I. Introducing The Fundamental Principles & Code of Ethics For Civil Engineers

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CHAPTER I
I. Introducing the Fundamental Principles & Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers
Introduction to General Ethics and Ethical Values.
Engineering ethics is the field of system of moral principles that apply to the practice
of engineering. The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers to society, to their
clients, and to the profession. As a scholarly discipline, it is closely related to subjects such as
the philosophy of science, the philosophy of engineering, and the ethics of technology.
Contents
Background and origins
 The 18th century and growing concern
 Turning of the 20th century and turning point
 Recent developments
General principles
 Obligation to society
 Whistleblowing
 Conduct
Case studies and key individuals
Notes
References
Further reading
External links
 Australia
 Canada
 Germany
 Ireland
 Sri Lanka
 Turkey
 United Kingdom
 United States
 International
Background and origins
 The 18th century and growing concern

The first Tay Bridge collapsed in 1879. At least sixty were killed.
As engineering rose as a distinct profession during the 19th century, engineers
saw themselves as either independent professional practitioners or technical
employees of large enterprises. There was considerable tension between the two sides
as large industrial employers fought to maintain control of their employees. [1]
In the United States growing professionalism gave rise to the development
of four founding engineering societies: The American Society of Civil Engineers
CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

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(ASCE) (1851), the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) (1884),[2] the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (1880), and the American Institute
of Mining Engineers (AIME) (1871).[3] ASCE and AIEE were more closely identified with
the engineer as learned professional, where ASME, to an extent, and AIME almost
entirely, identified with the view that the engineer is a technical employee.[4]
Even so, at that time ethics was viewed as a personal rather than a broad
professional concern.[5][6]:6
 Turning of the 20th century and turning point

The Boston molasses disaster provided a strong impetus for the establishment of
professional licensing and codes of ethics in the United States.
When the 19th century drew to a close and the 20th century began, there had
been series of significant structural failures, including some spectacular bridge failures,
notably the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster (1876), Tay Bridge Disaster (1879), and
the Quebec Bridge collapse (1907). These had a profound effect on engineers and
forced the profession to confront shortcomings in technical and construction practice, as
well as ethical standards.[7]
One response was the development of formal codes of ethics by three of
the four founding engineering societies. AIEE adopted theirs in 1912. ASCE and
ASME did so in 1914.[8] AIME did not adopt a code of ethics in its history. [4]
Concerns for professional practice and protecting the public highlighted by these
bridge failures, as well as the Boston molasses disaster (1919), provided impetus for
another movement that had been underway for some time: to require formal credentials
(Professional Engineering licensure in the US) as a requirement to practice. This
involves meeting some combination of educational, experience, and testing
requirements.[9]
In 1950, the Association of German Engineers developed an oath for all its
members titled 'The Confession of the Engineers', directly hinting at the role of
engineers in the atrocities committed during World War II. [10][11][12]
Over the following decades most American states and Canadian provinces either
required engineers to be licensed, or passed special legislation reserving title
rights to organization of professional engineers.[13] The Canadian model is to
require all persons working in fields of engineering that posed a risk to life, health,
property, the public welfare and the environment to be licensed, and all provinces
required licensing by the 1950s.
The US model has generally been only to require the practicing engineers
offering engineering services that impact the public welfare, safety, safeguarding
of life, health, or property to be licensed, while engineers working in private industry
without a direct offering of engineering services to the public or other businesses,
education, and government need not be licensed.[14] This has perpetuated the split
between professional engineers and those in private industry. [15] Professional
societies have adopted generally uniform codes of ethics.

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 Recent developments
William LeMessurier's response to design deficiencies uncovered after
construction of the Citigroup Center is often cited as an example of ethical conduct.
Efforts to promote ethical practice continue. In addition to the professional
societies and chartering organizations efforts with their members, the Canadian Iron
Ring and American Order of the Engineer trace their roots to the 1907 Quebec Bridge
collapse. Both require members to swear an oath to uphold ethical practice and wear a
symbolic ring as a reminder.
In the United States, the National Society of Professional
Engineers released in 1946 its Canons of Ethics for Engineers and Rules of
Professional Conduct, which evolved to the current Code of Ethics, adopted in
1964. These requests ultimately led to the creation of the Board of Ethical Review in
1954. Ethics cases rarely have easy answers, but the BER's nearly 500 advisory
opinions have helped bring clarity to the ethical issues engineers face daily.[16]
Currently, bribery and political corruption is being addressed very directly by
several professional societies and business groups around the world.[17][18] However,
new issues have arisen, such as offshoring, sustainable development, and
environmental protection, that the profession is having to consider and address.
General principles
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall hold

paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public
— National Society of Professional Engineers, [19]
A practitioner shall, regard the practitioner's duty to public welfare as

paramount."
— Professional Engineers Ontario, [20]
Codes of engineering ethics identify a specific precedence with respect to
the engineer's consideration for the public, clients, employers, and the
profession.
Many engineering professional societies have prepared codes of ethics. Some
date to the early decades of the twentieth century. [13] These have been incorporated to
a greater or lesser degree into the regulatory laws of several jurisdictions. While these
statements of general principles served as a guide, engineers still require sound
judgment to interpret how the code would apply to specific circumstances.
The general principles of the codes of ethics are largely similar across the various
engineering societies and chartering authorities of the world, [21] which further extend the
code and publish specific guidance.[22]
The following is an example from the American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE ) and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE):

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
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE )
General principles of the codes of ethics
1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and
shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the
performance of their professional duties.[23]
2. Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence. [23]
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.[23]
4. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful
agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest. [23]
5. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services
and shall not compete unfairly with others.
6. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor,
integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession and shall act with zero-
tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption.[23]
7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their
careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of
those engineers under their supervision.[23]
8. Engineers shall, in all matters related to their profession, treat all persons fairly
and encourage equitable participation without regard to gender or gender
identity, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation,
disability, political affiliation, or family, marital, or economic status. [24]
 Obligation to society
The paramount value recognized by engineers is the safety and welfare of
the public. As demonstrated by the following selected excerpts, this is the case for
professional engineering organizations in nearly every jurisdiction and engineering
discipline:
 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: "We, the members of
the IEEE, … do hereby commit ourselves to the highest ethical and
professional conduct and agree: 1. to accept responsibility in making
decisions consistent with the safety, health and welfare of the public, and to
disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the
environment;"[25]
 Institution of Civil Engineers: "Members of the ICE should always be
aware of their overriding responsibility to the public good. A member’s
obligations to the client can never override this, and members of the ICE
should not enter undertakings which compromise this responsibility. The
‘public good’ encompasses care and respect for the environment, and for
humanity’s cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, as well as the

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primary responsibility members have to protect the health and well being of
present and future generations."[26]
 Professional Engineers Ontario: "A practitioner shall, regard the
practitioner's duty to public welfare as paramount."[20]
 National Society of Professional Engineers: "Engineers, in the fulfillment
of their professional duties, shall: Hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public."[19]
 American Society of Mechanical Engineers: "Engineers shall hold
paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of
their professional duties."[27]
 Institute of Industrial Engineers: "Engineers uphold and advance the
integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession by: 2. Being honest
and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and
clients."[28]
 American Institute of Chemical Engineers: "To achieve these goals,
members shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public
and protect the environment in performance of their professional duties."[29]
 American Nuclear Society: "ANS members uphold and advance the
integrity and honor of their professions by using their knowledge and skill for
the enhancement of human welfare and the environment; being honest and
impartial; serving with fidelity the public, their employers, and their clients;
and striving to continuously improve the competence and prestige of their
various professions."[30]
 Society of Fire Protection Engineers: "In the practice of their profession,
fire protection engineers must maintain and constantly improve their
competence and perform under a standard of professional behavior which
requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct with balanced
regard for the interests of the public, clients, employers, colleagues, and the
profession."[31]
 Responsibility of engineers
The engineers recognize that the greatest merit is the work and exercise their
profession committed to serving society, attending to the welfare and progress of the
majority. By transforming nature for the benefit of mankind, engineers must increase
their awareness of the world as the abode of humanity, their interest in the universe as
a guarantee of overcoming their spirit, and knowledge of reality to make the world fairer
and happier.
The engineer should reject any paper that is intended to harm the general
interest, thus avoiding a situation that might be hazardous or threatening to the
environment, life, health, or other rights of human beings. It is an inescapable duty
of the engineer to uphold the prestige of the profession, to ensure its proper discharge,
and to maintain a professional demeanor rooted in ability, honesty, fortitude,
temperance, magnanimity, modesty, honesty, and justice; with the consciousness of
individual well-being subordinate to the social good.

