7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
1/17
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-ED Washington, DC 20314-1000 ETL 1110-8-13(FR)
Technical Letter
No. 1110-8-13(FR) 30 August 1991
Engineering and Design
STRUCTURES ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
Distribution Restriction Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
2/17
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ETL 1110-8-13(FR)US Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-ED Washington, DC 20314-1000
Engineer Technical LetterNo. 1110-8-13(FR) 30 August 1991
Engineering and DesignSTRUCTURAL ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
1. Purpose
This engineer technical letter describes the mini-
mum structural engineering responsibilities during
the life cycle (planning, design, construction, and
operations) of civil works projects and relates thesefunctions to the project management system.
2. Applicability
This ETL applies to all USACE/OCE elements and
USACE Commands having civil works responsibili-
ties.
3. Scope
This ETL provides guidance pertaining to structural
features of civil works projects. It is important to
clearly identify these responsibilities and ensure that
a reliable structural design is developed for use in
establishing project costs, schedules, and the
management plan. The project engineering duties
described in the enclosure are applicable regardless
of which engineering discipline is assigned thatresponsibility. The structural design and project
engineering effort for each phase should provide
adequate interdisciplinary technical coordination,
minimize duplication of effort, and produce a
quality design.
4. Action
Minimum structural engineering responsibilities are
identified in the enclosed guidance.
FOR THE DIRECTOR:
1 Encl JOHN A. McPHERSON
Acting Chief, Engineering Division
Directorate of Civil Works
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
3/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
1. Introduction
a. Background. Many engineering disciplines
are involved with civil works projects during theirlife cycle. Frequently, simultaneous design and
analysis work is being performed by multiple disci-
plines. To efficiently perform the work, structural
engineers must know their responsibilities and how
they contribute to a final quality product that is on
schedule and within budget. In addition, a team
leader will ensure design consistency and compati-
bility among the disciplines. For the purpose of
this ETL, the team leader will be designated as the
project engineer (PE).
b. Purpose. This ETL provides detailed guid-
ance on structural and project engineering responsi-bilities for civil works projects and how the
structural engineer (SE) and the PE support the life
cycle project management system. This enclosure
is organized such that specific responsibilities for
each phase of the project management system are
grouped together. This format was selected to aid
the reader in quickly identifying responsibilities for
a given project, with each phase being self-
supporting. Additional sources of information are
identified in Appendix A.
2. Structural and Project Engineering
Responsibilities
a. General. The Corps of Engineers is opera-
ting in partnership with local sponsors who share
the cost of designing and building civil works
projects. Increased emphasis is being placed on the
key roles of the SEs and PEs to achieve high-
quality products on schedule and within budget. A
project management office was established in Head-
quarters, USACE, and in each Division and District
to facilitate project development. In the project
management system, the project manager (PM) is
the primary point of contact for project coordinationbetween the local sponsor and the Corps. The PM
is responsible for managing the project scope, sche-
dule, cost, and budget and for facilitating the resolu-
tion of existing or potential problems. The PM is
also responsible for reporting the status of the
project to higher authorities and the local sponsor.
This guidance should enable the SE and PE to more
fully support the PM. An important link in the
cooperative relationship between Engineering Divi-
sion (ED) and the PM is the individual designated
as the PE. This individual may be a SE if the
structural features of the project are significantly
complex or costly; however, the PE may come fromother technical disciplines in ED. One PE is
assigned to the overall project. The role of the PE
on the design team is to assist in the technical man-
agement of the project. The broad design experi-
ence and technical leadership required to be a
successful PE generally require that such assign-
ments be made to senior designers who have been
delegated authority to perform their interdisciplinary
responsibilities.
b. Structural engineering responsibilities.
Structural design is a creative process that generally
begins with a vague definition of the clients prob-lems and proceeds to a practical solution using
basic engineering principles and modern technology.
Most civil works projects are executed by a multidi-
sciplinary team that may include several structural
engineers. The SE must determine the appropriate
level of analyses required for each phase of the life
cycle process. The analysis performed during the
reconnaissance phase relies on engineering judg-
ment with minimal numerical modeling. During
this phase, the structural engineer will examine a
minimum number of possible structural solutions
that are mutually acceptable to local and Federal
interests. In contrast, during the preconstruction
engineering and design phase, detailed analyses will
be performed and structural features designed to the
degree necessary to prepare quality contract docu-
ments. During the construction phase, the only
analyses performed are those required to resolve
field problems. Analyses during the operation and
maintenance phase may be required for deficiencies,
repairs, modifications, or replacement. The respon-
sibilities for the structural design can be categorized
as described below.
(1) Design and analysis. One of the primaryresponsibilities of the SE is to develop a structural
solution that meets the design objectives. The SE
will draw upon past experience to develop design
concepts or examine new and innovative solutions.
