Supervise, Inspect, or Observe? The Structural Engineer's Role in Construction

Abstract

The design professional, particularly the design structural engineer can have a critical role in construction quality control. His or her familiarity with the intent of the construction documents suggests that the structural engineer of record (SER) is in the best position to oversee the construction process in order to prevent costly mistakes or potential disasters. Although the SER should play an active role in construction administration (CA), concerns about increased liability exposure tend to inhibit the SER from taking a more direct part in construction quality control. To reconcile the two opposing trends a clear definition of the SER's responsibilities is offered, wherein the SER's CA services remain advisory, leaving the contractor ultimately responsible for completing the structure in conformance with the contract documents. Public policy is sometimes inconsistent with the SER's role in construction administration; some agencies completely lock the SER out of CA services, others demand affidavit...