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The engineers and their employers must ensure the continuous

improvement of their knowledge, particularly of their profession, disseminate
their knowledge, share their experience, provide opportunities for education and
training of workers, provide recognition, moral and material support to the
schools where they studied, thus returning the benefits and opportunities they
and their employers have received. It is the responsibility of the engineers to carry
out their work efficiently and to support the law. In particular, they must ensure
compliance with the standards of worker protection as provided by the law. As
professionals, the engineers are expected to commit themselves to high standards of
conduct (NSPE). [1] 11/27/11
 Whistleblowing
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster is used as a case study of whistleblowing
and organizational behavior including groupthink.
Main article: Whistleblower
A basic ethical dilemma is that an engineer has the duty to report to the
appropriate authority a possible risk to others from a client or employer failing to follow
the engineer's directions. According to first principles, this duty overrides the duty to a
client and/or employer.[32] An engineer may be disciplined, or have their license
revoked, even if the failure to report such a danger does not result in the loss of
life or health.[33]
In many cases, this duty can be discharged by advising the client of the consequences
in a forthright matter, and ensuring the client takes the engineer's advice. In very rare
cases, where even a governmental authority may not take appropriate action, the
engineer can only discharge the duty by making the situation public. [34] As a
result, whistleblowing by professional engineers is not an unusual event, and
courts have often sided with engineers in such cases, overruling duties to
employers and confidentiality considerations that otherwise would have
prevented the engineer from speaking out.[35]
 Conduct
There are several other ethical issues that engineers may face. Some have to do
with technical practice, but many others have to do with broader considerations
of business conduct. These include:[22]
 Relationships with clients, consultants, competitors, and contractors
 Ensuring legal compliance by clients, client's contractors, and others
 Conflict of interest
 Bribery and kickbacks, which also may include:
 Gifts, meals, services, and entertainment
 Treatment of confidential or proprietary information
 Consideration of the employer’s assets
 Outside employment/activities (Moonlighting)
Some engineering societies are addressing environmental protection as a stand-
alone question of ethics.[23]
The field of business ethics often overlaps and informs ethical decision making
for engineers.

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National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Preamble
Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this
profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and
integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people.
Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness,
and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and
welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that
requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.
I. Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to
enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
II. Rules of Practice/ Principles

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
a. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life
or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other
authority as may be appropriate.
b. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in
conformity with applicable standards.
c. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior
consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law
or this Code.
d. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business
ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent
or dishonest enterprise.
e. Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a
person or firm.
f. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall
report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also
to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in
furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.

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2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

a. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education
or experience in the specific technical fields involved.
b. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents
dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan
or document not prepared under their direction and control.
c. Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for
coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering
documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is
signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the
segment.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
a. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports,
statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent
information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the
date indicating when it was current.
b. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon
knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.
c. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical
matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have
prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on
whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any
interest the engineers may have in the matters.
4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
.
a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that
could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their
services.
b. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from
more than one party for services on the same project, or for services
pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully
disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.
c. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable
consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with
the work for which they are responsible.
d. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a
governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not
participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by
them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.
e. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body
on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.

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5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
a. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation

of their or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or
exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior
assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of
employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers,
employees, associates, joint ventures, or past accomplishments.
b. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or
indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public
authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the
effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer
any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall
not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work,
except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or
marketing agencies retained by them.
III. Professional Obligations
1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of

honesty and integrity.
a. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the
facts.
b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a
project will not be successful.
c. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their
regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering
employment, they will notify their employers.
d. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by
false or misleading pretenses.
e. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity
and integrity of the profession.
f. Engineers shall treat all persons with dignity, respect, fairness and without
discrimination.
2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.

.
a. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for
youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being
of their community.
b. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that
are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or
employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the
proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.
c. Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of
engineering and its achievements.

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d. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable

development1 in order to protect the environment for future generations.
e. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their
careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in
professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading
in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and
seminars.
3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.
a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material

misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
b. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of
personnel.
c. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay or
technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work
performed by others.
4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning

the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or
employer, or public body on which they serve.
a. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or
arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific
project for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized
knowledge.
b. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate
in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or
proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized
knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer.
4. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.

a. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free
engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their
product.
b. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly,
from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the
engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.
4. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional

engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or
questionable methods.
a. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a
contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be
compromised.
b. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only
to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance with
ethical considerations.
c. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or
office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.

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4. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the
professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.
Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present
such information to the proper authority for action.
a. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer
for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless
the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated.
b. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled to
review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their
employment duties.
c. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering
comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers.
4. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities,

provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out
of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer's interests
cannot otherwise be protected.
a. Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of
engineering.
b. Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or
partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.
5. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due,
and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.
a. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may
be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other
accomplishments.
b. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs
remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer
for others without express permission.
c. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the
engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other
records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive
agreement regarding ownership.
d. Engineers' designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an
employer's work are the employer's property. The employer should indemnify
the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original
purpose.
Footnote 1 "Sustainable development" is the challenge of meeting human needs

for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and
effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and
the natural resource base essential for future development.
As Revised July 2019

By order of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, former
Section 11(c) of the NSPE Code of Ethics prohibiting competitive bidding, and all policy
statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines interpreting its scope, have been
rescinded as unlawfully interfering with the legal right of engineers, protected under the

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antitrust laws, to provide price information to prospective clients; accordingly, nothing

contained in the NSPE Code of Ethics, policy statements, opinions, rulings or other
guidelines prohibits the submission of price quotations or competitive bids for
engineering services at any time or in any amount.
Statement by NSPE Executive Committee

In order to correct misunderstandings which have been indicated in some
instances since the issuance of the Supreme Court decision and the entry of the Final
Judgment, it is noted that in its decision of April 25, 1978, the Supreme Court of the
United States declared: "The Sherman Act does not require competitive bidding."
It is further noted that as made clear in the Supreme Court decision:
1. Engineers and firms may individually refuse to bid for engineering services.
2. Clients are not required to seek bids for engineering services.
3. Federal, state, and local laws governing procedures to procure engineering
services are not affected, and remain in full force and effect.
4. State societies and local chapters are free to actively and aggressively seek
legislation for professional selection and negotiation procedures by public agencies.
5. State registration board rules of professional conduct, including rules prohibiting
competitive bidding for engineering services, are not affected and remain in full
force and effect. State registration boards with authority to adopt rules of
professional conduct may adopt rules governing procedures to obtain engineering
services.
6. As noted by the Supreme Court, "nothing in the judgment prevents NSPE and its
members from attempting to influence governmental action . . ."
NOTE: In regard to the question of application of the Code to corporations vis-à-vis real
persons, business form or type should not negate nor influence conformance of
individuals to the Code. The Code deals with professional services, which services
must be performed by real persons. Real persons in turn establish and implement
policies within business structures. The Code is clearly written to apply to the Engineer,
and it is incumbent on members of NSPE to endeavor to live up to its provisions. This
applies to all pertinent sections of the Code.
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics: Fundamental Principles. Fundamental Canons.

