Hubbry Logo
Profile (engineering)Profile (engineering)Main
Open search
Profile (engineering)
Community hub
Profile (engineering)
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Profile (engineering)
Profile (engineering)
from Wikipedia

In standardization, a profile is a subset internal to a specification. Aspects of a complex technical specification may necessarily have more than one interpretation, and there are probably many optional features. These aspects constitute a profile of the standard. Two implementations engineered from the same description may not interoperate due to having a different profile of the standard. Vendors can even ignore features that they view as unimportant, yet prevail in the long run.

The use of profiles in these ways can force one interpretation, or create de facto standards from official standards. Engineers can design or procure by using a profile to ensure interoperability. For example, the International Standard Profile, ISP, is used by the ISO in their ISO ISP series of standards; in the context of OSI networking, Britain uses the UK-GOSIP profile and the US uses US-GOSIP; there are also various mobile profiles adopted by the W3C for web standards. In particular, implementations of standards on mobile devices often have significant limitations compared to their traditional desktop implementations, even if the standard which governs both permits such limitations.

In structural engineering a profile means a hot rolled structural steel shape like an Ɪ-beam.

In civil engineering, a profile consists of a plotted line which indicates grades and distances (and typically depths of cut and/or elevations of fill) for excavation and grading work.[1] Constructors of roadways, railways (and similar works) normally chart the profile along the centerline. A profile can also indicate the vertical slope(s) (changes in elevation) in a pipeline or similar structure. Civil engineers always depict profile as a side (cross section) view (as opposed to an overhead (plan) view).

Material fabrication

[edit]

In fabricating, a profile consists of the more-or-less complex outline of a shape to be cut in a sheet of material such as laminated plastic, aluminium alloy or steel plate. In modern practice, a drawing office determines the shape and dimensions required to fit the sheet into a larger work and feeds directions to a computer controlling a profile cutter. This then cuts the shape from a standard-sized sheet. The cutting head may use a rotating cutter like that of a spindle router or (in the case of steel plate) a torch which burns oxy-acetylene or other oxy-gas.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
In engineering, the term "profile" refers to various concepts depending on the discipline and context. It can denote a graphical representation of alignment or shape, a standardized subset of specifications, or a cross-sectional outline of structural elements. In , a profile is a graphical representation of the vertical alignment, showing changes along a horizontal line or route, such as a , , , or channel. It typically consists of a plotted line indicating grades, distances, and depths of cut or fill, enabling engineers to visualize characteristics and plan infrastructure development. In , profiles describe the standardized cross-sectional shapes of beams, columns, and other members, such as I-beams or channels, which determine load-bearing properties. In , a profile is an agreed-upon subset and interpretation of a base standard, promoting in systems like ISO specifications. These uses highlight the versatility of the term across engineering fields, with applications in , fabrication, and compliance.

Overview

Definition and Scope

In , the term "profile" refers to distinct but related concepts tailored to specific technical applications, primarily in , structural , and civil . Broadly, it denotes a defined outline, configuration, or representation that facilitates precision, , or analysis within engineered systems. These usages emphasize measurable and standardized forms, distinguishing them from casual or non-technical interpretations such as personal data summaries in computing. In standardization contexts, a profile constitutes a conforming or combination of base standards that specifies particular options and may impose additional requirements to enable specific functions, ensuring compatibility across implementations. For instance, profiles streamline complex specifications by selecting interoperable elements without altering core protocols. In , profiles describe hot-rolled or extruded metal shapes, such as I-beams and channels, which serve as foundational components for load-bearing frameworks due to their optimized cross-sectional geometries. These shapes are produced by deforming heated through rolling mills or dies to achieve uniform dimensions and mechanical properties suitable for . In , particularly and earthworks, a profile is a longitudinal plotted line representing ground elevations, grades, and horizontal distances along a designated alignment, aiding in the planning and execution of excavations or embankments. This graphical depiction allows engineers to visualize changes and compute material volumes for site preparation. The term originates from the Italian profilo, meaning "outline" or "contour," derived from Latin roots implying a drawn line or side view, which entered English in the mid-17th century and was adapted to technical during the 19th-century industrialization for drafting and sectional representations. The scope of "profile" in is thus confined to these professional domains, excluding broader or informal meanings like biographical sketches or digital user accounts.