The SE will combine engineering judgment with
engineering principles to develop a reliable basis for
design. Depending on the project phase, the analy-
ses may require manual computations that capture
the general structural behavior or in-depth computer
1-1Enclosure 1
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
4/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
modeling using software developed by the
Computer-Aided Structural Engineering (CASE)
project. The basis for design and analysis in each
life cycle phase is discussed in detail in paragraphs
3.b.1, 4.b.1, 5.b.1, 6.b.1, and 7.b.1.
(2) Design quality. The quality of eachdesign phase is influenced by how well the engi-
neering design team performs. Quality is affected
by the ability of the SE to communicate, apply
sound judgment, advise, plan, analyze, and review.
The SE responsibilities in producing a high-quality
design for each life cycle phase are discussed in
detail in paragraphs 3.b.2, 4.b.2, 5.b.2, 6.b.2, and
7.b.2.
(3) Cost estimating. The SE should actively
participate in the development of the cost estimate
at each phase of the project. This participation
varies in depth and is essential to developing areliable cost estimate. (Public Law 99-662 limits
projects authorized by the act to a 20-percent in-
crease in the baseline cost, excluding increases due
to inflation and changing legal requirements.) The
SE should consider the reliability of engineering
and other data available when developing contin-
gency factors. Cost estimating responsibility for the
SE in each life cycle phase is discussed in detail in
paragraphs 3.b.3, 4.b.3, 5.b.3, 6.b.3, and 7.b.3.
(4) Design schedule and budget. Throughout
the project life, SEs should prepare and maintain
their design schedules and budgets. This informa-tion is provided to the PE for preparing the engi-
neering schedule and budget. Individual schedules
and budgets should be based on reliable data and
information available from other disciplines. Contin-
gencies should be included to account for uncertain-
ties. The results of an overly conservative budget or
design schedule can result in termination of the
study or require reauthorization of the project. On
the other hand, unrealistically optimistic estimates
result in insufficient funding to complete the
project. After the schedule and budget are
approved, the SE should complete the design within
that schedule and budget. Changes can be made
only with written approval by the PM. Compari-
sons between scheduled and actual progress, and
budgeted and expended dollars, should be made
throughout the project to assess performance. The
results of these comparisons should be provided to
the PE. The SE responsibilities in preparing and
maintaining design schedules and budgets are dis-
cussed in detail in paragraphs 3.b.4, 4.b.4, 5.b.4,
6.b.4, and 7.b.4.
(5) Technical coordination. The SE is
involved in technical coordination of structural
features during all project phases. The SE should
coordinate structural design activities with
individuals from other functional elements (geotech-
nical, hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, architectural,
construction, operations, cost engineering, realestate, surveying, mapping, etc.) to develop the
design of the structural features. Technical coordi-
nation should be maintained with the technical staff
of the local sponsor. Technical coordination is
encouraged with higher authority to reach early
agreement on unprecedented or complex problems.
The SE should keep the PE informed. SE technical
coordination in each phase is discussed in detail in
paragraphs 3.b.5, 4.b.5, 5.b.5, 6.b.5, and 7.b.5.
c. Project engineering responsibilities. Selec-
tion of the PE is one of the most important manage-
ment decisions for ensuring success. The PEshould be a technical leader who has an overview
of the project and a general understanding of the
various functional elements, and is therefore able to
support the PM by managing the design process.
The PE responsibilities in each phase are discussed
in detail in paragraphs 3.c, 4.c, 5.c, 6.c, and 7.c.
(1) Management of design process. The PE,
working with all appropriate disciplines, should
define the engineering design objectives. These
design objectives pertain to customer care, innova-
tion, engineering and design (E&D) costs, operation
and maintenance (O&M) costs, modifications,quality, biddability, constructibilty, and operability.
The PE should identify the specific tasks required to
support the design objectives, and should integrate
the team effort in an efficient and cost-effective
manner. The PE should monitor team progress by
reviewing the schedules and budgets and measuring
actual production, time elapsed, and funds
expended. Changes should be documented and
evaluated for impacts.
(2) Design quality. Design quality is influ-
enced by the PEs ability to promote a team
environment that encourages communication
between engineering disciplines. The PE must
recognize technical conflicts at an early stage. In
addition, the PE should explore alternate designs
that could improve the quality or reduce costs. A
quality product is the primary objective.
(3) Design schedule and budget. The PE
should coordinate and consolidate the budget and
1-2
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
5/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
provide it to the senior engineering staff. Each dis-
cipline should prepare its estimate in sufficient de-
tail to ensure that adequate resources are budgeted
to perform all engineering functions for all phases.
