The Practice of Civil Engineering

General
Quality is defined as meeting both the client's and employer's expectations as well as
the project's needs. It cannot be accomplished solely by effort at the start or finish of a
project. Throughout all phases of an engineering project, these efforts must be
conscious, constant, and consistent. Quality is determined by the degree of satisfaction
of all parties involved and is the product of a collaborative effort. This document is
dedicated to improving both the comprehension and the quality of Civil Engineering
practice. The production of this manual assumes that Civil Engineering services are
provided in a way that meets the profession's standard of care.
Professional Responsibility
Studying, conceiving, designing, observing, constructing, and assisting in the
programming for operating and maintaining engineering works are all responsibilities of
the Civil Engineer. As a trustee, the civil engineer has responsibilities to both the public
interest and the private interests of their customers.
Client-Civil Engineer Relationships
Civil Engineers working for governmental agencies or industry are responsible for the
conception, planning, and construction of many engineering projects. This manual's
main goals are to define and explain proper interactions between civil engineers and
their public and private clients. New concepts, like as program management and
design-build, have recently been used by clients.
Obligations of the Civil Engineer
The obligations of the Civil Engineer include:
 The Civil Engineer shall perform Scope of the Services as stated in SECTION 2.
 The Civil Engineer shall exercise reasonable sill, care, and diligence in the
performance of his obligations.
 The Civil Engineer shall act independent and, as required by the contract,
perform with the necessary skills and professional judgement, when required to
certify, decide, or exercise discretion between the Client and a Third party with
whom the Client has a contract.
 The Civil Engineer is authorized to act as the Client’s faithful agent when
required but only as implied in SECTION 2 or implied in the contract adopted for
the Project.
 When aware of any matters which may will change or has changed the scope of
the services, the Civil Engineers shall give written notice to the Client containing
particulars of the change.
  For Specified Staged Services, the Civil Engineer shall not initiate or proceed
with any subsequent stage of the Services without the approval of the Client.
 When required, the Civil Engineer shall direct and co-operate with all other
professionals and integrate their work where applicable into that being
undertaken by the Civil Engineer and other professionals but shall not be
professionally liable to their work.
 The Civil Engineer may recommend specialist suppliers and/or contractors to
design and execute certain parts of the Works, in which case the Civil Engineer
shall coordinate the design of such parts or parts with the overall design of the
works, but he shall be relieved of all responsibility for the design, manufacture,
installation and performance of any such part or parts of the Works. The Civil
Engineer shall not be liable for acts of negligence, default or omission by such
person or persons.
 The Civil Engineer shall notify the Client of any interest the Civil Engineer has
which may significantly conflict with the interest of the Client under their contract.
Obligations of the Client
The client has the following obligations:
 The Client shall pay the Civil Engineer for his Services, the amount of fees and
expenses set out in or determined in their Agreement.
 The Client shall provide the Civil Engineer within reasonable time, all information
required by the Civil Engineer in the performance of his services and a decision
in writing on matters properly referred to the Client in writing.
 The Client shall cooperate with the Civil Engineer and shall not interfere with or
obstruct the proper performance of the Services.
 The Client shall, as soon as possible as practicable, decide to enable the Civil
Engineer to enter the site and inspect facilities needed in the performance of his
services.
 The Client shall arrange for the provision of services from other professionals or
others as may be required and bear all costs.
 When the Civil Engineer is required to administer the work of other professionals
or other third parties who are directly contracted by the Client or when the Civil
Engineer is required to act as Engineer-to-the-Contract for any contract on behalf
of the Client then all instructions by the Client shall be given through the Civil
Engineer.
 When aware of any matter which will change or has changed the Scope of the
Civil Engineer’s Services, the Client shall notify in writing within 7 days the Civil
Engineer containing, as far as is practicable, the particulars of the change.
Liability of the Civil Engineer and the Client
The Civil Engineer's contract with the Client is subject to arbitration. The Civil Engineer
may only be held accountable for damages if the Client is shown to have breached his
or her duty. Any misunderstanding arising out of the Agreement will be resolved by
arbitration.
