Engineering consultants may provide all engineering services, but some specialize in particular engineering fields, such as structural, geotechnical, and environmental engineering.
The need for engineering services is usually determined by the scope of the project and the owner’s capacity.
Consultant engineering services add value to the project and increase its efficiency. Furthermore, it is important that the owner has a good understanding of the types of services that will be offered in order to create a scope of services that is appropriate for the project.
To ensure a successful project, the scope of engineering services should be shared between the owner and contractor. As a result, the following parts go over in depth the various engineering services that consultants may provide.
Services Provided by Engineering Consultants in the Construction
Consultants’ engineering services can be divided into three categories:
- Consultation, investigations and studies
- Design and construction
- Special services
Construction Consultation, Investigations, and Studies Services
Consultants in this group are typically involved in data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as providing findings and recommendations.
The following sections go into the various forms of consultations that can be given and fall into this category:
Investigations and Reports on the Preliminary and Feasibility Stages
These services could include a thorough investigation, a situation report, and a comparison of various project solution options. In addition, include conclusions and recommendations on the feasibility of the project’s execution.
Planning Research
Land development plans, urban plans, regional plans, generating facility master plans, corridor studies, environmental condition exploration, and environmental studies are all part of the job.
To provide adequate consultations, different engineering specialists must collaborate on these various plans and studies.
Participation of the general public
The project’s owner requires consultation in order to present the project’s concept and information to the public, as well as to represent the project’s owner before government agencies.
Environmental effects, risk management, sustainable growth, life cycle costs, operational and capital costs, and financial concerns should all be taken into account when drawing conclusions and making recommendations.
Appraisals, Valuations, and Rate Studies
Studying and assessing existing conditions, evaluating capital and operating costs, overhead expenditures, forecasting incomes for toll facility property growth, and studies to recommend potential application rates are all part of these programs.
Assistance with Money Issues
Although revenue bonds are issued to fund infrastructures, consultants are required to assist the owner. Engineering contractor involvement in bond practicality research, calculating building costs, assessing annual income needs, and possibly other services.
Material Engineering and Equipment Tests
Testing of materials and equipment according to relevant codes, advanced evaluation equipment and materials used in the building, and other inspections and observations requested by the project owner are all included in the materials engineering and equipment tests issued.
Existing Facilities and Structures are inspected and evaluated.
These facilities include assessing the relationship of a structure with its surroundings, such as bridge abutments and the possibility of scouring in a streambed. In addition to material inspection for projects such as bridges, roads, wastewater treatment systems, and other facilities.
Professional Services
Assistance in planning for court hearings, appearances before commissions, and investigations of technical problems are examples of professional services that require advanced engineering expertise, knowledge, and judgment.
Engineering Design and Construction Services
Study and reports, preliminary design, final design, bidding, construction, and operation are the six phases of building design and construction in general. Engineering services are needed in the design and construction phases, as discussed below:
Report and Study
The key tasks to be accomplished during the analysis and report process are establishing the project’s scope and cost, as well as a detailed evaluation of viable alternatives.
Professional engineering services that may be needed during this process include discussing and describing the project’s intent, need, and financial requirements, reviewing available data, and recommending and assisting the owner in obtaining additional data.
Furthermore, to examine government regulations and ensure that the concept meets the requirements of government agencies. Furthermore, compare and analyze various project sites and proposed solutions, as well as provide an economic analysis of those proposed solutions that meet the owner’s requirements.
A report detailing the consultants’ conclusions, various viable solutions, and consultant recommendations should be prepared and provided at the conclusion of this point.
Preliminary Design
The project’s overall size, scope, and location are determined during this process. The consultant’s job entails revising the preliminary report and available data, discussing general scheduling, and deciding with the owner if additional information requested in the previous process is required.
Prepare preliminary design documents such as final design specifications, original drawings, and the whole project study, as well as present the project to the owner and other commissions such as the government authority and produce an initial estimate of the project cost.
Final Design
The preliminary design is improved and completed to the point that construction can be evaluated and performed properly at this level.
Engineering consultants’ key responsibilities include preparing contract plan drawings and specifications, presenting an estimate of construction project costs, and reviewing construction feasibility to identify potential issues during construction.
Furthermore, to assist in the application for regulatory permits from authorities, whether local or federal. Finally, prepare important building contract documents for the owner’s and legal consul’s examination and approval.
Bidding or Negotiation
Engineering service will assist the owner in bidding achievement, collecting and processing deposits for bidding documents, describing, extending, and modifying bidding documents as required, and assisting the owner in specifying qualifications and acceptability of potential contractor, subcontractor, material testing, and equipment providers.
Finally, if the contract agreement allows it, recommend alternate products and testing facilities suggested by prospective contractors, and assist the owner in reviewing proposals.
Construction Phase of the Project
In this process, the consultant’s role is to serve as the project owner’s representative and conduct a baseline survey prior to construction, update erection and falsework drawings submitted by the contractor for compliance with the drawings and specifications, and review laboratory and test reports on materials and equipment.
Furthermore, visit the construction site on a regular basis as agreed to track both the progress and quality of the work being done, and provide construction management services to ensure that the work is being done in compliance with the drawings and specifications.
Besides that, describe and clarify contract documents, provide advice on work acceptability, generate contract variance orders, perform detailed inspection and testing, provide field issue resolution instructions, and determine progress payment based on completed work.
Finally, track the project’s performance tests and initial execution, conduct a final inspection and produce a report on the project’s completion, and make a decision on whether or not the final product should be accepted.
The Completed Project’s Operation Phase
Consultants may be hired to write a manual for the structure’s operation and maintenance, identify structural flaws, and make recommendations for how to fix the problem. Perform an inspection until the structure’s warranty period expires, and then train the owner’s workers.