(4) Cost estimate. The PE should ensure thatquantities are being developed in accordance with
the code of accounts so that no quantities are omit-
ted or duplicated. Contingencies should be estab-
lished and justified in terms of available informa-
tion. The PE should inform the PM if additional
engineering information is needed to reduce contin-
gencies that have a significant impact on total cost.
(5) Interaction with project manager. The PE
should maintain a working relationship with the
PM. It is essential that the PE inform the PM about
the project status and contacts with the local spon-
sor. The PE should support the PM in developingthe engineering aspects of the project management
plan.
3. Reconnaissance Phase
a. General. The reconnaissance report is the
initial document undertaken in any project and is
Federally financed. The purpose is to determine if
there is a Federal interest in the project and if there
is a viable solution that produces benefits in excess
of costs and is acceptable to the local sponsor. The
most knowledgeable and experienced engineers
should be assigned to direct the development of thereconnaissance report, as many decisions must be
based on judgment because of the limit on time and
funds to accomplish the work.
b. Structural engineering responsibilities.
(1) Basis for design and analysis. The SE
should lay out and evaluate a minimum number of
possible structural solutions without devoting a
great deal of time to analysis and details. The pri-
mary goal is to identify one structural solution for
establishing a Federal interest in the project. Struc-
tural layouts should be based on proven conceptsand historical data from similar projects. If histori-
cal data are not available, rudimentary analyses
should be performed to establish the nominal di-
mensional parameters of typical structural features.
Special attention should be given to
selecting an appropriate substructure design concept
which is consistent with the available geotechnical
data. Innovative design concepts during this phase
should be used only in consultation with higher
authority. If there is a Federal interest in the
project, the SE must define the structural design
effort required for the feasibility phase. This design
effort is outlined in List B-1 (Appendix B).
(2) Basis for design quality. Achieving design
quality requires that there be effective communica-
tion among all design disciplines, functional ele-
ments and the local sponsor. To further ensure a
quality product, the SE should accomplish those
items given in List B-2.
(3) Basis for cost estimate. Since the recon-
naissance phase design is primarily conceptual, and
generally based on previous conventional designs,
the structural quantities rely heavily on historical
data. The SE must use experience and engineering
judgment to prorate historical data on quantities to
the proposed conceptual design. The SE is respon-
sible for developing the appropriate contingencies
for each structural feature based on the reliability of
the historical data and the similarities between the
historical data and the proposed design. The SE
coordinates with the PE and the cost engineer to
prepare the estimate in accordance with the chart of
accounts (ER 37-2-10).
(4) Design schedule and budget. Before com-
mencing work on the reconnaissance report, the SE
identifies the design tasks and responsibilities and
prepares a detailed schedule with man-hours and as-
sociated cost. This schedule and budget will be fur-
nished to the PE, who will develop the completeengineering schedule and budget. Several iterations
may be necessary to integrate the various discipline
schedules into an acceptable engineering schedule
and budget. One task associated with the recon-
naissance report is the development of an accurate
schedule and budget for the feasibility phase. The
SE must identify the information necessary to
reduce the contingencies in the various alternatives
considered during preparation of the feasibility
report.
(5) Technical coordination. The SE should co-
ordinate with the various engineering disciplinesand the PE as required. Contact with the local
sponsor should be coordinated with the PE and PM.
The SE should advise the PE of any changes that
could affect other elements or impact the schedule
or budget. The SE, through the PE, provides sup-
port for the issue resolution conference and techni-
cal resolution conference. The SE may also
participate in negotiating the Feasibility Cost Shar-
ing Agreement.
1-3
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
6/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
c. Project engineering responsibilities.
(1) General. The PE has four major responsi-
bilities during the preparation of a reconnaissance
report: making certain that the problem is clearly
defined and the alternatives identified; managing the
conflict between the need to obtain sufficient engi-neering with the limited time and funding available;
monitoring and resolving technical issues early,
such that slippage does not occur; and developing a
detailed plan, including the engineering effort and
budget, for the feasibility report.
(2) Management of design process. The PE
must manage preparation of the reconnaissance re-
port for all engineering elements. This will include
coordinating with other functional organizations
such as real estate, planning, and construction, plus
the local cost-sharing partner. The PE, working with
engineering management, will identify the designteam that will perform the work. In addition to
knowing the status of the project at all times, the
PE should be prepared to resolve problems as
quickly as possible to minimize the impact on the
project.
(3) Design quality. To help ensure that a
quality product is produced, the PE, with the design
team, should accomplish those items defined in List
B-3.
(4) Schedule and budget. To minimize im-
pacts to the schedule and budget, the PE, working
through the design team, should perform duties
defined in List B-4.