Historical Development

The concept of a "profile" in engineering originated in the late as part of techniques in , where it referred to the side or elevation view of structures and objects to convey precise spatial relationships. This approach, developed during the early in , laid the foundation for standardized architectural and engineering drafting practices in the , enabling accurate representation of building elevations and components without . In the , the term profile gained prominence in , particularly in British projects involving canals and railways, where it denoted longitudinal sections used to map gradients and alignments for efficient . Engineers like those working on the expansive Victorian-era , including major canal networks and the burgeoning system, relied on profile surveys to navigate challenging landscapes and ensure operational feasibility during the peak of the . The saw significant advancements in structural profiles, driven by innovations in production starting in the 1850s, when the first rolled sections became available through improved rolling mills, influenced by the emerging that enabled mass production of high-quality by 1860. This shift from to facilitated the creation of standardized beam and channel shapes essential for modern , with production scaling rapidly by 1880 to support large-scale buildings and bridges. Post-World War II, the formation of the (ISO) in 1947 accelerated global standardization efforts, incorporating inherited technical committees to harmonize specifications for engineering components, including profiles, to promote in international projects. Modern expansions of profiling techniques began in the 1960s with the advent of computer-aided design (CAD) software, exemplified by Ivan Sutherland's Sketchpad system in 1963, which allowed interactive digital manipulation of drawings, including profiles, using light pens on early mainframes to streamline engineering visualization. By the 1970s, the integration of computer numerical control (CNC) technology revolutionized profile fabrication, with beam punch lines automating the processing of structural members by punching holes and marking connection points in a single pass, significantly reducing manual labor in steel fabrication. These developments, such as early CNC systems handling flange and web tolerances, paved the way for precise profile cutting tied to CAD outputs.

Standardization Contexts

Role in Interoperability

In engineering standardization, profiles function as subsets of broader base standards by selecting specific mandatory and optional features, parameters, and options to create tailored implementations that reduce ambiguity and ensure precise application of the underlying specifications. This subsetting process standardizes variations in base standards, such as International Standards or Recommendations, allowing for focused requirements that align with particular needs without incorporating unnecessary complexity. The key role of profiles in lies in their ability to promote seamless compatibility across diverse systems, particularly in multi-vendor environments where components from different providers must integrate effectively. By defining a consistent set of supported features, profiles mitigate risks of miscommunication or non-conformance, enabling reliable data exchange and coordinated operations in protocols. For example, in network protocols based on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, profiles specify protocol layers and options to guarantee that devices from various manufacturers can interconnect without custom adaptations. A notable instance is the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP), which subsets OSI standards to enforce uniform networking for U.S. government systems. Development of such profiles occurs through collaborative processes led by international committees, including ISO/IEC JTC 1, which conduct user requirement analyses, select elements from base standards, and document the resulting specifications in harmonized International Standardized Profiles (ISPs). These profiles support nesting, where one profile references another to build hierarchical implementations, or extension to add functionality while preserving alignment with the original standards, thereby facilitating scalable and evolvable engineering solutions.

Key Examples and Standards

In engineering standardization, the International Standardized Profiles (ISP) series, developed by the (ISO) and the (IEC), provides a framework for defining subsets of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards to ensure consistent implementation in systems. These profiles specify combinations of OSI layers, protocols, and options, enabling interoperable open systems by limiting variability in standards selection; for instance, ISO/IEC ISP 10609 series outlines transport service profiles using connection-mode network services for reliable data transfer in networked environments. The ISP approach, as detailed in ISO/IEC TR 10000-3, promotes modular building blocks for system management and application services, facilitating procurement and deployment of OSI-conformant products in and enterprise networks. Government-led standards have further exemplified profile-based approaches to enforce in networks. The Government OSI Profile (UK-GOSIP), introduced in the 1980s, established compliance rules for and (EDI) in , ensuring standardized networking for government systems. Similarly, the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (US-GOSIP), formalized as Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 146 in 1989, mandated a common set of for federal agencies acquiring network products and services, promoting secure and efficient data exchange across government infrastructures. These profiles aligned with broader goals by specifying mandatory protocol subsets, such as those for message handling and transport layers. However, government OSI profiles like GOSIP were largely superseded in the 1990s by standards based on the , such as through the transition to FIPS 146-2 (Profiles for Open Systems Internetworking Technologies, or POSIT) in 1995, and are now considered historical. In web technologies, the (W3C) has defined mobile profiles to adapt core web standards for resource-constrained devices. Under the Mobile Web Initiative, profiles such as (a subset of for cellphones) and Best Practices outline optimized implementations of , CSS, and other technologies, ensuring accessible and efficient web content delivery on mobile platforms. These profiles address device limitations like small screens and low bandwidth by specifying conformance levels and optional features, enabling developers to create responsive applications for diverse mobile ecosystems. Other notable examples include UML profiles in , which extend the (UML) for domain-specific modeling by defining stereotypes, tagged values, and constraints tailored to particular applications, such as real-time embedded systems via the UML Profile for MARTE. In hardware, de facto profiles manifest as subsets of standards like USB device classes, where specifications for Audio, Human Interface Devices (HID), and Audio/Video profiles delineate protocol and functional requirements for plug-and-play compatibility across peripherals. These approaches highlight how profiles streamline adoption by balancing with flexibility in domains.