 Limitation or Civil Engineer’s Responsibility
1. The Civil Engineer has no responsibility or liability for any costs, losses, or
damages of any kind resulting from errors or omissions in data, documents,
plans, design, or specifications not generated by him or any persons under
his direct control.
2. This publication makes no representations or warranties about any
consultant, contractor, supplier, or other third party's suitability, competency,
or performance. The Civil Engineer cannot be held liable for any implied
warranty or promise as to the fitness or competency of any such third party.
3. The Civil Engineer is not responsible for any Contractor's or other third party's
techniques, methods, programs, sequences, or procedures used to complete
any aspect of the Project, nor for their timely completion, failure to complete
the work in accordance with any contract documents, or other acts or
omissions.
 Damages
1. The amount of damages awarded is restricted to the amount of reasonably
foreseeable loss and damage incurred as a direct result of the violation.
2. The maximum amount of damages payable in respect of liability is restricted
to the amount indicated in the Specific Provision, whether under the law,
contract, or otherwise. If no such sum or provision is provided, the maximum
damages for breach of duty are P300,000 or 10% of the total amount.
3. Damages paid to a third party if a party is found accountable for conduct or
omissions that contributed to the loss or damage of property, equipment, or
other products or services may be limited to £20,000. The number of
damages due by the party held accountable is limited to the proportion of
damages attributable to the breach of duty by that party.
 Suspension or Termination of Services
If circumstances happen that are beyond the Civil Engineer's control and render
it difficult or impossible for the Civil Engineer to provide the Services in whole or
in part in accordance with their Agreement, the Civil Engineer should promptly
notify the Client. If certain services have been suspended due to the
circumstances, the time for their completion will be extended by the length of the
delay plus a reasonable period for their resumption, or if the speed with which
certain Services are performed must be reduced, the time for completion will be
extended as necessary due to the circumstances.
 The Civil Engineer may terminate the Agreement or, without prejudice to his or
her right to terminate, suspend the execution of the whole or part of the Services
under the following conditions by giving written notice of no less than 30 days.
1. When 30 days after the due date or payment of any account the Civil
Engineer has not received payment of that part of it which has not by
that time been contested in writing.
2. When Services have been suspended for a period exceeding 6
calendar months, or if it is clear to the Civil Engineer that it will be
impossible or impractical to resume the suspended Services before the
period of suspension has exceeded six months.
The contractor will be paid for the services provided, including any additional
costs, charges, or interruption fees. The Agreement will not impact or prejudice
the parties' accrued rights, claims, or liabilities. The Agreement's suspension or
termination is subject to the normal course of business.
 Settlement of Disputes
If one party has a disagreement, that party must notify the other party in writing of
the details of the disagreement and seek that the disagreement be resolved
through conciliation. If the disagreement cannot be settled through conciliation
between the parties within the time limit, the subject will be brought to arbitration.
 Ownership of Data, Design and Documents
The Professional Engineer's design analyses, drawings, specifications, and
reproductions are instruments of service that may only be used for the specific
project covered by the agreement between the Client and Engineer.
Civil Engineering Services
Civil engineers and civil engineering firms, whether they work for the government or
private sector, can provide several critical services, as outlined in Section 2.
 Design, consultations, and advice.
 Feasibility studies
 Field investigations and engineering data collection
 Environmental assessments, impact statements or Engineering reports
 Opinions of probable construction cost
 Preliminary and final designs, drawings, specifications, and construction
bidding documents
 Assistance in securing construction bids and in awarding contracts
 Construction administration and observation
 Arrangements for or performance of testing of materials and equipment
 Assistance in start-up, assessment of capacity, and operations of facilities
 Preparation of operation and maintenance manuals
 Appraisals and rate studies
 Value engineering
  Expert testimony
 Assessment of risks
 Structural remediation or rehabilitation
 Project Management and controls
 Provision of supplemental temporary staff
 Teaching
Civil engineers can also work as project managers or program managers, as well as
hire subconsultants and subcontractors. Many civil engineers and civil engineering
businesses focus on specific engineering disciplines. Economists, planners, designers,
estimators, architects, technical analysts, drafters, field representatives, and other
professionals work together in professional civil engineering businesses. Civil
engineering services must be delivered competently and efficiently, with a high level of
professionalism and ethics, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. The
client must frequently accept the produced project's fitness for the intended function at
face value. Financial, environmental, regulatory, technical, and management issues
have all played a role in project implementation. Clients have chosen from a variety of
implementation options. The client hires a program manager to execute specialized
activities related to the development or construction of a certain project, which is known
as program management.