(5) Cost estimate. The project cost will deter-
mine if an economically viable project can be built.
Because of the emphasis placed on the cost esti-
mate, the PE should ensure that complete and
accurate quantities are developed. The PE, with the
design team, will assign contingencies for each line
item of the estimate. To ensure that an accurate
estimate is achieved, the PE should adhere to those
items listed in List B-5.
(6) Interaction with project manager. The PEshould interact with the PM and the local sponsor in
the areas defined in List B-6.
4. Feasibility Phase
a. General. The report prepared during this
phase of the project is similar to previous general
design memorandums, and should be completed
within 24 to 36 months. It establishes a baseline
cost estimate for the total project cost. The feasibili-
ty study is cost shared with the local sponsor.
b. Structural engineering responsibilities.
(1) Basis for design and analysis. The SE
should lay out and evaluate the potential structural
solutions to a design level to allow cost compari-sons. The layout and design of the structural fea-
tures of the recommended plan should be developed
to a level that is reliable for estimating the baseline
cost and schedule. The structural layouts should
account for variations in site and alignment, types,
and arrangement of the structural features. For
small, less complex projects, the feasibility report
may contain the complete analysis to allow projects
to proceed directly to plans and specifications (P&-
S). This normally requires approval of higher au-
thority. For items to be accomplished, see List B-1.
(2) Basis for design quality. The basis fordesign quality is established during the feasibility
phase with the early development of design criteria
and objectives. The actions contained in List B-7
should be accomplished during this phase.
(3) Basis for cost estimate. During the feasi-
bility phase, the SE focuses on the development of
a baseline cost estimate. Quantities are computed
for the major structural features of the recom-
mended plan. The level of detail of the quantities
depends on how significant and critical the feature
is to the project cost. In addition, the SE assists the
cost engineer by defining the level of risk andestablishing the contingencies to be assigned to each
structural feature in the baseline cost estimate. All
quantities and contingencies provided by the SE
should be in accordance with the chart of accounts
(ER 37-2-10).
(4) Design schedule and budget. The SE refines
the proposed project schedule and budget for the
structural portion of the feasibility study identified
in the reconnaissance report to include specific tasks
and responsibilities along with man-hours and asso-
ciated costs. This proposed schedule should include
when the information will become available forinterdisciplinary use. Once the structural schedule
is established, the SE is responsible for monitoring
the structural performance to ensure that this phase
of the project is completed within the schedule and
budget. One major task associated with preparation
of the feasibility report will be the development of
the proposed structural design schedule and budget
for the preconstruction engineering and design
phase and construction phase.
1-4
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
7/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
(5) Technical coordination. The SE coordi-
nates with technical disciplines and the PE on the
constructibility, safety, reliability, and functional
requirements for the alternatives being considered.
The SE should coordinate with local sponsors to
obtain necessary structural information, as well astechnical views on the design alternatives being
considered. The SE should also participate in the
technical review conference and the local coopera-
tion agreement (LCA).
c. Project engineering responsibilities.
(1) General. The PE must ensure that the
design objectives are defined. Since the feasibility
report costs are shared with the local sponsor, moni-
toring of the schedule and budget is critically im-
portant. During this phase it will also be necessary
for the PE to prepare a schedule and budget for thePED. This schedule/budget is critical to achieving
the earliest possible construction start. The feasibil-
ity report can take up to 12 months or more for
approval; however, HQUSACE has authority to
provide funding for initiation of preconstruction
engineering and design during this review period.
This initial work should include acquiring all
remaining survey and geotechnical data, completing
model studies, developing detailed designs and
value engineering (VE) studies, and preparing a
design memorandum and P&S for the first item of
work. The key is getting the PED budget to
HQUSACE in advance, so that funds can be pro-grammed in the appropriate fiscal year.
(2) Management of design process. The PE
responsibilities during preparation of the feasibility
report are similar to those noted in paragraph 3.c.2.
The PE should coordinate the resolution of review
comments made by higher authority.
(3) Design quality. To help ensure that a
quality product is produced, the PE, with the design
team, should accomplish those items defined in
List B-8.
(4) Schedule and budget. To eliminate im-
pacts to the schedule and budget, the PE, working
through the design team, should perform duties
defined in List B-9.
(5) Cost estimate. The project cost will deter-
mine if an economically viable project can be built.
Because of the emphasis placed on the cost esti-
mate, the PE should ensure that complete and accu-
rate quantities are developed. With the design
team, the PE will assign contingencies for each line
item in the estimate. To ensure that an accurate
estimate is produced, the PE should adhere to those
items listed in List B-5.
(6) Interaction with project manager. The PE
should interact with the PM in the areas defined in
List B-10.
