Specialist construction sales and marketing consultancy, Competitive Advantage, takes a look at the role of the construction engineer and their influence on product specification.
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The Engineer and Building Product Specification
There are a variety of engineering roles; Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical. In many cases Engineers will be involved at the design stage of a construction project. At this early stage, they probably will not specify a brand. However, when thinking through that concept, they inevitably have products in mind.
The Engineer will support other members of the construction project team, providing support and sharing their expertise when it comes to specification. And, as the project progresses, the Engineer becomes involved with the detailed performance of components.
Engineers often prefer to work with performance specifications, generally feeling that they can specify the key criteria they require while giving the sub-contractor the flexibility of choice. But they will use a brand or nominated specification if they consider it justified.
Engineers want to ensure their designs satisfy given criteria; that they are safe, serviceable and perform well. Engineers will want to understand how your construction product meets those performance requirements.
Engineers will monitor the progress of a project and when work has begun, they inspect the work and advise contractors. Very often they have to sign-off the sub-contractor’s installation, carrying the responsibility for any failure, so they should be vigilant about product selections.
The Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is the oldest engineering discipline, it was originally defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Nowadays the role is central to ensuring the safe and timely completion of many projects in areas such as; highway construction, waste management, energy generation, coastal development and geotechnical engineering.
Civil engineers work closely with surveyors and specialised structural engineers to deliver infrastructure, including projects like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.
The two crucial aspects within this field are consulting engineering and contracting engineering. Consulting engineers design a specific project, whereas contracting engineers manage the physical construction and play a significant role in transforming the proposed development into architecture.
Find out more. Get Understanding the Civil Engineer now
The Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers design the skeleton or structure of a building. Structural Engineering is defined as “a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural Engineering is usually considered a specialty within Civil Engineering, but it can also be studied in its own right”.
Today structural design requires an understanding of how to use concrete, steel, masonry wood and glass to build larger and taller structures. These structures must physically be able to withstand specific pressures and forces.
Structural Engineers must ensure their designs satisfy given criteria, that they are safe, serviceable and perform well. They must ensure they do not bend, twist, collapse or vibrate and remain strong and secure throughout their life. They design homes, theatres, sports venues, hospitals, office blocks, bridges and often work closely with Architects.
The Building Services Engineer
Building Services Engineers specialise in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or public health. The role of the Building Services Engineer is to design, install and maintain the services in new or existing buildings. These services cover areas such as lighting, heating, air-conditioning, energy supply and security systems.
Also known as Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Building Services Engineers are responsible for the engineering of the internal environment of the building. With sustainability firmly on the construction agenda Building Service Engineers play a significant role in ensuring a building’s performance is ecologically sound. They work closely with Architects, Structural Engineers and Quantity Surveyors, having a strong influence on the product choice in relation to sustainability and energy demand.
Find out more. Get Understanding the M&E Engineer now
Influencing Specification
It is very rare that a single person in construction will have full control of the decision to purchase a product or system. Engineers have significant influence in their domain when it comes to product selection.
Engineers are problem solvers and should be receptive to technical information and advice at the appropriate project stage. Therefore manufacturers should look to engage with the Engineer by providing good quality, comprehensive technical information.
It is important to spend time understanding the dynamics of the DMU, to identify the key decision makers and influencers of importance to you, this way you can make them aware of your product and ensure they understand the value it can bring to a construction project.