Guidelines to Practice.
Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers

Preamble:
1. In March of 1938, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers promulgated "the Beliefs
and Principles of Practice for Civil Engineers." This had initially been prepared in
February of 1933 and was later codified by an entrusted committee on mutual rules

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of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (the Chairman was Dr. Akira Aoyama, an
ex-president of the Society). In 1933, Japan declared its withdrawal from the
League of Nations, a turning point prior to the later Lukouchiano (Marco Polo
Bridge) Incident that led to War with China and the Pacific War. Despite the trends
of such an era, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers is proud of its insight to
stipulate its "Beliefs and Principles of Practice for Civil Engineers".
2. The Japan Society of Civil Engineers is composed of engineers who carry out civil
engineering work and researchers who study the relating subjects. Its members
are obliged to strive for: 1) mutual collaboration among its members; 2) contribution
to the progress of science and technology; and 3) direct contribution to civil
societies.
The Society has renewed "the Beliefs and Principles of Practice for Civil
Engineers" into the Code of Ethics, solely because the Society has recognized the
increasing importance of the mission and the emerging responsibility shouldered by civil
engineers today and in the future.
Basic Perceptions:
1. From the dawn of human history till the present day, civil engineering has
contributed to ensuring human beings’ safety and enriching their quality of life
through constructing, maintaining, and managing social overhead capital. The
current industrial civilization has especially been supported by great technological
achievements, which has remarkably improved the lives of mankind. However,
along with the expansion and diversification of technological advancement, the
influence caused by these phenomena upon nature and societies has drastically
increased in its complexity and magnitude. Civil engineers should deeply
recognize these facts and adhere to the ethical principles of self-disciplined moral
obligation when applying advanced technology.
2. The present generation is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of life-
supporting conditions for generations to come. It is an honorable mission for the
present civil engineers to create and preserve the environment that enhances the
coexistence of nature and mankind.
Code of Ethics
A Civil Engineer Shall
1. Apply his/her technical skills to create, improve, and maintain "beautiful national
land," "safe and comfortable livelihood," and "prosperous society", thus
contributing to society through his/her knowledge and virtue with an emphasis
upon his/her dignity and honor.
2. Respect nature while giving the highest priority to the safety, welfare, and health of
generations today and in the future, and shall endeavor to preserve and work with
nature and the global environment for the sustainable development of mankind.
3. Value traditional technology rooted in indigenous cultures, engage in research and
development of advanced technology, promote international cooperation, deepen
mutual understanding of other cultures, and enhance welfare and safety of human
beings.

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4. Perform civil engineering work from a broad perspective based on his/her

specialized expertise and experience regardless of his/her organizational
affiliation.
5. Publish reports and express opinions based on his/her accumulated expertise and
experience, and live up to his/her own beliefs and conscience.
6. Disclose all relevant information concerning public safety, health, welfare, and
sustainable global development, in an effort to carry out irreversible civil
engineering work that is of long-term and large-scale in nature.
7. Keep a fair and impartial attitude to the public, clients of civil engineering work, and
himself/herself while performing work sincerely.
8. Act as an honest agent or trustee of the employer or client in regard to technical
work.
9. Treat everyone fairly without any discrimination against race, religion, sex, or age.
10. Perform work in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules & regulations,
contracts, and other standards, and shall not give, ask, nor receive directly or
indirectly any undue compensation.
11. Understand the function, forms, and structural characteristics of civil engineering
facilities and structures. In their planning, design, construction, maintenance, and
disposal, apply not only advanced technology but traditional technology as well
while preserving the ecosystem and the beauty it contains, while staying mindful to
preserve historical heritage.
12. Strive to enhance his/her own expertise, study diligently concepts and engineering
methods, and contribute to technological development through informing
academic societies of the results of these efforts.
13. Endeavor to cultivate human resources by effectively utilizing his/her own
personality, knowledge, and experience while providing support for others to
enhance their professional proficiency.
14. Actively explain the significance and role of his/her own work and respond
sincerely to any criticism of such explanation. Further, evaluate objectively the
work completed by himself/herself and by others, and express positively individual
opinions.
15. Live up to the Code of Ethics stipulated by the Society while continuously seeking
to enhance the social status of civil engineers. In particular, members of the
Society shall take the initiative of professional dignity by observing this Code of
Ethics.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND CANONS

2.0. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Civil engineers made an oath to uphold the integrity, honor, and dignity of the
profession by the following principles:

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1. Using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the
environment.
As technical professionals, civil engineers should work to develop human life and
also to sustain the environment. It is just one part of the profession to develop
human welfare by constructing structures for people's convenience. Civil engineers
also need to keep the environment sustainable and preserved.
2. Being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their
employers/employees and clients.
Civil engineers should work in honesty, whole heartedly and equally where they
prioritize the welfare of the public, their co-workers, higher ups and clients.
3. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering

profession; and whatever an engineer does in his profession, he holds the title, so
he is obliged to work in the discipline which can bring proper credence to the
profession.
4. Supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.
Civil engineers have the job to extend help in other professional disciplines in
order to reach development of the society and the nation.
2.1. CANONS OF ETHICS
CANON 1: Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the
public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the
performance of their professional duties.
a. Civil Engineers' decisions and judgments should prioritize the welfare - safety and
health - of the general public.
b. The only documents to be approved or sealed by civil engineers are those he

reviewed or prepared. Review shall be based on engineering standards to the safety
of the public.
c. In cases that a civil engineer's judgment is overruled, he should inform the client or
employer of the possible consequences.
d. If a civil engineer believes that someone is violating Canon 1, he shall inform

proper authority through writing.
e. Civil engineers should participate in civic affairs for the betterment of communities
or for sustainable development.
f. Improvement of the environment through sustainable development is the

responsibility of civil engineers.

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CANON 2: Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
a. Civil engineers can only work on projects where they are qualified in education
and experience.
b. Civil engineers still can accept project proposals out of their competence and
experience but their services are only limited to certain phases with their expertise.
c. Civil engineers shall not be signing or sealing any documents out of their
competence.
d. Civil engineers are not allowed to use Specialty titles unless they are granted so
by PICE Specialist Accreditation.
 Structural Engineering
 Transportation Engineering
 Water Engineering
 Geotechnical Engineering
 Project Management and Construction Engineering
 Environmental and Energy Engineering
CANON 3: Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and
truthful manner.
a. Civil engineers are obliged to help out in sustainable development by extending

knowledge and expertise but should not participate in any activities which are
deemed untrue or unfit in the profession.
b. Civil engineers shall be objective when stating reports or testimonies. They shall
be thorough in reporting relevant and pertinent information.
c. In cases of civil engineers serving as witnesses, shall give their opinions only
upon adequate foundation and thorough background of technical competence and
also upon honest conviction.
d. Civil engineers shall not criticize or ague on matters allocated by interested

parties.
e. Civil engineers shall be humble and modest and should avoid any acts which
promote their own interests.
CANON 4: Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
a. To avoid conflicts, civil engineers shall inform their clients and employers of
circumstances which influence their judgment or quality of work.
b. Civil engineers shall not accept multiple payments from the same project unless
employers agree or circumstances are disclosed.

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c. Civil engineers are not allowed to accept (solicit) gratuities from contractors or
other agents in connection with work where they are responsible.
d. Civil engineers working in public services shall not participate, or render service
for agencies in private practice.
e. Civil engineers are obliged to disclose to their employers if a project is

unsuccessful, based from studies.
f. Confidential information disclosed to civil engineers should not be used for

making personal profit if it adversely affects clients, employers or the public.
g. In cases where civil engineers are offered professional employment apart from
their current positions, they are to inform their employers.
CANON 5: Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of
their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
a. Civil engineers shall not participate, in any way, any political consideration,
contribution or gratuity to secure employment, exclusive of employment through
recruitment agencies.
b.Contracts should be discussed and interpreted for services based on

competence and qualifications required for the service.
c. Professional commissions could be accepted only when projects or parts are

completed where their professional judgments are not compromised.
d. Misrepresentation or falsification of any sort of their qualifications are not

allowed.
e. Civil engineers shall give due credit to persons or agencies for

accomplishments extended in projects completed.
f. Advertising services can only be done in a manner not derogatory to the dignity
and integrity of the profession. Examples of permitted advertising:
 Professional cards
 Brochures with professional profile
 Advertising in professional publications and dignified businesses
 Posted statement of the name and the type of service of the engineer
 Descriptive articles of technical press which describes direct participation
of the engineer.
 Commercial advertisements should be modest and dignified
g. Civil engineers should not injure the reputation and prospects of another
engineer.
h. Civil engineers should not use their employer's facilities to carry on outside work
without the latter's permission.