5. Preconstruction Engineering and De-sign (PED) Phase
a. General. This phase begins with the sub-
mission of the feasibility report. The review and
approval process for the feasibility report can take
up to 12 months. HQUSACE can authorize an
expenditure of funds to prevent project delay.
Design and analysis should proceed as detailedsurvey, geotechnical, hydraulic, and other informa-
tion become available. The analysis (if not accom-
plished during the feasibility phase) will be
prepared and submitted for review as a design
memorandum (DM)in the PED phase. The P&S
are submitted for review near the end of the PED
phase.
(1) Design memorandum. The DM is a docu-
ment that presents detailed analysis for the various
line items of work within a project. The DM level
of coverage may be presented as part of the feasi-
bility report on small projects. On large projects,the DM is developed during PED for the first item
of construction, with additional DMs for remaining
features of work following the PED phase. Engi-
neering Division will be responsible for preparation
and submission of all DMs.
(2) Plans and specifications. The purpose of
the P&S is to provide a document that the
contractor can use to build a quality product. Engi-
neering Division will be responsible for preparation
and submission of all P&S.
b. Structural engineering responsibilities.
(1) Basis for design and analysis. The level
of design detail during PED must be sufficient to
complete preparation of P&S. This will include the
responsibilities for structural stability, material
selection, sizing of members, connection details,
reinforcement layouts, and geometrical compatibility
with adjacent features. The complete checked com-
putations for the selected alternative shall be bound
1-5
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
8/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
and become a part of the project files. A list of
Corps programs available for analysis is provided as
Appendix C.
(2) Basis for design quality. The SE must
evaluate innovative and creative ideas that could
benefit the project, and should participate in the VEstudies. Technical reviews during design are essen-
tial to detect errors and deficiencies. During prepa-
ration of P&S, communication with design team
members and the local sponsors must be continued.
As part of the P&S, the SE should develop instruc-
tions to the field plus a list of required contract
submissions. The SE ensures that the structural
design objectives previously identified are being
accomplished. Prior to advertisement, a complete
constructibility, operational, and biddability review
must be completed and all comments resolved.
(3) Basis for cost estimate. During prepara-tion of the DM the project cost estimate is updated
to reflect the refinement of the design. The SE
provides the cost engineer with the refined quanti-
ties and acquired information pertaining to any
unique materials or construction techniques. After
completion of the P&S, the SE must also assist in
the preparation of the Reasonable Contract estimate.
This support consists of developing quantity
estimates for structural features, providing informa-
tion regarding availability and sources of specialty
structural materials, and describing any special
constructibility considerations.
(4) Design schedule and budget. The SE
continues to monitor the structural man-hours and
funds expended, and compares these values with the
schedule and budget. The SE should not jeopardize
the level of quality to achieve schedule and/or
budget.
(5) Technical coordination. The SE coordi-
nates with the engineering disciplines as necessary
to complete the structural engineering portions for
the DMs and P&S. The SE also communicates
with the sponsors technical representatives concern-
ing design objectives and review comments, and
keeps the PE informed of issues that have a poten-
tial to impact the project quality, schedule, or bud-
get. The SE keeps the PE informed of the actual
versus approved schedule and budget, as well as
any changes to the approved scope of work. The
SE is responsible for keeping the cost engineer
advised of any changes in quantities. Quantities are
provided in accordance with the chart of accounts.
The SE provides the PE with necessary information
to resolve review comments. At the request of the
PE, the SE assists in the development of the LCA.
c. Project engineering responsibilities.
(1) General. The objective in this phase is to
ready the project for construction in accordancewith the feasibility report. The PE coordinates the
activities toward acquiring detailed engineering data,
model testing, completing detailed designs, and
conducting VE studies. The PE also coordinates
the preparation of the DM and P&S.
(2) Management of design process. The PE
should manage this phase to ensure that the required
design information is available to complete the DM
and P&S. This requires coordination with those
elements responsible for obtaining this information.
When problems arise, the PE should be prepared to
resolve them as quickly as possible. The PE shouldcoordinate biddability, constructibility, and opera-
tional reviews. In addition, the PE should coordi-
nate the resolution of review comments made by
higher authority.
(3) Design quality. Obtaining all of the
necessary data for preparation of the DMs is essen-
tial to preparing a quality DM. To help ensure that
a quality product is produced, the PE, with the
design team, should accomplish items defined in
List B-11. In preparation of P&S, the PE with the
design team should accomplish the items defined in
List B-12. The PE, with the design team, should
review final DMs and P&S documents to ensure
they are complete and meet all design objectives.
(4) Schedule and budget. To minimize
impacts to the schedule and budget, the PE should
accomplish the items defined in List B-13.
