Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
grouping of specialist architectural, structural, mechanical and civil/
geotechnical companies, which have joined together speci
cally to win
and work on the project. The JV will need well-organised internal
management to ensure that roles, responsibilities and payments are
all clear and adhered to. The price paid by the owner may be a
xed
lump sum on a time charge basis (usually with different rates quoted
for engineers of different seniority and expertise within the consultant
organisation) or on a time charge with an agreed ceiling estimate. The
roles of architect and engineer are legal entities with responsibilities
often de
ned by building regulations within the country where the
project is to be constructed. An individual within the company respon-
sible for design may be named as an approved person, architect
or structural engineer and may be required to sign drawings and
formal submissions to government or other checking organisations.
The engineer (and architect) plans the works, speci
es investigations
and designs the structure. The design is usually presented as a series of
drawings, including plans and cross sections (elevations) to scale, with
details of what the contractor is to construct and where. This will
normally include an overall site plan showing, for example, the loca-
tion of all foundation works
-
piles, pads or other features. Drawings
are accompanied by speci
cations for how the construction is to be
carried out
for example, the strength of concrete to be used and any
restrictions such as prohibition on blasting because of proximity to
buildings. This will later be supplemented by method statements
(which set out how the contractor will carry out parts of the work)
and programmes (dates for completion of the various activities making
up the works) submitted by the contractor commissioned to construct
the works (see below) to the designer for his approval.
Within the consulting engineers a project director and project man-
ager will usually be appointed to see the project through to successful
completion. The measures of success are not only delivery of the project
to the satisfaction of the owner but also to make a pro
-
t for the design
company and to meet internal requirements of the company, which
include staff development and training. The price quoted to the owner
when bidding to do the works is usually based on the estimated staff cost
to produce the design and then adding a margin, which might be 100 to
200%. This margin would cover overheads such as of
ce support and
infrastructure, general company costs plus actual pro
t for the share-
holders in the company. Whereas the mark-up on staff costs might
seem high, actual pro
t margins for most UK design consultants, once
all costs are taken into account, are often less than 10%.
The engineer is in a very responsible position, as he will plan any site
investigation, seek tenders from contractors to carry out all tasks and