Specialization In Civil Engineering
A certificate of specialization is issued to a Civil Engineer who has proved his
knowledge, experience, education, and training in compliance with the requirements of
the PICE's concerned Specialty Committee. Specializations in structural engineering,
geotechnical engineering, water engineering, transportation engineering, construction
management, and engineering are recognized by the PICE.
Selection of a Civil Engineer
One of the most crucial decisions to be taken is whether to hire a Civil Engineer. The
Civil Engineer's experience, organization, competence, honesty, and judgment all play a
role in his or her success. The total cost of engineering services is typically between 1-2
percent of the total cost of most construction projects. A Civil Engineer who can support
the project from conception through design, construction, and project start-up.
Qualifications, experience, reputation, and client service are of critical importance.
Selection based primarily on cost of services, with limited consideration of competence
or expertise is somewhat subjective. A Civil Engineer who can support the project from
conception through design, construction, and project start-up. Qualifications,
experience, reputation, and client service are of critical importance. Selection based
primarily on cost of services, with limited consideration of competence or expertise is
somewhat subjective. Before negotiating a charge for services, the engineer and the
client must have a thorough dialogue. The likelihood of misunderstandings or confusion
is considerably reduced when the scope of services is clearly specified. Procedures like
those outlined in CIAP Documents 101 and 102 are supported by the Philippines
Institute of Civil Engineers.
PRME Professional Practice
Civil engineers act as clients both directly and indirectly through a subcontractor. On a
design-build, construction management, or turnkey project, services may be provided by
another firm. When the Civil Engineer serves the client indirectly through another
engineer or architect, some of the material in this manual is also applicable.
Employment
Civil Engineers employed by professional consulting firms, government agencies,
educational institutions, construction firms, manufacturing and commercial businesses,
and other entities are also covered by the guidelines in this manual.
Design Competition
Competition is a process through which a Civil Engineer is selected above other
competitors. Engineers are selected based on proposal or innovative approach to
solving a client's needs. Competing firms are normally shortlisted from a number or
engineers responding to a client’s solicitation.
Contingency Basis of Employment
Engineers may solicit, offer, or accept professional commissions on a contingency
basis, according to Canon 5c of the PICE Code of Ethics. According to PICE, providing
professional services on a 'contingency' basis is not in the best interests of the customer
or the public.
Professional Practice of Foreign Civil Engineers
Foreign civil engineers are permitted to perform civil engineering in the Philippines
under the following circumstances.
1. The laws of the foreigner's state or nation permit Filipino citizens to perform civil
engineering on the same terms and with the same rights as the subjects or
citizens of that foreign state or country.
2. Permitted under international treaty.
3. Consultants to work on government initiatives with foreign funding, joint ventures,
or foreign assistance.
4. Employees of Philippine or international private institutions who are required by
law to do so.
5. Former Filipino nationals who, before naturalization as foreign citizens, were
registered and awarded a certificate of registration and a professional
identification card, and who wish to perform their profession while in the country
on a visit, stay, or permanent residence.
The law's application, on the other hand, is not automatic. The Professional Regulation
Commission still requires foreign civil engineers to get a certificate of registration/license
or a special authorization. Agencies, organizations, or individuals who hire a foreign
Civil Engineer, whether public or private, are required by legislation to obtain a special
permit from the PRC and the Department of Labor and Employment in accordance with
their respective laws.
 Classification of Engineering Services
General
Many civil engineering firms offer their clients a full range of services. Some companies
specialize in geotechnical or structural engineering, as well as transportation, water, and
construction management. Only a few civil engineers are qualified to handle all types of
projects. It is usual to use associate experts to provide specialized services.