(5) Cost estimate. The objective of this phase
is to continue refining the construction cost by
reducing contingencies to a minimum. Because of
the emphasis placed on the cost estimate, the PE
should ensure that complete and accurate quantitiesare developed and the contingencies for each line
item in the estimate are appropriately adjusted. To
ensure that an accurate estimate is produced, the PE
should adhere to those items listed in List B-14.
(6) Interaction with project manager. The PE
should interact with the PM in those areas defined
in List B-15.
1-6
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
9/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
6. Construction Phase
a. General. The construction phase begins
with the award of the contract and ends with the
final payment to the contractor and startup of the
project. The O&M manual will be prepared during
this phase. The SE and PE are responsible for
providing engineering assistance during construction
of the project. The SE and PE should be respon-
sive to the field.
b. Structural engineering responsibilities.
(1) Basis for design and analysis. Occasion-
ally during construction, it may become necessary
for the SE to perform additional design work. This
may occur as the result of modifications or alterna-
tive construction techniques proposed by the con-
tractor or from evaluation of the contractor designs.
Frequently during construction, time is of theessence, and the SE should complete the design
work such that the projects critical path is not
impaired. The SEs review of selected shop draw-
ings is necessary to ensure that assumptions made
during design are incorporated. The SE should
obtain the necessary information for preparation of
O&M manuals and development of as-built draw-
ings.
(2) Basis for design quality. The SE should
establish a cooperative relationship with construc-
tion counterparts so that, as questions develop dur-
ing construction, they can be resolved expeditiously.The SE should visit the construction site to become
familiar with construction techniques and to answer
questions, resolve problems, and provide guidance
as necessary to accomplish the design intent. The
SE should also solicit suggestions for improvements
of future designs. The information obtained during
construction should promote increased quality on
future designs. The SE should be involved in mod-
ifications so that the best solution between engineer-
ing and construction can be obtained.
(3) Basis for cost estimate. The SE supports
the preparation of the Government estimate to beused in negotiating contract modifications. These
computations shall be bound and become a part of
the project files.
(4) Design schedule and budget. The SE
should begin to summarize the information and
history pertaining to the schedule and budget so that
an effective database can be developed for future
baseline cost estimates. The SE should document
lessons learned and unique innovative design and
construction techniques.
(5) Technical coordination. The SE should
coordinate the receipt of shop drawings and review
comments with the PE. The SE coordinates trips to
the construction project and resolutions to structural
construction problems with the PE. The SE should
coordinate the preparation of as-built drawings and
the structural input for the O&M manuals with
appropriate disciplines as necessary. The SE keeps
the local sponsors structural representatives
informed of project development. The SE keeps the
PE informed of critical items that may affect the
scope, schedule, and budget of the project.
c. Project engineering responsibilities.
(1) General. The role of the PE during the
construction phase involves establishing a goodworking relationship and communication flow with
construction personnel, establishing a process for
handling all submissions to Engineering Division,
and coordinating the engineering input to contract
modifications.
(2) Management of design process. The PE
must manage engineering during construction. The
PE must know the status of construction, submis-
sions to ED, claims, and modifications. The PE
should be prepared to resolve problems as quickly
as possible.
(3) Design quality. To help ensure the con-struction of a quality product in the field, the PE
should accomplish the items defined in List B-16.
(4) Schedule and budget. To minimize
impacts on the project, the PE should maintain
communications with field personnel and monitor
the schedule and budget. Any problems in meeting
the schedule and budget will first be discussed with
the design team, followed by a meeting with man-
agement. All proposed changes will be coordinated
with Construction Division.
(5) Cost estimate. To minimize increases inthe cost during construction, the PE should observe
field progress and note any potential problems. The
PE should coordinate engineering input to the solu-
tion of such problems as they arise.
(6) Interaction with project manager. The PE
should maintain a good working relationship with
the PM and participate with the PM in meetings
with the local sponsor.
1-7
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
10/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
7. Operation and Maintenance Phase
a. General. Technical support during the
project turnover phase is provided by the project
design team. Future responsibilities may require
periodic inspections, modifications of the as-built
drawings, review of operational deviations, identifi-cation of project deficiencies, and evaluation of
replacement plans.
b. Structural engineering responsibilities.
(1) Basis for design and analysis. If required,
the SE may be responsible for performing the
analysis necessary to establish safe operational
procedures and to develop P&S for repair or
replacement of structures.
(2) Basis for design quality. The SE should
document the performance of the project, and thisinformation should be saved in a database, as
appropriate, for future designs.
(3) Basis for cost estimate. When evaluation,
repair, or replacement becomes necessary, the SE
shall assist the cost engineer, as appropriate, in the
development of the cost estimate. This will require
the SE to prepare quantities and contingencies in
accordance with the chart of accounts.
