Heart Wave Construction Project planning

We are responsible for estimating a timeline for a given project and ensuring that the outlined deadlines are met as per the schedule. They help engineering teams define projects on schedule.

The civil works project process for a building is continuous, although the level of intensity and technical detail varies with the progression through the different phases of the project development and implementation. The phases of the process are reconnaissance, feasibility, preconstruction engineering and design (PED), construction, and finally the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation (OMRR&R)

Project Cycle of a Civil Engineering Project

Reconnaissance phase

A reconnaissance study is conducted to determine whether or not the problem has a solution acceptable to local interests for which there is a Federal interest and if so whether planning should proceed to the feasibility phase. During the reconnaissance phase, engineering assessments of alternatives are made to determine if they will function safely, reliably, efficiently, and economically. Each alternative should be evaluated to determine if it is practical to construct, operate, and maintain. Several sites should be evaluated, and preliminary designs should be prepared for each site. These preliminary designs should include the foundation for the dam and appurtenant structures, the dam, and the reservoir rim.

Feasibility phase

A feasibility study is conducted to investigate and recommend a solution to the problem based on a technical evaluation of alternatives and includes a baseline cost estimate and a design and construction schedule which are the basis for congressional authorization.

Preconstruction engineering and design phase

During the preconstruction engineering and design (PED) phase, it may be determined that a GDM is necessary because the construction project has changed substantially since the administration review of the feasibility report (with engineering appendix) or authorization, the project was authorized without a feasibility report, there is a need to readdress project formulation, or there is a need to reassess project plans due to changes in administration policy. For a complex project such as a dam, results of the engineering studies for individual features of the project such as the spillway, outlet works, embankment, and instrumentation will be submitted in separate design memorandums (DMs) with sufficient detail to allow the preparation of plans and specifications (P&S) to proceed during the review and approval process.

A significant level of geological investigation and exploration and studies on the availability of construction materials are accomplished to support the DM. While final design parameters are not selected at this stage of design, it is necessary that the testing for engineering properties of materials and hydraulic model testing that may be necessary for the project be in progress. In preparation for the beginning of each major construction contract, engineering will prepare a report outlining the engineering considerations and providing instructions for field personnel to aid them in the supervision and inspection of the contract. The report will summarize data presented in the engineering appendix to the feasibility report but will also include informal discussions on why specific designs, material sources, and construction plant locations were selected so that field personnel will be provided the insight and background necessary to review contractor proposals and resolve construction problems without compromising the design intent (ER 415-2-100). The format of the report on engineering considerations and instructions for field personnel is given in Appendix D of ER 1110-2-1150.

Construction Phase

This phase includes preparation of P&S for subsequent construction contracts, review of selected construction contracts, site visits, support for claims and modifications, development of operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals, and preparation and maintenance of as-built drawings. Site visits must be made to verify that conditions match the assumptions used in designing the civil project features. Site visits may also be necessary to brief the construction division personnel on any technical issues which affect the construction. The O&M manual and water control manual will be completed and fully coordinated with the local sponsor during this phase of the project. As-built drawings are prepared and maintained by engineering during the construction phase.

Operation and Maintainance

Operation and Maintainance An operation and maintenance plan for the Civil construction project, including estimates of the Federal and non-Federal costs, will be developed. All of the project OMRR&R and dam safety requirements should be identified and discussed with the sponsor and state during the feasibility phase. A turnover plan for non-Federal dams that establishes a definite turn over the point of the dam to the sponsor should be documented in the initial project management plan and in the feasibility report. The turnover of the dam should occur immediately following the first periodic inspection.

Results of the engineering studies are documented in an engineering appendix to the feasibility report. A general design memorandum (GDM) is normally not required. However, design memorandums are required to properly develop and document the engineering and design studies performed during the preconstruction engineering and design phase. The engineering data and analyses cover hydrology and hydraulics, surveying and mapping, real estate, geotechnical, project design, construction, and marketability of hydroelectric power.