Five broad categories of services offered by Civil Engineers:
 Consultations, research, investigations, and reports.
 Design services for construction projects
 Construction services
 Special services for construction projects
 Engineering support services
 Academic services
 Services as Employee
According to RA 544, as amended, the sort of infrastructure that falls under the realm of
civil engineering
 Stress, bridges, highways, and railroads.
 Airports and hangars
 Port works, canals, river and shore improvements, light houses and dry docks
 Buildings
 Fixed structure for irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply and
sewerage works
 Tunnel
Consultations, Research, Investigations and Reports
These services typically focus on data collection, interpretation, and reporting, as well
as drawing conclusions and offering suggestions. The following are examples of typical
services in this category:
 Preliminary and Feasibility Investigations and Reports
The pre-authorization procedure for significant projects includes extensive
studies, evaluations of conditions, and comparisons of alternative designs. The
environmental impact of a project, as well as the project's life-cycle cost, are both
examined in these studies.
 Planning Studies
Developing engineering needs for master plans and other long-term capital
improvement programs, as well as preliminary engineering of land development
plans, urban plans, and regional plans, are examples of engineering services.
 Such planning frequently necessitates the collaboration of numerous engineering
and other professions.
 Appraisals, Valuations and Rate Studies
Investigations and analyses of existing problems; capital and operational
expenditures; overhead costs and finance; and revenues as needed to appraise
a property or recommend prospective rates are examples of these services.
 Assistance in Financial Matters
The scope of services could include a review of existing or new facilities'
capabilities to satisfy current and expected future needs. Estimates of likely
construction costs, as well as an estimate of annual revenue requirements and
the calculation of acceptable rates to generate revenue.
 Materials Engineering and Equipment Test
The National Standards Institute inspects, and monitors materials and equipment
used in construction and industry on behalf of its clients.
 Direct Personal Expenses
This includes things like assisting with legal procedures preparation.
Appearances before courts or commissions to provide expert judgments and
findings, as well as technical investigations requiring specialist civil engineering
knowledge, expertise, and judgment.
 Research and Development
Research is a specialized inquiry and collection of data from existing resources
or through laboratory operations and processes that are relevant to the
research's objective and object. The following are examples of research and
development:
a. From concept to commercialization, the development of novel building
materials and processes
b. Extensive studies to improve construction materials and procedures to
minimize total construction costs while also improving quality.
 Special Services
These services can vary to suit special need of the client and can include such
diverse activities as:
 Value engineering
 Appraisal and valuation
 Load testing
 Environmental evaluations
 Traffic engineering
 Forensic engineering for structural and other failures
 Operational assistance
 Materials process design
 Pilots’ studies
 Computer modeling
 Safety engineering
  Topographic, sounding and boundary survey engineering
 Toxic and hazardous waste evaluation
 Permit and application services
 Sales and marketing services
 Expert witness
 Representation of municipal or private entities in projects proposed for
privatization
Design Services for Construction Progress
Each of the six basic phases of a construction project necessitates the use of civil
engineering services. For consistency and efficiency, all services should be provided by
the same Civil Engineer. Special services may be given by the client, a specialized
engineer, or another Civil Engineer to enhance the services.
The sic standard phases of a construction project and the engineering services needed
for each are:
 Study and Report Phase-Analysis of the client's requirements, conceptual
design, and estimates of likely construction costs.
 Preliminary Design Phase- Preparation of final design criteria, preliminary
drawings, outline specifications, and preliminary construction cost
estimates.
 Design calculations, construction drawings, specifications, estimated
construction cost, and other contract documents are prepared during the
final design phase.
 Construction or Negotiation Phase- Assisting the customer with the
bidding or negotiating process for the project's construction. 
 Consultation and advice on problems relating to his service during the
construction phase. 
 Project Start-Up and Operation Phase-Assistance to the customer in the
start-up and operation of the project, including periodic inspections.
 Study and Report Phase
This phase entails determining the project's scope as well as a cost-benefit
analysis of viable options. This phase may contain the following services:
 Examining the available data and talking with the customer to clarify and
outline the project's needs.