(4) Design schedule and budget. When evalu-
ation, repair, or replacement becomes necessary the
SE shall prepare a scope of work, schedule, and
budget and submit these to the PE for review.
(5) Technical coordination. This may involve
coordination with other disciplines in periodicinspections or assessment and evaluation of the
performance and safety of the project. The SE
supports the coordination effort of the PE. The SE
coordinates evaluation, repair, and replacement of
structural components with the local sponsors
structural representative.
c. Project engineering responsibilities. The
PE is the team leader for developing answers to
design-related questions that develop during
periodic inspections or when operational deviations
are proposed. The PE is also responsible for coor-
dinating the completion of as-built drawings andaddressing design-related project deficiencies. The
PE also functions as the team leader if evaluation
and replacement are necessary. Through the PM,
the PE should ensure that any proposed changes in
operation, or modifications to the project as a result
of these changes, are submitted to higher authority
for approval and coordination.
1-8
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
11/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
APPENDIX ABIBLIOGRAPHY
a. ER 415-1-11. "Biddability, Constructibility
and Operability."
b. ER 1110-2-101. "Reporting of Evidence of
Distress of Civil Works Projects."
c. ER 1110-2-1150. "Engineering After Fea-
sibility Studies."
d. ER 1165-2-131. "Local Cooperation Ag-
reements for New Start Construction Projects."
e. EM 1110-2-1301. "Cost Estimates -
Planning and Design Stages."
f. US Army Corps of Engineers. 1989
(7 Sep). Policy letter (CEMP-ZV), "Interim
Guidance for Cost Effectiveness Review/Value
Engineering."
1-9
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
12/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
APPENDIX BGENERAL CHECKLIST
RECONNAISSANCE PHASE
List B-1 Basis for Design and Analysis
(paragraph 3.b.1)
Potential structural alternatives for
evaluation.
Types, arrangement, and number of structural
features for evaluation.
Pertinent project data and testing required.
Relevant design criteria and any special
design studies.
Studies and data needed to reduce
contingencies associated with design
uncertainties and risks.
Additional resources needed to expedite
design or to have design teams investigate
alternatives concurrently.
List B-2 Basis for Design Quality(paragraph 3.b.2)
Prepare detailed scope of work.
Identify problems that must be addressed.
Identify alternatives to be considered.
Identify detailed tasks and responsibilities.
Evaluate available design data as to adequacy
and reliability.
Establish uncertainties and contingencies to
be applied to each alternative.
Develop plan for preparation of feasibility
report.
Identify additional engineering data required
to reduce contingencies in preparation of
feasibility report.
Participate in selection of recommended
plan.
List B-3 Design Quality(paragraph 3.c.3)
Clearly define the functional requirements
for the project.
Identify the alternatives to be studied.
Identify the key components of the project
that will determine its feasibility.
Develop a complete plan for the preparation
of the feasibility report to include data
requirements, detailed tasks, alternatives, and
E&D cost.
Review status of work with design team as
required.
Keep PM advised.
Facilitate resolution of problems between
disciplines and other organizations.
Prepare a summary of lessons learned for
use in future projects.
List B-4 Schedule and Budget
(paragraph 3.c.4)
Develop a list of all milestones through final
approval of the document by higher
authority.
Develop an overall Engineering Division
schedule from the individual disciplineschedules.
Monitor the accomplishment of tasks and
expenditure of dollars.
1-11
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
13/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
Discuss any problems in meeting the
schedule and budget first with the design
team, followed by a meeting with
management.
Develop a complete schedule and budget for
preparation of the feasibility report.
List B-5 Cost Estimate (paragraph 3.c.5)
Identify the features of the job along with
contingencies that are generating the major
cost.
Continually review the cost estimate as the
design is developing.
Make certain final quantities are in the
proper format.
Review final cost, benefits, and
contingencies.
List B-6 Interaction With Project Manager(paragraph 3.c.6)
Review with the PM the final engineering
schedule and budget.
Participate with PM in developing the
Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement.
Work with PM in identifying the overallproject objectives and schedule.
Participate with PM in meetings with the
local sponsor.
Participate in the Issue Resolution
Conference with design team.
Participate in Technical Resolution
Conferences with design team.
Inform the PM of all contacts with the local
sponsor by the technical disciplines.
Invite PM to participate, when appropriate,
in the engineering review meetings.
FEASIBILITY PHASE
List B-7 Basis for Design Quality(paragraph 4.b.2)
Assumptions made in the reconnaissance
phase must be confirmed.
Accurate field data necessary for design,
such as surveys and soil borings, must be
obtained.
All functional aspects of the design must be
considered.
The project team must evaluate the design
for constructibility, safety, and reliability.
