows for a smaller pump station for the remaining area. After careful analysis, the site was divided into two separate catchments for foul and surface water. Through this project I learned how to design two separate networks, for both foul and surface water, that will work in unison, and it was also the first time that I incorporated an overground basin for storm water attenuation, as on previous projects I had been involved in, we used Stormtech underground attenuation tanks. Of course, I always had the team with me, providing support, so it was an excellent learning experience and an opportunity to challenge myself to overcome difficulties that sites can present to our design process.
Guided by a supportive team
Moving to Ireland from Brazil was a big step and it has been amazing to feel so supported and welcomed into a new culture and working environment where mistakes are used as a tool for constant growth and personal development. Finding the best avenue to pursue within the field of engineering can be difficult, and I feel that being part of the Waterman Moylan team has given me the opportunity to understand and explore my passion.
My advice to aspiring engineers
I would encourage anyone who wants a career in engineering to experience as many of the different fields as you can because you might be surprised to see yourself enjoying some areas more than you initially anticipated.
