These challenges include dealing with high temperatures and humidities and also taking into account the salt-laden air blowing in off the ocean or gulf, which has a corrosive effect on equipment. In addition, all the electrical and plumbing systems must be able to be quickly disconnected in case the casino must be moved for an emergency, such as a hurricane. Other challenges, such as designing to two different codes – the Coast Guard code, as well as the local building code – and building on a fast track are also thrown into the mix.
Still, most engineers working on these projects just love them, because they’re different. Yes, they’re challenging, and yes, there are numerous problems that can spring up. But that’s what makes a mechanical engineer’s life so interesting.