Duties of Project Engineer

Duties of Project Engineer

The  Project  Engineer  bas  the  primary  responsibility  of producing  a  complete, accurate, biddable, and buildable set ofplans for all the structures in a project. This responsibility should be performed with the least possible manpower expenditures.

The duties and traits ofthe Project Enginee.r that are conunon throughout Design are listed on the attached sheets. It should be noted that these duties may be extended or modified by factors such as the needs or desires ofthe Design Engineer, the Project Engineer's experience or the particular project requirements.

The Duties of a Project Engineer

1.   Planning

a)         Reviews  all preliminary reports  including  advance planning  studies  for the project. Proper shoulder widths, traffic and false work clearances, approach slab status, and adequate stream flow and scour provisions must be verified prior to developing the General Plan.

b)         Investigates statements or site data in District reports which appear uneconomi­cal or inconsistent with policies.

c)          Reviews  bridge maintenance books and  discusses with Bridge Maintenance Engineer for widening and rehabilitation projects.

d)        Determines Seismic Retrofit  and scour mitigation requirements on existing bridges to be modified.

e)          Reviews  locations  of existing  utilities  for  possible  conflict  and  relocation.

Establishes need to carry utilities or provide for future utilities.

f)          Reviews prior corrunitrnents to other agencies and coordinates commitments and DOS policies with District proposals.  Hydraulic and railroad issues are particularly important.

g)     Determines architectural  features  in  cooperation with  Design  Engineer and Structures Aesthetics Section.

h)     Determines basic structural geometry and assists designers in structural type selection.

i)      Prepares and submits Type Selection memo.

j)      Schedules Type Selection meeting.

k)    Schedules strategy meetings for earthquake retrofit projects.

l)     Prepares and submits minutes of strategy meeting.

m)   Conducts site reviews as necessary.

2.   Coordination

a)          Coordinates structural details and design features within the project. Conducts meetings with designers and detailers as required.

b)         Standardizes details to permit reproduction rather than  redrawing and  seeks other methods of reducing plan cost.

c)          Works  closely  with  other  units  (Geology,  Specifications,  SASA,  Sietech, Estimating, Hydraulics, Maintenance, etc.) so that decisions in these areas are timely and consistent throughout the project.

d)         Keeps continual contact with District counterpart concerning project issues, progress, deadlines, and cost.

3.  Project Control

a)     Reviews completed General Plans.

b)     Reviews General Plan estimates.

c)     Keeps record ofProject Plan print distribution.

d)     Continually reviews details as they are being prepared.

e)     Reviews entire project for continuity and completeness.

f)      Reviews final estimates.

g)     Reviews road plans and dununy specifications.

h)     Reviews Strucrure Status for accuracy.

i)     Reviews monthly manhour summaries (BPRS Computer Program).

j)     Stays informed of project progress and informs the Design Engineer, Liaison

Engineer and District Project Manager if there are problems developing which

will affect PS&E date. Meets periodically with other units iftheir involvement

affects the completion date. Such units may include other design sections, M&E, T&S,  Architects,  Geology,  R.R.  Agreements,  Specifications,  etc.  Railroad

agreements require very long lead times.

k)    Assures  that  pertinent  infonnation  is  transmitted to  the  R.  E.  Pending  File (Memo to Designers 1-39).

1)       Assures that Joint Movement Rating sheets and 4-scales are available.

m)   Assures that Memo to Specifications Writer Form is complete and accompap.ies P&Q transmittal.

n)     Provides  design  assistance  to  Resident Engineer during  construction  phase including shop plan review.

4.   Communications

a)     Maintains continual communications with all personnel assigned to the project.

b)     Handles and documents communications with District personnel and all support units.

c)     Handles and documents communications with Bridge Construction personnel.

5.  Personnel

a)          Determines project staffing need with Design Engineer. Uses staffing chart with modifications for duplication of details and designer/detailer experience.

b)         Supervises project staff.   May  delegate technical  supervision  for portion of work.

NOTE:    Some ofthe above tasks may be delegated to individual designers. An

important part of a Project Engineer's duties includes recognizing the need for

assistance to meet schedules.

Duties of a Project Engineer for "Combined Projects"

Combined projects are defined as those that contain facilities other than bridges, such as pumping plants, building, etc., typically designed by the Electrical-Mechanical­Sanitary Branch or the Transportation Architecture Branch.

It  is  the  responsibility  of  the  Bridge  Project  Engineer  to  be  the  total  project  coordinator for all portions  of the project produced within the Office of Structure  Design. This coordination responsibility is to include knowledge of all supporting  units progress, ability to deliver PS&E on schedule, and for the exchange ofmutually  dependent design needs Ooads, foundation data, geom~tric conflicts, etc.).

The Traits of a Project Engineer

Designers interested in developing into a Project Engineer must obtain their Profes­sional Engineer License and know on what basis a Project Engineer is selected. To satisfy this need, at least in part, the Design Engineers have listed the factors or traits considered when selecting a Project Engineer.

a)          Has developed technical skill.

b)         Gets along well with people.

c)          Is an innovator.

d)         Has initiative.

e)     Has the ability to communicate effectively.

f)     Is practical.

g)     Has leadership abilities and will make decisions.

h)     Keeps abreast of technical developments.

i)     Has an understanding of CAL TRANS and DOS policies and procedures.

j)     Understands the importance of Project deadlines and costs.

k)    Keeps good records.

1)      Is organized.

m)   Is a motivator.

About Author:

I am Thomas Britto here to share my experiences in the civil engineering field to all my readers.Today many students are struggling to buy books at high prices. So I decided to start a blog and share my experience and knowledge with all my readers.

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