10 Important Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer in Home Construction
Civil Engineers touch every aspect of modern society. From designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure, civil engineers have innovated modern life as we know it. Civil engineers have increased our health and quality of life through developing advanced utility, waste management, agricultural, transportation systems, and so much more.
Although civil engineers are mostly involved in public works and mega structures, the smallest residential and commercial projects still need their services to be successful. Civil engineers are needed to for a variety of tasks including assessing the structural integrity of each project to making sure that the sanitation system works.
Here are the 10 important functions of a civil engineer across all stages of home construction:
1. Site Development
Civil site engineering includes survey, land planning, and site development services for residential and commercial projects. A critical service of the civil engineer is to provide site/subdivision plans. The subdivision plan assesses the core elements of the site. These plan detail infrastructure requirements, roadway design, lot layout, easement dedication, grading, and variances for the construction project.
2. Site Grading
Successful grading and earthwork projects also require the expertise of a civil engineer. Site grading is the process of adjusting the slope and elevation of the soil around a building. Also known as “earthworks”, site grading involves moving and processing of large quantities of soil or unformed rock. Before renovation or construction, site grading might be performed to even out the surface and provide a solid, stable foundation.
For existing buildings, grading may be required to improve drainage and create the desired appearance for landscaping features. A residential civil engineer can offer a spectrum of services that prepare your site for construction.
These include:
• Erosion And Sediment Control
• Floodway Construction
• Handling Of Grading And Erosion Control Permits
3. Retaining Walls and Landscape Plans
Many local agencies have specific requirements when it comes to retaining walls and landscaping.
Some requirements might include the height of a retaining wall or the approved placement of landscaping plants and trees. Civil engineers can provide their knowledge to homeowners to ensure they are following standards and not in violation of any codes or regulations. This is very important as the would-be homeowner does not want to incur fines that could have been avoided by undertaking the expertise of a professional.
4. Structural Design and Analysis
By definition civil engineers design structures to be safe for their users and secure enough to withstand loading conditions and natural hazards. This is increasingly important in the wake of more frequent natural disasters and adverse weather conditions becoming more commonplace.
Design considerations include strength and stability of the structure when subjected to loads which may be static, such as furniture or self-weight. The engineer must also consider dynamic loads such as wind, seismic, crowd or vehicle loads. Keep in mind that these technical requirements must be counterbalanced with practical considerations include such as cost, constructibility, safety, aesthetics and sustainability.
5. Building Code and Zoning Research
Since civil engineers continually work on various projects in multiple jurisdictions, they must be knowledgeable of building codes and zoning ordinances. They must be able to provide homeowners detailed information in order to keep the project in compliance and ensure the proper procedures are being followed by all tradespersons.
6. Drainage and Sewer Plans
Civil engineers are responsible for designing a functioning sanitary sewer system that ensures buildings stay toxin-free while providing adequate and eco-friendly wastewater management. Each development requires the engineer to undergo serious planning and forethought to maximize draining and runoff efficiency.
7. Septic Tank Design
Septic tanks are the underground, onsite, small-scale sewage treatment setups that collect sewage and use bacterial action to decompose the waste. Designing a proper septic tank that meets the relevant zone and code requirements is a vital part of constructing a property that cannot access the local sewer system. A civil engineer can examine the lay of the land and oversee soil testingto establish the best area to construct the septic system.
8. Plotting and Permits
A critical function of an engineer in construction planning is to plot property improvements, easements, and utility locations. A civil engineer can provide these along with construction staking and analysis.
When it comes to permits, homeowners are often overwhelmed with the forms and navigating the requirements. Civil engineers familiar with local building governance can provide assistance with the process. They can also represent the homeowner at building council meetings. The engineer can provide insight and technical assessment to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of the project.
Any homeowner planning a home improvement project should consider hiring an engineer to assess their project before they start. An engineer’s expertise and guidance can save a homeowner time and money in the long run.
Be sure to check with your local building council before starting a project. While codes vary in every location, civil engineers may assist homeowners with the permit processing on these types of construction projects:
- New construction
- New door or window openings
- Moving interior walls
- Patios, patio enclosures, and decks
- Pools or spas
- Reroofing and reframing
- Carports and storage sheds
- Room additions
- Adding or altering electrical or plumbing
9. Inspections and Assessments
Oftentimes a home will require a structural inspection or assessment. Engineers provide certified inspections and assessments. The reports they provide and associated recommendations can be used by the homeowner.
10. Project Oversight
Ultimately, the success and failure of erecting a structure rest on the shoulders of the civil engineer. That is why, when it comes to managing the construction site, the civil engineer is in-charge without whose approval no work should be done. The civil engineer has this authority because they have the technical knowledge and responsibility to perform the actual construction work.
The site engineer’s roles and responsibilities at the construction site
- Interpreting Architectural Designs
- Preparing The Bar Bending Schedule
- Assigning Work To Construction Labor
- Supervising Construction Work
- Preparing Material Inventory and Schedule
- Plotting Line – Level on Construction Site
- Preparing Work Schedule and Progress Charts
- Quality Checking Steel Work of Slabs, Beams, & Columns Before Concreting
- Arranging Equipment Before Concreting Work Starts
- Supervision Of The Concrete Curing Process
- Keeping Note of Each and Every Casting Work
Sources:
Opportunity Desk: The Role Of Civil Engineers In Society
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