CONSTRUCTION

FIELDWORK CE-503
By:
Cayanan, Yves Ezekiel
Dela Cruz, Judy Ann
Elumbaring, Cherelyn
Marcelo, Frances
Sarmiento, Czarina
Veneracion, Jean
CONSTRUCTION

■ Construction is the process of constructing a building or infrastructure. Construction

differs from manufacturing in that manufacturing typically involves mass
production of similar items without a designated purchaser, while construction
typically takes place on location for a known client. Construction as
an industry comprises six to nine percent of the gross domestic
product of developed countries. Construction starts with planning, design, and
financing; it continues until the project is built and ready for use.
Construction site work to be done by any
engineer will depend on the size and complexity of
the project. Smaller projects may require a single
engineer who would have to handle all aspects. As
project sizes grow, workloads in various branches of
the project increase and may require an engineer to
supervise and oversee only the particular
department to which he is assigned. Engineers
during their professional education and training are
given the necessary skills and knowledge in all
aspects of engineering and the trades to provide
supervisory and supporting roles in the
construction field. In addition they also have
knowledge of scheduling, planning, design,
surveying, management, and the cost aspects of a
project. One thing that has to be constantly kept in
mind by anyone seeking opportunities in
construction is that such works are of a temporary
nature and only last until the completion of the
project.
Field Work on Construction Projects
■ Engineers concerned with direct field work have to allocate the work to the various
agencies under their control, arrange for materials and equipment, and ensure that
the works are carried out by the workers as per the specifications laid down and as
per drawings given to them by the planners. They would have to also ensure that the
work is carried out as per the given schedule, and this would require constant
monitoring of the productivity of the workers under their control. The safety aspect of
the workers has also to be ensured by the engineer. On larger sites, separate
engineers would be concerned with the laying out of the work and the measuring it
after it is completed. A separate QA QC section would also oversee the necessary
quality.
Offsite Work and Coordination
■ There is also a substantial amount of work that has to be done off site in any
construction project. This can involve detail scheduling and monitoring of progress
to ensure that the work is within the time schedule envisaged by the owners
or stakeholders. Attention is also required to be paid to procurement of the
materials to ensure that the schedule of construction is not interrupted. Provision of
temporary facilities like offices, storage space, water supply, electricity, and security
may require the attention of the engineer.
■ Any construction site generally involves a number of activities, which besides the
construction can also require installation of equipment and machinery, like in
factories or electro-mechanical work in buildings. An engineer’s work will require him
to coordinate with the various agencies concerned, so that this work proceeds
smoothly.
CASE STUDY