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CANON 6: Civil engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the
honor, integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
Civil engineers shall not do any acts, which will be derogatory to the profession.
CANON 7: Civil engineers shall continue their professional development throughout

their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of
those civil engineers under their supervision.
a. Civil engineers should be kept current by:

 Engaging in professional practice
 Participating in continuing education courses
 Reading technical literature
 Attending professional meetings and seminars
b. Civil engineers should encourage engineering employees to become registered

ASAP.
c. Civil engineers should encourage their engineering employees to attend

professional and technical seminars and meetings.
d. Civil engineers shall uphold the principle of mutually satisfying relationships

between employers and employees with respect to terms of employment including
professional grade descriptions, salary ranges, and fringe benefits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER 1: Fundamental Principles & Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers
 ASSIGNMENT
 Evaluate a cases study concerning with the principles and code of ethics
encountered by engineers and make a proposal on how they will response on it.
 ACTIVITIES
Activity /Self-assessment questions:
 Identify the principles & code of ethics for CE and its importance.
 Reaction paper: Why Professional ethics are essential nowadays?

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CHAPTER II
II. Recruitment, Selection & Competencies Assessment Process
1. The Practice of Civil Engineering: Professional Responsibility, Client- Civil

Engineering Relationships, Civil Engineering Services and Specialization,
Selection of a Civil Engineer, Employment.
Professional responsibility: The role of the engineer in society
Abstract
We argue that the practice of engineering does not exist outside the domain of
societal interests. That is, the practice of engineering has an inherent (and unavoidable)
impact on society. Engineering is based upon that relationship with society (inter alia).
An engineer’s conduct (as captured in professional codes of conduct) toward
other engineers, toward employers, toward clients, and toward the public is an essential
part of the life of a professional engineer, yet the education process and professional
societies pay inadequate attention to the area. If one adopts Skooglund’s definition of
professional ethics (how we agree to relate to one another), then the codes of
professional conduct lay out a road map for professional relationships. As
professionals, engineers need to internalize their codes and to realize that they have a
personal stake in the application of codes as well as the process of developing the
codes. Yet, most engineers view professional codes as static statements developed by
“others” with little (or no) input from the individual engineer. Complicating the problem,
questions of professionalism (such as ethics) are frequently viewed as topics outside
the normal realm of engineering analysis and design. In reality, professional
responsibility is an integral part of the engineering process.

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Civil Engineers are responsible for creating, improving, and protecting our
immediate environment. They plan and oversee construction and rebuilding, as well as
the maintenance of roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, dams, harbors, power plants, and
airports.

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3 TIPS TO BUILD A GREAT CLIENT-CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP

There are two kinds of construction projects: those that run smoothly and those
that don't. A myriad of elements contribute to a smooth project, not the least of which is
your relationship with the clients. A positive contractor/client relationship is one where
communication remains consistent and organization and planning are a top priority.
In addition to making for a more fluid design and build process, your client
relationships are also integral to your company's brand. Positive relationships paired
with a successful build-out yield invaluable word-of-mouth referrals, not to mention
positive online and industry reviews, all of which add up to more jobs.
Successful contractor-client relationships have three things in common.
If you review the most successful projects you've worked on, the ones in which
you enjoyed the relationship and/or mutual respect of the client, you'll see there were
three factors that served as the foundation of the relationship.
1. Clear communication
Clear communication is a tenet of any relationship, be it personal or professional.
In the case of construction projects, communication doesn't start after the contract is
signed. Rather, it begins from the very first time you meet with the clients to discuss the
project so you have the ability to bid fairly and accurately, making sure you have a clear
understanding of their expectations in regards to quality right from the start.
From there, relationship building involves at least one visit (typically several) to
the job site to make sure everyone's vision is united. Finally, unless the client has
significant experience with construction, your team should be careful to use
layperson's terms, rather than construction jargon, so clients don't have the
sense that they are ignorant or feel too awkward or insecure to stop and ask you
to explain or clarify things.
In order to streamline the client-contractor communication stream, it's recommended
that you:
 Choose one point of contact. The more points of contact there are, the easier
it is for things to get lost in translation, or never translated at all. From the
beginning, designate who the main points of contact will be - one for your
construction firm and one of the client's representatives. Having a primary
decision maker on both sides streamlines the communication and, should there
be a breakdown or mistake made, it will be easier to track the source to avoid
"he said/she said" blame games.
 Select a primary mode of communication. Check in to see which mode of
communication makes the most sense for the client. If the clients are older, odds
are telephone conversations will be the preferred method whereas the younger
generation typically prefers text or emails. If phone calls are the primary source,
major decisions and/or changes should always be followed up with an email so
there is a written record of the conversation/decision.
 Establish payment terms and conditions early on. Money and budgets; they
are the sticking points and triggers for both you and the clients. Therefore, it's
essential that you clarify payment terms and conditions early on in the planning

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stages so nobody is caught unawares when invoices are sent out or if the budget
needs to be adjusted with respect to economic fluctuations, change orders or
other unexpected factors.
 Communicate via visuals. Visual communication is often as important, if not
more important, than verbal communication when it comes to talking about a
project's scope and design. Many construction professionals forget how difficult it
can be for non-industry professionals to read or makes sense of two-dimensional
plans and elevations. Therefore, take advantage of 3-D construction
technology so you can provide the client with a better representation of what you
are talking about. The more clearly they can see what you are suggesting, the
less confusion, disappointment and/or change orders there will be as the project
progresses.
Open, clear and honest communication is the stepping stone for an
organized project.
2. Organization from Start to Finish

Organization is essential to project fluidity. It begins by providing a detailed
review of project's scope and continues as you thoughtfully create your construction
project timeline, schedule subcontractors, provide detailed project status updates and
conduct a thorough review and analysis at project completion, so you can evaluate
what went well and what - if anything - could have been done differently.
An organized relationship between a contractor and the client include:
A written, detailed description of the scope of the project.
As much as you can, provide a step-by-step process for the client to review.
This helps them to understand behind-the-scenes complexities that aren't always visible
at the job site.
Provide regular status updates.

Determine a regular schedule of project updates that makes sense based on the
scope of the project. For smaller remodels and residential construction projects, daily
and weekly status updates are a good idea. These updates serve as a way to
communicate any unexpected delays or back-orders in a more immediate manner so
pushed-back scheduling doesn't catch clients unawares. Larger projects may require
less frequent - but still regular - updates as you and the clients see fit.
Phase/Project wrap-up and reviews.

Phase wrap-ups can be rather general unless there was something pressing that
needs to be documented, such as a major delay or stoppage. At the end of the project,
create a short to medium review that covers topics, like:
 Which elements of the project went well or exceeded expectations?
 What could have been communicated or executed more efficiently?
 Are there other approaches that could have been implemented to get things
done faster, better or safer?
By creating this document with the client - even if they are worked on separately
- you get to celebrate the project's closure together, and you ensure clients feel
included in the entire process.

