Computer Found Useful In Building Industry

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29776, 20 March 1962, Page 12

Computer Found Useful In Building Industry

Mr F. S. Lu, a senior lecturer in civil engineering at the University of Canterbury, has been deeply impressed in the United States with the "critical path method” of determining planning and construction schedules for major projects with a computer. “This method is fairly new, even in the United States, but it gives a good, clear, advanced picture of the whole project and helps in the anticipation of decisions,” Mr Lu said in San Francisco.

"If used properly, this method could speed up New Zealand construction and cut building costs.” Mr Lu said. He has already sent a preliminary report to Christchurch. where the university is about to instal a computer. For the last three months Mr Lu has been working with the San Francisco contracting firm of Haas and Haynie under the 1961 W. A. Stevenson award of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers. “Labour costs in the United States are probably three

times greater than ours." Mr Lu told the Americans. "Yet. partly because we have to import important materials and equipment, over-all costs of New Zealand construction are about the same as in the United States.”

He mentioned a shortage of skilled labour in most trades in New Zealand, particularly in the construction field. The biggest problem, however, was the need to import steel, machinery, and other equipment—“anything with metal in it.”

Mr Lu noted a much greater degree of specialisation in building in the United States. There were many more expert consultant services, and many more sub-contractors.

New Zealand was recommended to Americans as “one of the safest countries to invest money in.” Mr Lu told them: “It is a young and growing country and the sky is the limit so far as the future is concerned. There is a particular need for commercial building right now.” An American report said that in spite of Mr Lu's ‘‘Chamber of Commerce enthusiasm which might suggest singleness of loyalty” he is a native of Shanghai, graduated there in civil engineering, entered Canterbury University on a fellowship to study heavy construction, and decided to stay.

Before he returns to New Zealand, Mr Lu will attend the American Concrete Institute’s convention in Denver, and then visit Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. He has been working regular hours on construction for Haas and Haynie and doing engineering research at week-ends.