Experienced Engineers
The best design engineers recognize the hurtles faced by the contractor. Their knowledge is a product of years of “boots-on-the-ground” experience, often while employed by a contractor. They have a unique ability to:
- Understand the tools and trades required for the design
- Include provisions for field changes with limited re-work
- Maximize off-site (shop) fabrication
- Recognize opportunities for cost savings through smart-sequencing
Firms are challenged to develop these skills within new engineers and ensure a uniform product among staff. To assist engineers, XCEED uses a checklist for construction feasibility to verify that the final design is acceptable. The checklist is updated to ensure lessons-learned from project are available to all staff. Some considerations regarding the installer are listed below:
Preventing Costly Construction Delays
Delays to field construction is costly. Engineers need to consider the contractor in their designs, and should consider:
- Tool Clearances: Hands, Drills, Wrenches, Ratchets, Bolts, all require space, consider:
- Headroom available for drill and bolts
- Clearances for wrenches, ratchets and sockets
- Installer’s fingers can reach connection points
- Ready-Ready Walkdown: Have field conditions changed since project kickoff?
- Pipes and conduits block connection points
- Existing structure fabricated in accordance with reference drawings
- Field Adjustment: Are there provisions for field adjustment, such as:
- Field Drilled Holes
- Large Baseplates
- Flexible Conduit & Pipe Connections