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3. Allow clients to feel a part of your team

Ultimately, your clients should feel like they are a part of the process - and your
team - even if they aren't wearing a tool belt or operating the backhoe. Your efforts
at providing clear communication channels, combined with sharing the project
timeline and regular updates, are all steps that contribute to a feeling
of collaboration and teamwork. The more connected the clients feel to your process,
the more connected they will feel to your company, making it easier to weather any
unanticipated storms together and with a modicum of conflict or tension.
It's that feeling of, "we're all in this together," that fosters a sense of loyalty and
respect from your clients. Those feelings will inspire them to refer your construction
company to friends, leave heartfelt, encouraging online reviews and contribute positive,
forward momentum to your company's brand - all of which bring future contracts to your
door.
Importance of client relationships in construction

A close working relationship between client and contractor is important for any
project success. But how do you manage client relationships without over promising?
The success of any engineering project often revolves around the quality of the
relationship between client and service provider. A good working relationship should be
based on trust and understanding between all parties and, if managed correctly, this
can lead to a more permanent contract between all parties and, through good
relationship management can be fruitfully beneficial to both parties for the longer term.
Construction client management

The services that engineers provide are often not judged until the end of a
project or even for some time after. If you’re looking to improve plant efficiency by
integrating automation technologies or design and build a new high voltage distribution
network, the success of the project may not be immediately measurable. However, the
client’s experience in ‘Word of mouth’ is very powerful in the industrial world, as it can
both lead to new project wins or result in the loss of potential contracts. A client’s
experience will shape how they publicly talk about a project, even if the results are not
yet available.
While it does take time to build and maintain a strong working relationship, it is a
cost-effective exercise that can improve productivity and efficiency. Equally, if not
managed appropriately complaints and misunderstandings can have a detrimental
affect on the relationship, costing both time and money.
Building relationships
With any new client or project, it’s important to lay the foundations and get to
know who you are working with and build up a rapport by exploring how they like to
work. Do they prefer weekly or daily calls? Perhaps they’d prefer everything to be done
by email. Whatever the approach, it needs to be defined in the early stages.

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It isn’t just about a single client though. Building relationships with individuals,
whether they are the decision makers or not, is equally as important. Some projects
may span across continents and require conversations in various languages, which
brings their own set of challenges, further emphasizing the importance of establishing
strong communication channels.
Communicating the project brief

Increasingly, clients are looking at the design and build of a facility as one single
element, rather than breaking it into two, from concept to creation.
One way we manage larger integrated projects is by using building information
modelling (BIM). By integrating information from a variety of sources linked with the
construction or renovation of a facility, BIM allows for the creation of a digital model of
the plant. The level of detail in the model is dependent on the chosen BIM level.
BIM is a collaborative process that is particularly useful when working with
modular builds on pre-fabrication sites. By using one digital model that all contractors
have access to, you can ensure that all pre-fabricated components fit into the facility.
Clients will also have access to the model should they require a more in-depth update
on the status of a project.
Client collaboration can also be achieved through integrated project delivery, an
alliance between suppliers and the client that aims to integrate the best aspects of
people, systems, business structures and practices. By using this system, clients
become part of the team, ensuring all interests and objectives are aligned across every
aspect of the project.
Transparency is a key benefit of this particular model as costs, time frame and
progress are shared among all relevant parties, creating a sense of security and
involvement.
There is no one single way to perfectly manage a client relationship as every
project is different. Whatever model is chosen, communication remains key. While
technologies such as BIM have a wealth of advantages, it’s important not to rely on
technology and forget to simply pick up the phone and talk.
1.4 Civil Engineering Services and Specialization
Why is civil engineering important?

Civil engineering is a professional discipline of engineering that deals with
designing, constructing, and maintaining the natural and physically built environment.
Civil engineers are responsible for:
 The building of bridges, roads, skyscrapers, canals, dams, and other such big
structures
 Creating the surroundings, as we know it
 Improving and protecting our lives
 Generating sustainable energy in this era of fast depleting fuel and resources
 Ensuring the supply of clean water; a world without that would be unimaginable.

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7 Civil Engineering Field of Specialization That You Should Take Up
Civil Engineering has come out from the military engineering and defined as
anything other than the military is lies under the field of civil. Civil Engineering is the
broadest of all other disciplines.
People are taking up this course because of plenty of choices to specialize.
Taking up civil engineering course would be less risky. Less risky in terms of
employment availability. And aside from easy to find jobs, the compensation is really
different from other careers.
Here we will discuss some field of specialization of Civil Engineering that anyone
can take part.
1. Transportation Engineering
Transportation engineering deals with planning and designing of infrastructure
that could help in safe, efficient and quality movement from one place to another.
Transportation Engineering is itself a broad term. It includes Highway Design
Engineering, Bridges, and Tunnels, Railways, Airports and Airways, Waterways,
Canals, and Pipelines.
2. Structural Engineering
As, the name says, Structural engineering is to analyze and design the structure,
that could resist applied loads. These loads may include forces and stresses due to
gravity loads as well as lateral forces. Structural Engineer works out material and sizes
required for that particular structure that could make it durable, sustainable and
constructible. The lateral forces of earthquake and wind are another detailed topic that
could be specialized separately.
3. Construction Engineering
Construction Engineering brings the paperwork design to reality. Time, Cost and
Quality are tangible parameters of construction engineering. Construction Engineer
ensures the implementation of design and specifications at site.
Construction engineer’s responsibility is to confirm availability of material,
equipment, and labor, identify any constraint and hazard, scope and trend, economical
and safety aspect of a project. He schedules the cost and duration of a project and
manages the execution throughout completion.
4. Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineering concern with the properties of soil and rocks on which
the foundation of any structure have to be laid down. Properties of soil are so variable
thus it is very difficult to evaluate the soil mechanics. Soil engineer experimentally
workout soil types, bearing capacity, penetration tests, moisture content and shear
capacities. On the basis of these result, the foundation of a structure is designed.

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5. Material Engineering
Material engineering is the study of material properties used for construction
purpose. Traditionally used construction materials are steel, wood, and concrete. By
making small changes in these basic elements can bring miraculous results. A material
engineer works out to bring innovative materials such as the addition of polymer and
fabrics in reinforced concrete gives a high strength and flexible material.
6. Water Resources Engineering

Water Resources Engineering is the study of fluid mechanics, hydraulics and
water resource management. Water Resource Engineer study the natural cycle of water
and work out methods to use it efficiently. They observe all the natural water reservoir
and ways to preserve them. They design facilities for supply of water to localities. They
also design irrigation water supply system.
7. Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is the branch of civil engineering that deals with the
environmental feasibility of a project. It concerns with the treatment of water, solid
waste, chemical and industrial effluent that may pollute the environment.
Environment engineering deals with energy efficient, environmentally friendly,
sustainable and green building construction techniques. It aims to provide safe drinking
water, pollution free environment, recycling of water and waste material and renewable
energy generation.
2. The Selection of the Civil Engineer: Skills and Competency Requirements in a

Construction Industry.
Civil Engineer Job Specifications

Before you sit down to write the civil engineer job description, meet with key staff
members to discuss the vital skills and background for the position. This provides you
with ideas on what to include in the skills and qualification section. By detailing certain
civil engineer job specifications, you ensure you have a pool of qualified individuals
from which to find your new hire. Do not make the mistake of dismissing this section; it
is essential for finding your next civil engineer.
When you develop your posting, you have the option to create two lists for your
skills and qualifications: preferred and required. To do this, review the list you compiled
in the meeting with your staff. Assess whether the skill or training is necessary for
success from day one, with no room for learning it on the job. These will go on the
required bullet list. The ones that are simply nice but not vital to the position go on your
preferred list.