 Educating the client on the importance of supplying or receiving extra data
or services. Photogrammetry, topographic surveys, geotechnical
investigations and consultancies, seismicity studies, hydrological data,
and other limiting land use information are examples of extra services.
 Identifying and analyzing the requirements of governmental agencies with
control over the project's design, as well as participating in negotiations
with them.
  Providing requirements analysis, planning surveys, and comparative
evaluations of potential sites and solutions for clients.
 Providing a broad economic examination of the client's needs in relation to
numerous options.
 Creating a report and presenting the client with different alternatives
based on the Civil Engineer's findings and recommendations. The report
may include schematic layouts, sketches, conceptual design criteria, and
other exhibits to clearly show the factors involved, as well as the Civil
Engineer's conceptional estimate of the project's likely costs.
 Preliminary Design Phase
This step includes determining the project's overall size and scope, as well as its
location on the chosen site. Preliminary design services may include the
following:
 Conferences with authorizing and regulatory governmental authorities, as
well as applicable utilities, may be required.
 Advising the customer on whether more data or services of the sort
indicated above are required and aiding the client in getting such data and
services.
 Creating updated estimates of the project's final expenses.
 Providing status reports on a regular basis.
 Final Design Phase
After the client has approved the preliminary design phase material, this phase of
project development is normally started. The following are examples of
fundamental services for the final design phase:
 Preparing construction drawings and specifications based on the
approved preliminary design papers to show the project's character and
scope.
 Preparing and presenting to the client a revised estimate of total project
costs based on final drawings and specifications.
 Providing essential engineering data and assistance in the submission of
regulatory permissions to local or national authorities. This differs from
and excludes full applications and accompanying papers for government
grants-in-aid or planning awards, which would be provided as extra
services as indicated later in this section.
 Preparing basic paperwork linked to building contracts for the client's
evaluation and approval. Contract agreement forms, general and
supplemental conditions, invitations to bid, bidder instructions, insurance
and bonding requirements, and other contract-related documents may be
included.
 Providing a certain number of copies of drawings, specifications, and other
contract papers to the client.
 Periodic static reports are provided.
 Negotiating Phase
This phase includes services such as:
 Assisting the client in advertising for and securing bids or negotiating
proposals for each single prime construction contract, keeping track of
prospective bidders to whom bidding papers have been provided,
attending pre-bid conferences, and receiving and processing bid deposit.
 Whenever necessary, issuing addenda to interpret, clarify, enlarge, or
amend the bidding documents.
 Assisting the client in evaluating the qualifications and acceptability of
potential contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers.
  Consulting with and advising the customer on the suitability of alternative
materials and equipment supplied by prospective constructors when the
bidding documents allow substitution prior to contract award.
 Attending the bid opening, compiling bid tabulation sheets, and assisting
the customer in analyzing bids or proposals, as well as assembling and
awarding construction, materials, equipment, and services contracts.
 Construction Phase
This phase includes services such as consulting with and advising the customer
during building, as well as those related with serving as the client's agent. Most
civil engineers are unwilling to take on the obligations of construction phase
services without the presence of a permanent project representative on site. The
following services may be provided during the construction phase:
 Evaluating the constructors' shop and erection drawings for compliance
with design ideas.
 Reviewing material and equipment test results from laboratories, shops,
and mills.
 Monitoring and reporting on the progress and quality of the completed
work at the project site at regular intervals as construction progresses.
 Providing a full-time resident project representative and supporting staff as
needed during construction to ensure that the project is completed in
accordance with the construction plans, specifications, and other contract
documents.
 Giving instructions to contractors from the client, providing necessary
interpretations and clarifications of contract provisions, generating change
orders, requesting special inspections, and testing of the work, and
making comments about the work's acceptance.
 Making recommendations to the client about corrective actions or
contractual measures that the owner may take.
 Illustrations are needed to answer problems that arise because of the
actual field conditions observed.
  Estimating the amount of progress payments due based on the degree of
work accomplished and recommending that the customer provide such
payments.
 Monitoring and assisting with performance tests and the project's initial
functioning.