The project design team should be integrated
to include engineering, construction,
operations, and maintenance.
The SE should review and refine the
structural features and elements of the project
and assess available data to prepare the
baseline cost estimate.
New alternatives proposed should be
reviewed in the feasibility report to ensure
that the best alternative has been selected.
The SE should participate on the VE study
team.
List B-8 Design Quality(paragraph 4.c.3)
Identify and document all changes to design
and the resulting impact on schedule and
E&D budget.
Develop a list of design criteria and
assumptions.
Identify the key components of the job that
will determine its feasibility.
1-12
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
14/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
Identify high-cost items with the objective of
identifying less expensive alternatives
Develop the project baseline cost estimate
and project management plan.
Ensure participation of PE on the VE study
team.
Review status of work with design team as
required.
Keep PM advised.
Facilitate resolution of problems between
disciplines and other organizations.
Prepare a summary of lessons learned that
can be used on future projects.
List B-9 Schedule and Budget(paragraph 4.c.4)
Develop baseline project cost estimate and
schedule.
Develop a list of all milestones through final
approval of the document by higher
authority.
Develop an overall Engineering Division
schedule from the individual disciplineschedules.
Monitor the accomplishment of tasks and
expenditure of dollars.
Discuss any problems in meeting the
schedule and budget with the design team,
followed by a meeting with management.
List B-10 Interaction With Project Manager
(paragraph 4.c.6)
Participate with PM in developing a draft
LCA.
Work with PM in identifying the overall
project objectives, schedule, and budget.
Participate with PM in meetings with the
local sponsor.
Participate in the Issue ResolutionConference along with the design team.
Participate in the Technical Resolution
Conferences along with the design team.
Inform the PM of all contacts with the local
sponsor by the technical disciplines.
Invite PM to participate, when appropriate,
in the engineering review meetings.
PRECONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN PHASE
List B-11 Design Quality
(paragraph 5.c.3)
Identify and participate in the VE studies.
Develop a list of design criteria and
assumptions.
Establish the final rights-of-way
requirements.
Review status of work with design team as
required.
Keep PM advised.
Facilitate resolution of problems between
disciplines and other organizations.
Prepare a summary of lessons learned for
use in future projects.
List B-12 Design Quality for P&S(paragraph 5.c.3)
Key in on the high-cost items with the
objective of identifying and developing a
more cost-effective alternative.
Conduct a field review with Construction
and Operation Divisions, and others as
appropriate, during biddability,
constructibility, and operability review.
1-13
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
15/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
List B-13 Schedule and Budget(paragraph 5.c.4)
Develop a list of milestones to include
intermediate milestones for completion of
data acquisition, model test, alternatives, and
VE studies. For P&S, develop a list of allmilestones to reflect in-house review, field
review, announcement in the Commercial
Business Daily, wage rates, printing,
advertising, award, and notice to proceed.
Monitor the accomplishment of tasks and all
expenditures.
Discuss any problem in meeting the schedule
and budget with the design team, followed
by a meeting with management.
Revise budget for engineering duringconstruction as required.
List B-14 Cost Estimate
(paragraph 5.c.5)
Ensure that the cost and design engineers are
working together in evaluating alternatives
and in VE studies.
Identify as many contractors as possible that
are interested in bidding on the job.
Clearly define for every discipline exactly
how quantities and contingencies will be
developed and documented.
Identify at the outset the overall construction
cost objective.
Schedule each discipline to furnish
preliminary quantities to determine if a
viable project exists.
Identify the features of the job along with
contingencies that are generating the major
cost.
Analyze the items with the large
contingencies in order to reduce the
uncertainties and the project cost.
Continually review the cost estimate as thedesign is developing.
Make certain final quantities in the proper
format are furnished on schedule.
Review final cost, benefits, and
contingencies.
List B-15 Interaction With Project Manager(paragraph 5.c.6)
Participate with the PM in meeting with the
local sponsor during preparation of P&S.
Participate with the PM in developing the
Local Cooperation Agreement.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
List B-16 Design Quality(paragraph 6.c.3)
Develop and maintain project status records.
Make certain all disciplines review thecontractor submittals and identify those they
wish to review.
Establish points of contact in Construction
and Engineering Divisions.
Visit the field with other technical staff
regularly.
Coordinate the preparation of design
considerations and special instructions to the
field.
Ensure that information required for the
O&M manual is furnished by the contractor.
Ensure that members of the design team
participate in final inspection.
1-14
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
16/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
APPENDIX CLIST OF CORPS PROGRAMS,
COMPUTER-AIDED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECT
1-15
7/29/2019 Structural Engineering Responsibilities
17/17
ETL 1110-8-13(FR)30 Aug 91
1-16