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The following provides some additional inspiration for your qualifications and skills
section on your civil engineer job description:
 Civil Engineer Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field, accredited by the
Institution of Civil Engineers, master’s degree preferred.
• Registration/Licensure as a Professional Engineer may be required.
 5-7 years of experience
• Familiarity with design software, such as Autodesk, AutoCad Civil 3D, and
MicroStation, Revit and RISA 3-D
• Knowledge of map creation software and photo imaging software.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a high level of accuracy in
calculations and design.
• Excellent time management skills to ensure project deadlines are met.
• Leadership skills to effectively manage a diverse group of professionals working
on one project.
• Ability to coordinate more than one project at a time.
 Civil Engineer job description
Civil engineers are responsible for the design, supervision, building,

maintenance and operation of construction systems and projects in both the private and
public sectors. Projects they work on include roads, tunnels, airports, buildings, bridges
and water supply and treatment systems. Civil engineers can work in many areas,
including research, design, construction and education.
There are some key abilities and qualities you will want to be sure to highlight on
your civil engineer job description. For instance, civil engineers must have excellent
problem-solving skills. They need to be able to identify issues with designs or projects
and find the proper solutions.
Additionally, civil engineers should have outstanding mathematical skills, as they

utilize various areas of mathematics in their work. These professionals also should have
the ability to lead team members and communicate effectively.
An experienced and driven Civil Engineers possess wealth of industry

knowledge. To ensure success, the ideal candidate should be comfortable splitting their
hours between the offices, on-site visits and attending council meetings.
The Civil Engineer should be a critical thinker and have a sound subject
knowledge of mathematics and physics to identify and solve engineering problems. You
must also possess a certain level of creativity in order to present innovative solutions
and improvements to technical processes. The successful candidate will be able to
effectively communicate ideas, make recommendations, and negotiate project details
with their team, subcontractors, and clients.
Most jobseekers spend seconds looking at a job posting before deciding whether
or not to apply. The section that garners the most attention is the civil engineer job

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responsibilities section. To make it easy for them to skim through this section, utilize
bullet point lists. To populate your list, focus on the 6-8 most important duties and tasks
for the position. Attract more applicants through incorporating exciting projects and
measurable deliverables. With the right language, jobseekers easily envision
themselves in the role, increasing the chance they apply for the position.
It is essential that you accurately impart the duties and responsibilities in your
civil engineer job description. This ensures you receive mostly qualified individuals,
providing you with a pool of strong candidates from which to draw the right person for
the position. You also increase job satisfaction and employee retention. When
applicants have the right expectations about a job, they are more likely to be content
and choose to stay in the role.
The following are a few examples of responsibilities and duties to include in your
civil engineer job description:
 Civil Engineer Responsibilities:

• Developing detailed designs.
• Doing feasibility assessments and site inspections.
• Preparing and implementing project plans.
• Researching and providing estimates for projects.
• Reviewing government regulations and ordinances.
• Monitoring and optimizing safety procedures, production processes, and
regulatory compliance.
• Making recommendations or presenting alternative solutions to problems.
• Confidently liaising with clients and other professional subcontractors.
• Project management duties (e.g. managing budgets, resources, and deadlines;
acquiring and compiling quotes, etc.).
 Job Responsibilities
* Inspect project sites and monitor progress, ensuring work done conforms to safety
standards and design specifications while determining if changes or adjustments
need to be made
* Test materials and soils to determine the strength of concrete, steel, asphalt and
foundations of buildings
* Utilize computer assisted design and other drawing tools to plan and design
various types of systems and structures, including roadways, buildings, water
systems and tunnels
* Direct and participate in surveying activities to lay out installations and establish
grades, reference points and elevations to properly guide construction
* Determine design specifications by computing grade and load requirements and
material stress factors

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* Manage and direct operations, construction and maintenance activities being

done at project sites
* Prepare public reports on various topics, including deeds, bid proposals, property
descriptions and environmental impact statements
* Ensure activities comply with all environmental, governmental and safety
regulations and address all problems concerning actions that do not comply
 Duties & Responsibilities

 Assess soil to select the right materials for a strong and secure foundation and
structure
 Survey construction sites and lay out reference points, grades, installations or
elevations to provide guidance
 Monitorconstruction projects to ensure health and safety compliance and
adherence to design specifications
 Presentreports to the public detailing proposals, environmental impact and other
pertinent information
3. Charging for Civil Engineering Services
Charges for Civil Engineering Services are usually computed using one of the six
methods:
1. Salary cost times multiplier plus direct non-salary expense
(“Reimbursable”)
2. Hourly Billing Rates plus Reimbursable
3. Per Diem
4. Cost plus fixed fee (“CPFF”)
5. Fixed Price
6. Percentage of Construction Cost (“Percentage”)
Combination of methods of payments for different phases of the contract may be

used. The method or combination if methods used depends upon the nature, scope,
and complexity of services required by the client.
The first four methods are based upon the Civil Engineers costs to perform
services. They are particularly applicable to assignments where the scope of services is
not self-defined.
The fixed price and percentage of constructive cost methods are based upon a
specific deliverable and do require that then be well defined. The cost plus fixed fee
method provides more flexibility to accommodate both scope and fee changes than do
either the fixed price or percentage or construction cost methods.

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1. Salary cost times multiplier plus direct non-salary expense (“Reimbursable”) is a

frequently used method of determining charges for engineering services.
The following factors are pertinent to the salary cost times multiplier:
a. Salary cost is defined as "direct salaries plus employee benefits” sick leave,
vacation, holiday and incen-tive pay; unemployment and other payroll
taxes;contributions for social security, Workers compensation insurance,retirement,
medical, etc.
b. Multiplier which is applied to salary cost is a factor that compensates the Civil
Engineer for overhead (as defined hereinafter) plus a reasonable margin for
contingencies, interest or invested capital readiness to serve, and profit.The size of
the multiplier will vary with the type of service, the nature and experience of the civil
engineering firm, and the geographic area in which its office is located.
Background image
The average multiplier should be between 2.5 and 3.0 times the average salary
cost. For some services, however, a higher multiplier is usually applicable for
services requiring recommendations based on extensive experience and special
knowledge, or for services involving expert testimony in legal proceedings.
c. Direct non-salary expenses usually incurred in engineering engagements may

include the following:

 Expenses for services and equipment directly applicable to the project
 Identifiable drafting supplies, stenographic supplies, and reproduction work
 Expenses for unusual insurance and specialized health and safety programs
d. The Civil Engineers overhead which comprises a major portion of the

compensation generated by the multiplier on salary cost, includes the following
indirect cost:
 Provision for office expenses

 Tax and insurance other than those included as salary cost
 Library and periodical expenses
 Executive, administrative, accounting, legal, stenographic, and clerical salaries
and expenses (Other than salaries included in salary costs and expenses)
 Business development expenses
 Provision for loss of productive time
 Cost of acquiring and maintaining computers, development of software, and
training staff when not billed as direct cost.
e. Accounting records

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2. Hourly Billing Rates plus Reimbursable
The Hourly billing rate method of compensation is very similar to the salary cost
times multiplier methodin that the hourly billing rate includes all direct personnel
expense, overhead and profit. Direct non-salary expenses are a separate item for
reimbursement, usually with a service charge.
3. Per Diem (Fixed Charge Per Day)

Similar to the multiplier approach, hourly billing rate plus reimbursable is based
on the consultant cost that performs the service. It can be used for cases where the
extent of the project is not certain.
Moreover, the consultant and the owner should agree on specifying the expected
range of the project and the methods for adjusting not to exceed amount. In the case
the cost closes to not to exceed amount, then the owner should be informed and
provide modified cost estimate for the completion of project.
This approach may be specified and employed in the case where the project
range is not defined properly, simplified accounting, considerably short project
assignment, the extent of the project is defined adequately and on-site construction
management services
4. Cost plus fixed fee (“CPFF”)