Structural Engineering Contexts

Types of Structural Profiles

Structural profiles in engineering refer to standardized cross-sectional shapes used primarily in load-bearing applications within buildings, bridges, and other frameworks. These profiles are categorized broadly into hot-rolled steel shapes, which provide high strength for heavy-duty , and extruded profiles, typically made from aluminum or plastics for lighter, corrosion-resistant uses. Hot-rolled profiles dominate in civil and due to their robustness and availability in standardized dimensions governed by international codes. Hot-rolled profiles are produced by heating billets and rolling them into specific shapes, resulting in sections with excellent mechanical properties for resisting bending, shear, and axial loads. Common types include I-beams, also known as wide-flange beams, which feature a central web flanked by two parallel to optimize material use in beam applications. H-beams, similar in form but with broader flanges relative to depth, are designed for enhanced stability in columns and heavy framing. Channels, or U-shapes, consist of a web and two flanges extending from one side, ideal for bracing and framing where one-sided support is needed. Angles, or L-shapes, provide right-angled support for connections and reinforcements, while tees, or T-shapes, offer a flange on one side of the web for splitting beams or as lintels. These shapes are standardized under ASTM A6/A6M , which specifies dimensions, tolerances, and properties for rolled bars, plates, and shapes. In , the EN 10365 standard governs hot-rolled I and H sections, channels, and related profiles, superseding older DIN norms and ensuring across member states. Naming conventions vary by region: American standards use "W" for wide-flange I-beams (e.g., W12x26), "S" for standard I-beams with tapered flanges, "C" for channels, "L" for angles, and "WT" or "MT" for tees derived from beams. European designations include IPN for normal I-beams with a 14% flange slope (tapered), IPE for parallel-flange I-beams, and HEA/HEB for wide-flange H-beams, where "A" and "B" denote light and heavy variants, respectively. Typical depths for these profiles range from 100 mm (e.g., IPN 100 or W4x13) to 1000 mm (e.g., HEM 1000 or W40x655), allowing selection based on span and load requirements.
RegionProfile TypeDesignation ExampleKey Feature
American (ASTM) (wide flange)WParallel flanges, broad width
American (ASTM)Standard STapered flanges
American (ASTM)ChannelCU-shaped, one-sided flanges
American (ASTM)LL-shaped legs
American (ASTM)WTT-shaped from beam split
European (EN) (tapered)IPN14% flange slope
European (EN) (parallel)IPEParallel flanges
European (EN)H-beam (wide flange)HEA/HEBBroad flanges for columns
Extruded profiles, formed by forcing heated material through a die, are suited for lighter structural applications where weight reduction and resistance are priorities, such as in facades, railings, and modular frameworks. Aluminum extrusions are prevalent, offering high strength-to-weight ratios and versatility in shapes like hollow sections, including square tubes and rectangular , which provide torsional rigidity without excessive material use. These profiles, often in alloys like 6061 or 6063 per ASTM B221, are used in non-load-bearing or auxiliary roles in projects. Plastic extrusions, such as those from PVC or composites, appear in even lighter-duty contexts like interior partitions but are less common for primary structural loads due to lower . Standardization for aluminum extrusions follows profiles like those in the Aluminum Association's guidelines, with common square tube sizes ranging from 25 to 200 sides.