 Developing record drawings based on the contractor's information.
 Making a final inspection and reporting on the project's completion,
including recommendations on final payments to contractors and the
release of retained percentages.
 Operation Phase
As a fundamental service, a civil engineer may assist in the start-up of project
operations. A manual for both operating and maintenance requirements may be
commissioned from the Civil Engineer. He or she may also assist with equipment
adjustments and balance.
Construction Services
After obtaining a contractor's license, a registered civil engineer may engage in
construction contracting. It is immoral for a civil engineer to allow his license to be used
by anyone other than his own building company. When a Civil Engineer is hired, he or
she must follow the profession's code of ethics.
Special Services for Construction Projects
Investigations, reports, and activities outside the scope of the basic services may be
provided during the study, design, building, and operation phases of a project.
Professional engineers and other professionals may be involved in the study,
compilation of engineering data, and acquisition of property.
Special services that the Civil Engineer may perform or negotiate with other firms or
sub-consultants on behalf of the customer can include the following:
 Geotechnical Engineering, which includes test borings, sampling, and
analysis, as well as recommendations.
 Detailed research, testing, and process evaluations to develop design
criteria or show compliance.
 Land surveys, delineation of boundaries and monuments, creation of
easement descriptions, and related computations and drawings.
 Topographic and engineering surveys for design and construction.
 Equipment and materials are inspected at the mill, shop, or laboratory.
 Beyond the quantity indicated in the Basic Services agreement, additional
copies of reports, construction drawings, specifications, and other
documents are necessary for bidding and construction.
 Extra travel and subsistence expenses as specified in the engineering
services agreement.
  Value engineering reviewing the work of other engineers, either within the
same organization or in other firms to assess whether a suggested
solution is optimal and, if not, to provide a better method for achieving the
project's functional and financial criteria.
 Modify to reflect modifications requested by the client or needed by the
client's acceptance of the contractor's suggested substitutes.
 Helping the client as an expert witness in project-related litigation or
hearings before approval and regulatory agencies.
 Final investigations involving detailed consideration of operation,
maintenance, and overhead expenses, preparation of final rate schedules
and earning and expense statements. Appraisals, valuations, and material
audits or inventories required for certification of force account construction
performed by the client or for extra work done by the contractor.
 Preparation of detailed grant or advance applications and accompanying
paperwork for public works projects.
 Subdivision plan plotting, computation, and filing, as well as lot staking
and other land planning and partitioning activities.
 Development of environmental assessments and impact statements, as
well as other public hearing support for the client.
 Further research and design efforts to address unique situations observed
during construction.
 Helping the customer with the selection and engagement of architects,
other engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as the inspection
and approval of their services or work; contacting governmental bodies to
obtain permissions and paperwork; and other project development
services.
 Examination of a completed project's capacity, maintainability, operability,
or dependability in relation to its design aim.
 Simulation and modeling on a computer.
Engineering Support and Services
Services such as soil and rock borings are typically required in geotechnical
engineering. The acquisition of suitable data frequently necessitates the use of
professional Civil Engineering judgment and assistance. Because the accuracy and
usefulness of data gathered in field and laboratory investigations are critical to the
validity of any engineering conclusion.
Academic Services
These services include full or part-time teaching or training of prospective professionals,
as well as the upgrading of fellow professionals' knowledge and abilities. Academic
services may include: 
  Teaching of civil engineering courses in engineering colleges/universities is
covered by the CHED. All subjects for licensure examinations must be taught by
people who have valid certificates of registration/professional licenses and
professional identification cards, or special temporary permits, or a valid
certificate of competency.
 Giving instruction in civil engineering courses developed by the Philippine
Institute of Civil Engineers for practicing engineers seeking CPD credits.
 Conducting tutorials and refresher courses on civil engineering ideas and
associated topics.
 Engaging in a Technical Session as a Resource Speaker.
 Technical writing, such as articles and booklets.
Services as Employee
A Civil Engineer who works part-time for a company is regarded an employee and a
consultant at the same time. Without formal consent, a licensed Civil Engineer may not
allow his license to be used by the company where he works.