they then need to design the structure and make all the

necessary checks and calculations to ensure that the

foundations will be sound, that the fl oors and roof will not
fall down, and that the construction as a whole will remain
safe and serviceable for the length of its intended lifetime.
The specialist skills of a structural engineer will include:
calculating loads and stresses; investigating the strength
of foundations; and analysing the behaviour of beams and
columns in steel, concrete or other materials. This
procedure should ensure that the structure has the
strength required to perform its function safely,
economically and with a shape and appearance that is
visually satisfying.
Civil engineer Civil engineers are involved with the design,
development and construction in a huge range of projects
in the built and natural environment. Their role is central to
ensuring the safe, timely and well-resourced completion of
infrastructure projects in many areas, including: highways
construction, waste management, coastal development
and geotechnical engineering. Consulting civil engineers
liaise with clients to plan, manage, design and supervise
the construction of projects. They work in a number of
different settings and, with experience, can run projects as
project managers. Within civil engineering, consulting
engineers are the designers; contracting engineers turn
their plans into reality. Consulting civil engineers provide a
wide range of services to clients. During the early stages
of a career, work will involve taking responsibility for minor
projects; although the size of the projects may increase as
experience is gained. Typical work activities include: •
Undertaking technical and feasibility studies and site
investigations • Developing detailed designs • Assessing
the potential risks of specifi c projects, as well as
undertaking risk management in specialist roles •
Supervising tendering procedures and putting together
proposals • Managing, supervising and visiting contractors
on site and advising on civil engineering issues •
Managing budgets and other project resources • Managing
change (as the client may change their mind about the
design) and identifying, formalising and notifying relevant
parties of changes in the project
16 Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book
• Scheduling material and equipment purchases and
delivery • Attending public meetings and displays to
discuss projects, especially in a senior role • Adopting all
relevant requirements around issues such as building
permits, environmental regulations, sanitary design, good
manufacturing practices and safety on all work
assignments • Ensuring that a project runs smoothly and
that the structure is completed on time and within budget •
Correcting any project defi ciencies that affect production,
quality and safety requirements prior to fi nal evaluation
and project reviews.
Infrastructure is the thing that supports our daily life; roads
and harbours, railways and airports, hospitals, sports
stadiums and schools, access to drinking water and
shelter from the weather. Infrastructure adds to our quality
of life, and because it works, we take it for granted. Only
when parts of it fail, or are taken away, do we realise its
value. In most countries, a civil engineer with have
graduated from a post-secondary school with a degree in
civil engineering, which requires a strong background in
mathematics, economics and the physical sciences; this
degree is typically a four-year degree, though many civil
engineers continue on to obtain a masters, engineer,
doctoral and post-doctoral degree. In many countries, civil
engineers are subject to licensure, and often, persons not
licensed may not call themselves ‘civil engineers’.
Building services engineer Building services engineers are
responsible for ensuring the costeffective and
environmentally sound and sustainable design and
maintenance of energy using elements in buildings. They
have an important role in developing and maintaining
buildings and their components, to make the most
effective use of natural resources and protect public
safety. This includes all equipment and materials involved
with heating, lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical
distribution, water supply, sanitation, public health, fi re
protection, safety systems, lifts, escalators, façade
engineering and even acoustics. While the role
increasingly demands a multidisciplinary approach,
building services engineers tend to specialise in one of the
following areas: