Five Roles of Engineers in Construction

Construction engineering and management in Hudson, CO tackles the design, planning and building of structures. It applies to residential and commercial structures because even the most basic house requires planning to build it on time and keep it structurally sound. Engineers are a big part of this, and construction engineering management ensures no consideration is overlooked, whether it be soil integrity, drainage or efficiency. Here are five roles construction engineers and their managers perform during projects:

• Big picture planning: Construction engineers use computer software to create plans, design electrical systems and plumbing networks and work with land and regulatory elements. They must do this all within budgets and timeframes established at the beginning of the project. During planning, they may make adjustments that do not necessarily align with a client’s vision, but they are similar and compliant. All of this is discussed thoroughly during planning, with engineers explaining why things must be the way they presented.
• Preconstruction steps: Construction comes with challenges. It can easily go over-budget, and clients may complain when their expectations do not match specifications. Engineers are problem solvers when regulations and conditions demand new plans. They check everything before it starts, including appropriate infrastructure, needed trade workers and labor, local regulations and any required permits. Once the job is underway, they supervise the construction and make sure it all goes to plan.
• Frame and foundation design: Structural engineering is a big part of the construction process. Part of the pre-planning is designing foundations and framing that holds up to the land’s conditions. Building a pole barn on a dusty prairie requires different considerations than the same project built in a heavily-treed area with calmer weather. Also, accessible homes with elevators need a different foundation design than typical multi-story homes with stairs. The foundation must take the load, and elevator shafts must have adequate frame support. Otherwise, you may have a house that comes apart, and places its residents in danger.
• Environmental adjustments: Sometimes, engineers have to think on the fly. If unexpected runoff or groundwater present themselves, that requires plan adjustment. This challenge may include checking local environmental regulations and seeing if there is a process to handle these issues. Environmental engineers specialize in addressing these issues and may need to be involved.
• Construction forensics: Construction engineers also fix problems caused by other engineers or construction companies. If your newly-built custom barn or home starts cracking, buckling or warping, you have a big problem. Reliable builders cover defects under warranty, but it is easier to collect on that if you order a forensic analysis. Engineers find the cause of the defects and write it up in a report. This step verifies the damage occurred through no fault of your own and includes remedial recommendations.

High Plains Engineering & Design, LLC provides structural engineering services in Hudson, CO. If you want effective construction engineering and management for your project, we are the firm for you! Call us today to schedule a consultation and see if we are the construction engineering management team for your construction efforts.

Categorised in: Project Management