Design and Properties

Structural profiles in engineering are designed to optimize mechanical performance under various loads, with key properties such as the and playing central roles in determining their suitability for applications like beams and columns. The , denoted as II, quantifies the distribution of a cross-section's area relative to an axis and is calculated as I=y2dAI = \int y^2 \, dA for beam cross-sections, where yy is the distance from the and dAdA is an elemental area; this property directly influences a profile's resistance to and deflection. For instance, in wide-flange I-beams, a higher about the strong axis enhances , allowing the profile to support greater spans without excessive deformation. The section modulus, ZZ, further refines this by relating the moment of inertia to the extreme fiber distance from the neutral axis, given by Z=I/ymaxZ = I / y_{\max}, where ymaxy_{\max} is the maximum distance to the outer fiber; it is essential for calculating allowable bending stresses in the elastic range. Yield strength, the stress at which permanent deformation begins, typically ranges from 250 MPa for ASTM A36 carbon steel to 345 MPa for higher-strength grades like ASTM A992, providing a baseline for load capacity before failure. Design considerations for structural profiles emphasize load-bearing capacity and resistance, particularly in applications such as building frames and bridges, where profiles must withstand combined axial, shear, and flexural loads. Load-bearing capacity is assessed through nominal strength calculations adjusted by resistance factors in Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), ensuring the profile's ability to carry dead, live, and environmental loads without exceeding limits. resistance is critical for slender compression members, governed by formulas accounting for effective length and cross-sectional slenderness to prevent sudden under compressive forces. Safety margins are incorporated via AISC 360 provisions, such as a resistance factor ϕ=0.90\phi = 0.90 for tension yielding and ϕ=0.90\phi = 0.90 for flexural yielding, which calibrate designs against uncertainties in material properties, fabrication, and loading. Material selection significantly impacts profile performance, with carbon steels offering cost-effective strength for general structural use, while alloy steels incorporate elements like and to enhance and resistance in demanding environments. Carbon steels, such as A36, are prone to in exposed conditions, necessitating protective coatings like hot-dip galvanizing (zinc-based) or systems to form barriers against moisture and oxygen, extending service life in bridges and coastal structures. Alloy steels provide inherent resistance through alloying but often require similar coatings for optimal durability in aggressive atmospheres, as specified in standards like ISO 12944.

Civil Engineering Contexts

Profile in Surveying and Earthworks

In surveying and earthworks, a profile refers to a longitudinal section or side-view plot along a designated centerline, illustrating the existing ground surface as an irregular dashed line, the proposed design grade as a smooth solid line, and the resulting cut and fill depths between them. This graphical representation captures elevation variations over horizontal distances, enabling engineers to visualize and plan terrain modifications for construction projects. The vertical scale is typically exaggerated—often at a ratio of 10:1—to accentuate subtle elevation changes that might otherwise be imperceptible on a uniform horizontal-vertical scale, enhancing interpretability without distorting spatial relationships. Core components of a profile include stationing, which denotes horizontal distances along the route from a starting point, commonly divided into full stations of (or 100 meters in metric systems) and marked as, for example, 5+00 for 500 feet. Elevations are plotted as vertical coordinates above a reference datum, such as mean , derived from differential leveling or global positioning systems, and recorded to the nearest 0.1 foot for precision. Tangents appear as straight line segments with constant percent grades (e.g., +2% indicating a 2-foot rise per ), while vertical curves—usually parabolic—are incorporated to provide smooth transitions between tangents, defined by parameters like curve length and rate of vertical change. Profiles find primary applications in civil engineering for roadways, railways, and pipelines, where they support the design of vertical alignments and the preliminary estimation of earthwork volumes by highlighting areas of excavation (cut) and embankment (fill). In roadway projects, for instance, profiles ensure compliance with safe gradient limits and adequate sight distances, such as 495 feet for stopping sight distance on highways with a 55 mph design speed (AASHTO). For railways and pipelines, they optimize gradients to maintain operational efficiency—e.g., minimum slopes of 0.40% for 8-inch sanitary sewer lines (Ten States Standards)—and integrate with cross-sections for accurate volume computations, typically yielding results in cubic yards for borrow-pit or site grading operations. These tools are integral to route surveys, guiding construction staking and material balance to minimize environmental impact and costs.

Calculation and Representation

In , grade calculations for profiles begin with determining the , defined as the of vertical rise to horizontal run. This is typically expressed as a by multiplying the by 100, where a 2% grade indicates a rise of 0.02 units per unit of run. For instance, a 3% grade corresponds to a rise of 3 feet over of horizontal distance, ensuring safe transitions in road or terrain profiles. Vertical curves, used to smoothly connect differing grades, are commonly modeled as parabolas to provide gradual changes and adequate sight distance. The general parabolic equation for elevation yy at a horizontal distance xx from the point of vertical curvature (PVC) is given by: y=ePVC+g1x+(g2g1)x22Ly = e_{\text{PVC}} + g_1 x + \frac{(g_2 - g_1) x^2}{2L} where ePVCe_{\text{PVC}} is the elevation at the PVC, g1g_1 and g2g_2 are the incoming and outgoing grades (as decimals), and LL is the curve length. This quadratic form, equivalent to y=ax2+bx+cy = ax^2 + bx + c with a=(g2g1)/(2L)a = (g_2 - g_1)/(2L), b=g1b = g_1, and c=ePVCc = e_{\text{PVC}}, ensures a constant rate of grade change. For crest curves, the minimum length LL is calculated to achieve stopping sight distance SS using: L=AS2200(h1+h2)2L = \frac{A S^2}{200 (\sqrt{h_1} + \sqrt{h_2})^2}
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.