Being a civil engineer is not always about creating stunning construction designs. One of the most essential parts of the job description of a civil engineer is civil construction & repairs which includes anything that deals with transportation (bridges and roads) to accommodation (hotels and housing complexes). While there are many people involved in this civil construction industry, it is the civil engineer who has the most power and hence the most liability for the safety of the construction and site workers.
Vital Tips that every Civil Engineer should remember
One of the most important construction made by civil engineers are accommodations. Be it a single building or a complex, building a house that fits the need of every buyer is challenging. It is this sector that requires the most civil construction & repairs works. There are 5 major jobs that entail construction & repairs.
- Routine daily repairs that include plumbing repairs, water pipe cleaning, cleaning of choked drains, etc.
- Annual repairs include working on the aesthetics of the building to increase its lifespan with white washing, distempering, etc.
- Special repairs require replacing or restoring areas of the building are beyond salvaging for aging related deterioration
- Alterations and/or additions are done by request of the resident/occupants of the building to suit their needs, and
- Preventive maintenance requires a routine checking of the presence of factors that can cause early aging and deterioration of the building.
When working on a building, there are a few checklist items that a civil engineer should focus on:
- Roofs: They should check the roofs and the roofing elements every year. While cracks are evident to an untrained eye, the extent of the damage caused by the crack or if there are any structural compromises is the job of the civil engineer. If the weather becomes harsh suddenly and the building was not properly designed to face that weather condition, the roofs take most of the blow. This should be the first maintenance check a civil engineer should perform.
- Exterior Walls: The weather can be unpredictable even on an hourly basis. Exposure to constant changes in the sun’s intensity, rain, and snow often erodes not just the exterior walls’ paint and finish, but often the damage and erosion is deep, as in the mortar and joints are damaged too. This is the domain of civil engineer to inspect, restore, and ensure future erosion does not occur.
- Grounds: The design of the building should be such that rain water does not accumulate on the grounds and car parks. If there is an especially heavy thunderstorm, they would check the ground for stagnant water because of heavy rain and flowing water. The drainage and the sloping of the ground is essential.
- Decks and Exterior Ceiling: Decks and added external ceilings are all addition to the overall aesthetic appeal, but if the structural integrity of the extension is compromised, it can be fatal when hosting a party. Checking for any damage should be done by the engineer.
- Interiors: You should pay same attention to the interiors like the exteriors, especially the ceilings and walls. Often leaks are not visible but they erode the walls from within and it is too late before the occupant notices anything. Civil engineers are trained to look for signs when learning about civil construction & repairs that indicate the health of the interiors.
Conclusion
Performing civil construction & repairs is difficult but interesting. While the checklist focuses on the task of the civil engineers, building owners too can keep a note and perform inspection in order to increase the lifespan of the building and keep it aesthetically pleasing.
November 26, 2020