Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, describes the duties of “construction engineers” as follows:
It is interesting to note that this is often the public perception of the engineer – the expert who is expected to know everything, and therefore to be responsible for everything on a construction site. This perception can cause great mischief when the engineer finds himself in litigation. Whether hired as a consultant to another design professional, hired directly by an owner, or as a subcontractor to the GC, the engineer can be attributed with far more responsibility in the courtroom than he was actually paid for on the project. We have seen a geotechnical engineer held responsible for cracks in the walls of a commercial structure, simply because he tested the soil, a structural engineer held responsible for sagging floors, simply because she performed calculations on the size of a single beam, a civil engineer held liable for water intrusion problems in a condominium project because of his site drainage plans and a transportation engineer sued for a traffic fatality simply because she opined on traffic flow patterns.
A primary goal of DPSG is to provide engineers and the attorneys that represent them with a forum for sharing experiences, methods and practices to help avoid litigation when possible, or at least position a dispute to be more favorably resolved. This is more important now than ever, as the type of legal issues facing engineers have increased in breadth and complexity over the last thirty years.
How then does the design professional maintain a professional practice while minimizing exposure in the event of a dispute or reducing costs related to attorney costs, waived fees, free work, and lost time? There is no easy or objective answer to this question. However, through open discussion and the sharing of ideas and experiences with projects that have gone wrong, practices can be developed for guiding actions going forward. This can be done through the careful understanding and negotiation of Contracts, through careful documentation and File Management, avoiding Traps for the Unwary, and keeping abreast of Emerging Trends.
Construction engineers have a lot of responsibilities in their job. Certain tasks have to be completed everyday in order to get the job done correctly. Analyzing reports is a main part of their job description. They must analyze maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical information. Construction engineers also have to use computer software to design hydraulic systems and structures while following construction codes. They have to calculate load and grade requirements, liquid flow rates and material stress points to ensure that the structure can withstand stress. Keeping a safe workplace is key to having a successful construction company. It is the construction engineer's job to make sure that everything is conducted correctly. In addition to safety, the construction engineer has to make sure that the site stays clean and sanitary . Surveying the land before construction begins is also a job of the construction engineer. They have to make sure that there are no impediments in the way of where the structure will be built and if there are any they must move them. They also must estimate costs and keep the project under budget. Construction engineers have to test the soils and materials used for adequate strength. Finally, construction engineers have to provide construction information, including repairs and cost changes, to the managers.
It is interesting to note that this is often the public perception of the engineer – the expert who is expected to know everything, and therefore to be responsible for everything on a construction site. This perception can cause great mischief when the engineer finds himself in litigation. Whether hired as a consultant to another design professional, hired directly by an owner, or as a subcontractor to the GC, the engineer can be attributed with far more responsibility in the courtroom than he was actually paid for on the project. We have seen a geotechnical engineer held responsible for cracks in the walls of a commercial structure, simply because he tested the soil, a structural engineer held responsible for sagging floors, simply because she performed calculations on the size of a single beam, a civil engineer held liable for water intrusion problems in a condominium project because of his site drainage plans and a transportation engineer sued for a traffic fatality simply because she opined on traffic flow patterns.
A primary goal of DPSG is to provide engineers and the attorneys that represent them with a forum for sharing experiences, methods and practices to help avoid litigation when possible, or at least position a dispute to be more favorably resolved. This is more important now than ever, as the type of legal issues facing engineers have increased in breadth and complexity over the last thirty years.
How then does the design professional maintain a professional practice while minimizing exposure in the event of a dispute or reducing costs related to attorney costs, waived fees, free work, and lost time? There is no easy or objective answer to this question. However, through open discussion and the sharing of ideas and experiences with projects that have gone wrong, practices can be developed for guiding actions going forward. This can be done through the careful understanding and negotiation of Contracts, through careful documentation and File Management, avoiding Traps for the Unwary, and keeping abreast of Emerging Trends.
