Writing Technical Reports

A brief overview of the report, outlining the key features, approach, findings, and conclusions.

A more specific title for the report, adding details to a general assignment or project name.

A section that provides a concise overview of the report's content.

The primary purpose of the report, including the specific task, investigation, or design.

The steps taken to complete the report, including research, investigation, or design methods.

The most important findings of the research, investigation, or key aspects of the design.

The main conclusions drawn from the research, investigation, or design.

Background information, explanations of the research purpose, or references to diagrams are not included in a summary.

The introduction to the report, outlining the purpose of the study and its scope.

Detailed examination of the design features of each bridge, including superstructure, abutments, and construction methods.

A comparison of the bridges across key criteria, including economics, safety, and aesthetics.

The cost of constructing the bridge, including materials, labor, and equipment.

The cost of maintaining the bridge over its lifetime, including repairs, inspections, and upkeep.

A measure of how safe each bridge is, including structural integrity and safety features.

The visual appeal and artistic merit of each bridge design.

The final conclusions of the report, summarizing the findings and recommending the best choice based on the analysis.

A key element of a report that outlines the project's purpose, aims, and structure, providing context for the reader.

The main reason for writing the report, explaining the specific research, investigation, or design being presented.

The specific objectives or goals the report aims to accomplish, outlining what will be investigated, analyzed, or created.

Relevant theory or assumptions that are essential for understanding the report's content and methodology.

A section that organizes the report's content, guiding the reader through different parts and their intended purpose.

Providing context for the topic of the report, connecting it to broader research or real-world situations.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the Earth warm. It involves greenhouse gases trapping heat from the Sun.

Human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and rising global temperatures.

The report presents and assesses two design options for a dual carriageway bridge spanning a creek in the Shire of Macedon Ranges.

The bridge spans 125 meters between man-made embankments and sits approximately 15 meters above the river surface.

The bridge is designed for two lanes of traffic in each direction and has a grade of 0.056 m/m.

Construction method, cost, traffic disruption, durability, and aesthetics are the criteria used to evaluate the designs.

The report presents two conceptual designs in the form of sketches of elevations and cross-sections.

The report aims to identify the best design based on the given criteria and present a comprehensive analysis of both options.

The report focuses on a specific bridge project, providing detailed information on the design, criteria, and evaluation process.

The report highlights the importance of considering various factors like construction costs, traffic impact, and aesthetics when selecting a bridge design.

Clear and informative headings that accurately convey the content of a section, helping readers understand the structure and focus of the report.

The main body of a report that presents the gathered information from research, investigation, or design, organized logically under appropriate headings.

The use of headings that follow a consistent grammatical structure, ensuring uniformity and clarity in the report's organization.

A summary of the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations of a report, concisely presenting the most important information.

A detailed examination of the design features, including construction methods, materials, and other relevant factors.

A method of citing sources used in academic and professional writing, where the author's last name and year of publication are included in the text.

A referencing style commonly used in Electrical Engineering, which follows specific formatting guidelines for citing sources.

A direct quotation from another source, placed within quotation marks and accompanied by the page number.

Provides a detailed list of all sources used in your report, ensuring proper credit and allowing readers to locate the original material.

A section in a report that includes additional material, such as raw data, detailed drawings, or lengthy calculations, that may be too detailed for the main report.

Incorporating information from another source, such as facts, statistics, or images, into your report.