The per diem term is referred to an eight hour per day. The cost of consultants
who conduct the engineering service is the base for the per diem approach as it is the
case in the previous two methods.
It is convenient to choose for charging engineering consultation services if the
project scope is not outlined properly and in the case where it is outlined adequately,
very short assignment and on-site construction management services.
Similar to the per diem, hourly and multiplier method, cost plus fixed fee is
dependent on the cost of consultants.
It can be used whether the extent of the project is outlined properly or not, very
complex project and suitable for on-site construction management services.
Cost plus fixed fee
- Under a cost plus fixed fee agreement, the Civil Engineer is reimbursed for the actual
costs of all services and supplies related to the project, including:
FACTORS:
-May be used to determined the compensation of the engineer for the services where
the principal responsiblity is the detailed desigor construction supervision of facilities
to be constructed.
-The cost plus fixed fee, as a prerequisite to equitable negotiations, that the client
and the Civil Engineer define and agree upon the scope of services the Civil
Engineer has to perform.
- Is very similar to the salary cost times multiplier method in that the hourly billing rate
includes all direct peronnel expense, overhead and profit.
-The Civil Engineer is required to start providing service before the detailed scope of
services can be determined in the TWO considerations:
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-The Fixed Fee amount varies with the complexity and scope of the engineering
services required.
DIRECT NON SALARY EXPENSES
SALARY COST
The percentage fee shall not exceed:
a) Feasibility Studies - 3%
b) Detailed engineering design - 6%
c) Detailed architectural and engineering design - 8%
d) Construction supervision - 10%
MULTIPLIER
- Civil Engineering firms may elect to utilize this method of compensation on projects
where the scope of service is
not well defined or to simply
accounting and record keeping
-Fixed price compensation for basic services on certain design type projectscan also
be computed as an appropriate precentage of estimated construction costs
- REFERS TO AN EIGHT-HOUR DAY
OVERHEAD
5. Fixed Price or Lump Sum

Unlike other four methods discussed above, lump sum or fixed price approach is
based on completion of the project and the extent or range of the project need to be
defined adequately. So, the scope of the project should be accepted and agreed upon
by both consultants and project owner.
This method is recommended to be employed if the scope of the project is
defined adequately, simplified accounting, crucially complex jobs and very short tasks.
However, it should be ruled out if the extent and the range of the project is not
described and outlined sufficiently.
Regardless of the method utilized as a basis of compensation, a provision in the
agreement should state that payments will be made to the Civil Engineer during
progress of the services based on monthly invoices and within a reasonable time after
billing
6. Percentage of Construction Cost (“Percentage”)
4. Advancing and Enhancing Technical Skills and Practical Reasoning in Civil

Engineering: Professional Licensure Examination, Seminars & other related
Trainings.
Why Should I Become a Licensed Engineer?
Civil engineering students and graduates are strongly encouraged to become

licensed engineers. Although many engineers in other disciplines work in an industrial
setting where a license is not required to do engineering work inside the company
(such as within the confines of a petro-chemical plant), civil engineers are most often
involved in engineering services directly for the public.
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Let’s consider some other reasons to become a licensed engineer:
• Technical Responsibility: Your education and experience will prepare you for
technical engineering work. Your license legally allows you to take personal
responsibility for the engineering work that you may perform for public and private
clients.
• Public Recognition: As a licensed engineer, you achieve an enhanced status in the
eyes of the public, which equates you with professionals licensed in other fields such
as physicians, attorneys, and accountants.
• Private Practice: If you think you may now, or someday, want to pursue a career as
a consulting engineer, own your own engineering firm, or be in responsible charge of
engineering work for the public, you must be licensed.
• Public Practice: Many federal, state, and municipal agencies require that certain
responsible engineering positions, particularly those considered “higher level,” be filled
only by licensed engineers (Ref: ASCE Policy Statements 385 and 416).
• Education Practice: Engineering educators provide fundamental knowledge to
those who study engineering. The responsibility to mentor students and serve as a
role model is enhanced through licensure. Faculty who possess an engineering
license have direct knowledge of the licensure process, bring practical experience,
and as a result, can convey the licensure process to students more effectively.
• Changing Workplace: Today’s workplace is rapidly changing with instances of
restructuring, downsizing, privatization, and outsourcing. Civil engineers need to be
prepared to adapt to these changes. One manner to adapt to such changes is to work
as a consultant or under contract offering professional engineering services in your
own name. This type of work requires an engineering license.
• Ethical Responsibility: Licensure also aids you and the profession in the important
area of ethics. While technical societies, such as ASCE and others, have codes of
ethics for guidance, none of these codes have legal standing in the practice of
engineering. On the other hand, state licensing boards have standards of ethical
conduct that are legally binding. The recognition and enforcement of these standards
gives greater definition to our profession and significantly enhances the image of
licensed civil engineers.
What are the Technical & Ethical Responsibilities of Licensed Civil Engineers?
Most of a civil engineer’s education focuses on technical matters, and most of

the engineer’s professional practice is devoted to applying this technical knowledge in
service to the needs of society.
Another important element of both education and practice involves ethics, or
“doing the right thing” (Ref: ASCE’s Ethics: Guidelines for Professional Conduct for Civil
Engineers, www.asce.org/ethics).

34
Ethics is a vital part of the engineering profession. The ethical issues that face
civil engineering students, young engineers, and licensed professional engineers are
not always easy to answer.
Choosing between good and bad appears easy until unseen variables are
introduced such as time constraints, family, promotion opportunities, job security, peer
pressure, supervisor pressure, and professional reputation.
Engineers are not only faced with choices between good and bad, but often a
more difficult ethical dilemma occurs when making choices between competing goods.
Civil engineers are encouraged to develop:

1. Understanding—a clear understanding of professional ethics
2. Communication Skills—an ability and willingness to communicate about
ethical issues
3. Insight: a. the ability to recognize ethical issues b. an appreciation of the
frequency at which ethical issues occur c. an awareness that guidance on ethical
dilemmas is available from ASCE and elsewhere
4. Comprehension—“knowing what’s right”
5. Desire and Willingness—to “do what’s right”
6. Ability to Resolve Ethical Issues— by using traditional civil engineering
methods of inquiry, namely:
a. listing the options
b. testing the options
c. making a decision, and most importantly
d. acting!

35

36

37

38

39
MASTER BUILDER AS A NEW PROFESSION?
Although it is not clearly stated that the master builder concept will become a
new profession under the ASCE umbrella, that seems to be the most likely intention
based on Vision 2025. Historically, professionalization is a fairly recent societal
structure. Studies on its formation and development process provide a good reference
for understanding the master builder concept within a broader context of Vision 2025.
Hall (1968) discussed some distinctive characteristics of well-formed professions and
stated that a profession can be defined by the combination of its structural and
attitudinal attributes.
Wilensky (1964) described four distinctive structural attributes that differentiate a
profession from an occupation:
(1) the creation of full-time occupation,
(2) the establishment of training (often a degree in higher education),
(3) the formation of a professional association, and
(4) the establishment of a code of ethics.
In addition, Hall discussed five attitudinal attributes of a profession:

(1) use of its association as a major reference (Goode 1957),
(2) belief in the value of its service to the public (Gross 1958),
(3) self-regulation,
(4) dedication of its members to the profession, and
(5) autonomy of professional judgment.
Given these defined dimensions of a profession, both civil engineering and

construction management qualify as professions. The attributes of these two
professions are described in the following paragraphs.
Both civil engineers and construction managers are well-established full-

time occupations, as shown in Table 3; there were about twice as many construction
managers as civil engineers in 2008, a ratio that should decrease slightly by 2018 due
to an increasing number of civil engineers.
Both have well-established training disciplines; construction management, as an

independent major, has approximately 60 years’ history in higher education (Robson
and Bashford 1997, Russell et al. 2007), compared to more than 170 years’ history of
civil engineering (Russell et al. 2007).
In the United States, 218 undergraduate civil engineering programs exist (ABET
2010) versus 63 construction management programs (ACCE 2010;
see Table 4).

