Question 1

My experience and education background allows to have a good understanding of civil engineering
projects generally. In fact over the years, i have worked on a wide variety of projects ranging from
building design, surveys of building and civil engineering structures, preparing environmental
management projects. In my current position, an example of the workload for a typical week will be as
follows:

My workload generally include a variety of assignment including liaising with project stakeholders,
preparing risk assessment for construction projects, carrying out calculations or engineering assessment
for the implementation of building projects. Below is a typical week assignment

(1) Design of structural elements for the support of new DRUP on the roof top. Assessement of existing
floor and beam to ensure that their structural capacity is not exceeded.

(2) Attending meetings with design team including the client to discuss about progress of project and
agreeing on important issues.

(3) AutoCAd drawing of a layout and sections for the support structure of DRUP on the roof top.

(4) Carry out a generic assessment for a project which is at pre-construction stage.

(5) Checking calculations, drawings and specifications submitted by a sub contractor for a new gantry and
its foundation in an existing car park in accordance with the Highway code.

(6) Carry out structural condition survey of 3 schools. Check for any defects such as cracks, water leakage
and subsidence. Report writing highlighting the defects and giving recommendations to the type of
repairs to be carried out or long term monitoring of cracks.

To meet the deadlines, after discussion with my line manager, i prepare a task list with deadlines assigned
to each task including expected time to be spent.

Question 2

Prior to embarking projects, normally a feasibility study is carried out to identify viable solutions. The
type of study depends on the type of issues being examined. Through the study, the practicality, cost
effectiveness and time implication of the proposals are carefully assessed. During my career, I have come
across many situations where assessment of proposal had to be done ranging from engineering ideas to
policy implementations. Normally, after receiving the project brief, i prepare a work plan consisting of the
different options and methodology to be adopted during the feasibility study. Following discussion with
my manager or senior member, some options are rejected and more in depth study is made for chosen
solutions. Following acceptance based on practicality (including engineering viability) reasons, cost and
policy assessments are made together with my seniors.

One recent example whereby i had to prepare a feasibility study was for a project during which the client
was requesting the faddition of a new mezzanine floor on an existing floor. The existing live load is less
that the new proposed live load. Following a meeting with the team, i was requested to make an
assesment concerning the engineering viability of the proposal

2 options were considered, namely:

(1) Timber framing with timber infil

(2) steel frame for the new light weight floor

The design of beams and columns for the new floor were carried for each option. Based on the sizes,

the additional load from the new mezzanine floor coming onto the existing floor , beams and columns
was determined.

The steel option was chosen as it is a better option in terms of fire protection and also for the easiness of
implementation. The cost aspect was assessed by the team.

Question 3

Supervising works during execution has been an integral part of my duty as an Engineer.

In fact normally, my workload was divided between design in the office and site supervision.

During construction I would attend site to check compliance with the project drawings and specification.
These include:

(a) Setting out of columns

(b) Checking the orientation

(c) spacing of column and reinforcement at foundation level.

(d) Before casting a floor slab I had to check that all the support elements such as beams and columns are
in place and as per the latest construction drawings issued and also to ensure that any changes made of
on drawing is reflected on site.I also have to check that the scaffolding are adequate. Casting of concrete
only take place after approval is given by the supervision engineer. In cases where all the health and
safety procedures are not in place I would advise and instruct the contractor to carry out corrective
actions such as placing of guard rails near slab edges .

Before the construction of a private road in a new development I had to check that the sub base is in
accordance to the specification. Checking the result for the compaction tests.

Checking that the kerbs , gully drains and manholes are laid as per the construction drawings.

Question 4

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to use information technology when accomplishing tasks. I am
conversant with a variety of software including
(a) Using standard microsoft programme including words, excel, powerpoint to prepare reports and
presentations.

(b) Use of Auto CAD drawing to draw structural layout and sections.

(c) Use of the following programs to carry out structural analysis and design of structural elements:

(d) SCALE

(e) TEDDS for engineering calculations.

Question 5

Completed B Eng Hons in Civil Engineering in 1998. Since then I have worked as a Civil/Structural Engineer
in Mauritius, London and Abu Dhabi. I have also completed NEBOSH certificate in Health and Safety in the
construction industry.

Question 6

Over the years, I have worked as engineer in various disciplines including building structures,
environmental assessment and civil engineering structures. I have a good understanding of the
engineering behaviour of structures and components. This knowledge will indeed help me to contribute
to the works of the department.

Question 7

When working for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham I had to carry out survey of council
owned properties to identify the causes of defects to the property. Before staring the survey, we had to
introduce ourselves to the tenant and explain the purpose of our visit. After carrying out the survey we
would have to relate back to the tenants about our findings in simple terms and if further investigations
such as drainage surveys would be the next step and also that we will send our recommendations in the
form of a report to the Housing Department. They will then recommend repairs to the property based on
the findings from our report.

Question 8

Over the years, i have worked in different type of organisations and sectors. In all situations, compliance
to relevant statutory requirements and guidelines was mandatory. Below are examples where during my
working experience, i had to comply with guidance:

When carrying out design of new structures we have to use the Euro Codes .

When checking existing structures which were built in the 1980’s we have to use the British Standards.

When carrying out a generic assessment or checking the risk assessment from the contractor I have to
refer to the Health and Safety Laws and Regulations such as the Working at Height and Lone Working etc.
When checking the drawings, calculations and specifications for civil works submission such as new
foundation for a gantry , kerb design and tarmac reinstatement we have to refer to the Highway Code of
Practice.

When dealing with procurement material, an awareness of the procurement and contract regulation is
required.