40
Civil engineering programs generally focus on design, with minimal

management-related courses that can be completed as technical electives.
Construction engineering incorporates more management topics and courses

into an engineering-dominant curriculum.
Construction management programs accredited by ACCE have a heavy

emphasis on the business and management side of construction projects.
Engineering, science, and architectural courses within CM programs give

students a broad but shallow background with limited exposure to more technical
subjects. Core CM courses include cost estimating and control, budgeting, labor,
scheduling, safety, accounting, finance, and human resource management.
Professional associations exist in both civil engineering and construction management.
The contrast between the two professions demonstrates the fragmented nature
of the construction industry, which indicates that construction management is still
maturing as a profession.
Wilensky(1964) described the formation process of professional associations in his

article “The Professionalization of Everyone?”
 Based on Wilensky’s observations, thousands of occupations try to achieve
profession status while only a very small fraction of them succeed.
 Another of Wilensky’s observations was that, with only two exceptions, all
successful professions had a university training program established earlier than
a national association.

41
This observation highlights the importance of cultivation of a knowledge base and

the important role of universities in linking knowledge to practice and creating a
rationale for exclusive jurisdiction.
 Wilensky (1964) also described some common struggles during the process of
profession formation. These struggles include definition of essential land core
professional tasks and knowledge base, development of internal conflict among
practitioners of varying backgrounds, and competition with outsiders who do
similar work.
The later stage of profession formation typically includes intense competition with
similar occupations, after or together with internal conflicts between members with
different backgrounds and between mainstream and marginal practitioners.
During the last stage of formation, “rules to eliminate the unqualified and
unscrupulous, rules to reduce internal competition, and rules to protect clients
and emphasize the service ideal will be embodied in a formal code of ethics”
(Wilensky 1964).
A code of conduct is well established in both civil engineering and

construction management. Although similarities are found in many items of the codes
of CMAA (2010) and ASCE (2010), the differences are evident (Table5).
Despite the less-established professional status of construction management,

the master builder idea will be difficult to implement as long as the master builder’s
primary focus remains on engineering. This is, by no means, to say that civil engineers
cannot become good construction managers at the individual level.
There are many very successful construction managers with

engineeringbackgrounds.Butattheorganizationallevel,there is no evidence showing the
necessity for a good project leader to have a civil engineering background.

42

43
Table 6: Lists The Major Tasks Performed By Construction Managers And Civil Engineers.
Despite some overlap (e.g., civil engineer scheduling and estimating tasks can
also be performed by a construction manager), the major differences are clear.
The tasks performed by construction managers include managing people,

cost, schedules, and legal and organizational aspects of the project, whereas the
tasks performed by civil engineers are related to technical, scheduling, and
logistical aspects of a project.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (2010)

defined the responsibilities of a construction manager as plan, direct, coordinate, or
budget, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned
with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems.
Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee

44
its organization, scheduling, and implementation, while civil engineer includes

perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction
and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads,
airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power
plants, water and sewage systems, and waste disposal units. This description
applies primarily to architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geotechnical engineers.
In Table 7 the required skill sets of construction managers and civil

engineers are compared.

45
Despite different priority levels, complex problem solving, critical thinking, active
listening, speaking, and time management are identified as critical skills for both
professions.
Math, science, operational analysis, reading comprehension, and judgment and

decision making are among the skills listed for civil engineers.
Management of personnel resources, negotiation, active learning, and

monitoring are among the skills listed for construction managers. A person with either
educational background can develop into a good construction project manager (i.e., a
master builder). However, the construction manager appears to possess an advantage
in that his or her curriculum is specifically designed to prepare a student to work as a
builder.
Courses could be added to the civil engineering curriculum to better prepare
students to be master builders, but current civil engineering curriculums often require in
excess of 135 credit hours, whereas construction management programs often require
only 120.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no doubt about the ability of interested civil engineers to become

successful construction managers, given proper training in business, legal, and
personnel areas, or as a result of significant work experience in construction. How
significant engineering education is toward becoming a successful construction
manager is open to question.
Many civil engineers have discovered that a master of business administration

(MBA) is a plus for their career as they move upward in their organizations. It is
questionable if a MBA assists an engineer in becoming a better engineer, but it often
assists him or her in becoming a better overall professional. An MBA often allows an
engineer to more effectively manage people and resources, which are skills that must
be mastered for an individual to move upward and assume a leadership role within
most organizations.
The master builder of Vision 2025 is not a new concept. The effort to better
prepare engineers for business leadership roles can be traced back to the early 1900s.
In 1914, Alexander Humphreys (Meiksins 1988), speaking on “Business Training for the
Engineer,” addressed the need for “the young engineer to accommodate himself to
business and its needs, to learn to consider return on investment.” In the 1920s, civil
engineers were called on to become more involved in civic affairs and to unify the
profession to deal with nontechnical issues (Meiksins 1988). The dismissal of Arthur P.
Davis, the former president of ASCE, from the U.S. Reclamation Service in 1923 in
response to the allegation that civil engineers were not competent to function as
managers or run a business stirred significant protest from civil engineers (Meiksins
1988).
The master builder concept would be more beneficial if its intention were
to produce civil engineers with construction knowledge that would enable
designers to create more economical, constructible, and sustainable buildings
and infrastructure.

46
However, it is difficult to imagine the value of all or even most civil engineers
becoming master builders. Civil engineering is a broad field of study with numerous
areas of concentration, including transportation, geotechnical, environmental, water
resources, and many others. Education of civil engineers needs to remain general in
nature instead of narrowly focusing on the skill sets associated with one small portion of
the field. The skill sets related to the construction profession are far different and much
more specialized than those needed by the average engineer to work successfully in
most civil positions.
The master builder concept appears unlikely to be accepted within the AEC
community, especially if the educational focus of civil engineering remains fixed on a
technical curriculum that excludes all but a bare minimum of management courses.
Construction management will continue to evolve as a profession. The currently

less established status of construction management as a profession will continue to
create entry level opportunities for people from different educational backgrounds,
especially from closely related engineering disciplines. As the construction profession
becomes more mature, legal, judicial, educational, and licensing barriers will be created
to achieve an ever more exclusive status, similar to that which currently exists for civil
engineers today.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER 2: Recruitment, Selection & Competencies Assessment Process
 ASSIGNMENT
 List down the top 10 skills and competency requirements for civil engineers.
 ACTIVITIES
Activity /Self-assessment questions:
 Determine how Human Resource- Recruitment influences ones interest to
engage on a construction industry.
 Make a competency framework from the beginner up to managerial level for
construction industry.
 Identify the most effective and efficient competency requirements needed by
engineers once on-board.

I. Introducing The Fundamental Principles & Code of Ethics For Civil Engineers

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Introduction to General Ethics and Ethical Values.

Background and origins

 The 18th century and growing concern

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

 Turning of the 20th century and turning point

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall hold

A practitioner shall, regard the practitioner's duty to public welfare as

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

The engineers and their employers must ensure the continuous

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

II. Rules of Practice/ Principles

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.

a. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation

III. Professional Obligations

1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of

2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

d. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable

a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material

4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning

4. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.

4. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

4. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities,

Footnote 1 "Sustainable development" is the challenge of meeting human needs

As Revised July 2019

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

antitrust laws, to provide price information to prospective clients; accordingly, nothing

Statement by NSPE Executive Committee

Civil Engineering Code of Ethics: Fundamental Principles. Fundamental Canons.

Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

4. Perform civil engineering work from a broad perspective based on his/her

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND CANONS

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

3. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering

4. Supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

2.1. CANONS OF ETHICS

b. The only documents to be approved or sealed by civil engineers are those he

d. If a civil engineer believes that someone is violating Canon 1, he shall inform

f. Improvement of the environment through sustainable development is the

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

a. Civil engineers are obliged to help out in sustainable development by extending

d. Civil engineers shall not criticize or ague on matters allocated by interested

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

e. Civil engineers are obliged to disclose to their employers if a project is

f. Confidential information disclosed to civil engineers should not be used for

b.Contracts should be discussed and interpreted for services based on

c. Professional commissions could be accepted only when projects or parts are

d. Misrepresentation or falsification of any sort of their qualifications are not

e. Civil engineers shall give due credit to persons or agencies for

CE LAWS & ETHICS | CE11

CANON 7: Civil engineers shall continue their professional development throughout

a. Civil engineers should be kept current by: