School of Engineering and Architecture

Civil Engineering Department

General Civil Engineering

Chapter 3: Classification of
Engineering Services
CE Laws, Ethics and Contracts
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Objective After this chapter, the student should be able to:

 identify the different classification of engineering services

Content This chapter focuses on

 Classification of Engineering Services
 Consultation, Research, Investigation and Reports
 Consultation Services
 Special Services for Construction Projects
 Engineering Support Services
 Services as Employee

Related These are supplemental content necessary for this chapter

 PICE (2003), Manual of Professional Practice for Civil
Readings Engineers, 2nd Edition. Manila: Philippine Institute of
Civil Engineers, Inc.
 HAU BOOKs 24x7
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/intro_1.shtml

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Chapter 3- Classification of Engineering Services

Section 2: CLASSIFICATION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES

Only few Civil Engineering firms are qualified to provide Civil Engineering Services for their projects.
Other firms specialize only in areas of engineering, such as geotechnical or structural, and
transportation, water and construction management.

Services provided by Civil Engineers can be grouped into five broad categories;
1. Consultations, research, investigations and report.
2. Design services for construction projects
3. Construction services
4. Special services for construction projects
5. Engineering support services
6. Academics services
7. Service as employee.

The types of infrastructure under the domain of Civil Engineering, pursuant to RA 544, amended,
include:
1. Streets, bridges, highways and railroads
2. Airports and Hangers
3. Portworks, canals, river and shore improvement, light houses and dry docks.
4. Buildings
5. Fixed structures for irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply and sewerage works
6. Tunnels.

The coverage of civil engineering has not been changed nor diminished by subsequent laws.

2.2. CONSULTATION, RESEARCH, INVESTIGATION AND REPORTS

2.2.1. Preliminary and Feasibility Investigations and Reports

These services usually precede the authorization of a capital project and may involve extensive
investigation, analyses of conditions, and comparison of several possible plans.

2.2.2. Planning Studies

These services may include the broad areas of developing the engineering requirements of master
plans for ling range capital improvement programs; preparation of preliminary engineering of land
development plans, urban plans, and regional plans; and he investigation of environmental
conditions and preparation of environmental impact studies with subsequent engineering planning
to improve or maintain existing conditions.

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Chapter 3- Classification of Engineering Services

2.2.3. Appraisals, Valuations and Rate Studies

These services may include investigations and analyses of existing conditions; capital and operating
costs; overhead costs and costs of financing; and revenues as needed to evaluate a property or
recommend establishment of prospective rates.

2.2.4. Assistance in Financial Matters

The Civil Engineer may be engaged by client who is planning to issue bonds, particularly revenue
bonds to finance a capital project.
The scope of services may include the following;
 Evaluation of capabilities of existing or proposed facilities to meet present and projected
future needs,
 Statements of probable construction costs, and
 An estimate of annual revenue requirements, with a determination of appropriate rates to
provide this income.

2.2.5. Materials Engineering and Equipment Tests

These services includes;

 Test of materials and equipment under established codes and standards,
 Specialized examination of equipment and materials used in construction and industry, and
 Other inspections and monitoring required by a client.

2.2.6. Direct Personal Services

This includes services such as assistance in preparation for legal proceedings. Appearances before
courts or commission to render expert opinions and conclusions, and investigations of technical
matters where specialized civil engineering knowledge, experience, and judgement is required.

2.2.7. Research and Development

Research is a specialized investigation and gathering of data from existing resources or though
laboratory works and processes related to the purpose and object of the research.
Research and development may cover the following;
 Development of new construction materials and methods from concept to
commercialization.

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Chapter 3- Classification of Engineering Services

 Improvement of construction materials and methods through exhaustive studies to reduce

total construction cost and at the same time improve quality.

2.2.8. Special Services

These services can vary to suit special needs of the client and can include such diverse activities as;
 Value engineering
 Appraisal and valuation
 Load testing
 Environmental evaluations
 Traffic engineering
 Forensic engineering for structural and other failures
 Operational assistance
 Material process design
 Pilot studies
 Computer modeling
 Safety engineering
 Topographic, sounding and boundary survey engineering
 Toxic and hazardous waste evaluation
 Permit and application services
 Sales and marketing services
 Expert witness
 Representation of municipal or private entities in project proposed for privatization.

2.3. Design Services for Construction Projects

Civil Engineering Services are required for each of six typical phases of a construction project. All
services are preferably furnished by the same Civil Engineer for consistency and efficiency, although
at time services in various phases are furnished by different engineers or by the client. The services
are supplemented by special services which may be provided by the client, a specialized engineer,
or another Civil Engineer.

The six standard phases of a construction project and the engineering services needed for each
are;
1. Study and Report Phase
Analysis of the client needs conceptual design conceptual opinions of probable construction
cost
2. Preliminary Design Phase

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Chapter 3- Classification of Engineering Services

3. Preparation of final design criteria, preliminary drawings, outline specifications and

preliminary opinions of probable construction cost.
4. Final Design Phase
Preparation of the design calculations, construction drawings, specifications, estimated
construction cost, and other contract documents.
5. Bidding and Negotiating Phase
Assistance to the client with bidding or negotiating process for construction of the project.
6. Construction Phase
Advice and Consultation on matters related to his services.
7. Operation Phase
Assistance to the client in start-up and operation of the project, including periodic
inspections.

2.4. Construction Services

A registered Civil Engineer may engage in construction contracting after being licensed as a
contractor by the Contractors Accreditation Board. It is considered unethical for a civil engineer to
allow his license to be used by any other construction company except his own.

A registered Civil Engineer may provide the services of a supporting technical employee as required
of a construction company. He shall however, be paid the professional fees, in addition to his
regular salary, for any design work he performs for which he signs as professional Civil Engineer
and/or engineer on record.

A Civil Engineer may be employed as a construction engineer, resident Civil Engineer, project
engineer, quality control engineer, cost engineer or engineer inspector in a project. In accordance
with Section 23 of RA 544, only registered Civil Engineers can take charge or supervise construction
or alteration of any building or structure and any other civil engineering works mentioned in Section
2 of the mentioned republic Act.
The Civil Engineer when employed is similarly required to comply with the code of ethics of the
profession as the consulting Civil Engineer.

2.4. Special Services for Construction Projects

Special services required during the study, design, construction, and operation phases of a
construction project may include investigations, reports and activities beyond the scope of the basic
services.

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Chapter 3- Classification of Engineering Services

Reports, may relate to the client decisions as to the feasibility scope, and location of the project.
The research, compilation of engineering data, and acquisition of property may involve professional
specialists in engineering and other fields.

2.6. Engineering Support Services

The professional services described above often require engineering support services. The
engineering support services in general civil engineering practice may involve drafting, land and
construction surveying, and other data gathering activities for specialized purposes. Since
soundness of any engineering decision is dependent upon the accuracy and suitability of data
obtained in field and laboratory investigations these supporting services must be under the
guidance of the Civil Engineer whose decisions will be upon those data.

2.7. Academic Services

These services involve full or part time teaching or training prospective professional and also the
upgrading of knowledge and skill of fellow professionals.

Academic services may include;

a. Teaching of Civil engineering courses in engineering colleges/universities on part/full
time basis. Ass per RA 8981.
b. Lecturing in civil engineering course designed by the PICE for practicing engineers
who want to obtain CPD credits.
c. Conducting tutorials/refresher courses on civil engineering concepts and related
subjects
d. Serving as Resource Speaker in Technical Session
e. Writing technical articles and pamphlets.

2.8. Services as Employee

This is a condition when a Civil Engineer engages to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for
wages or salary being paid by an employer.

A Civil Engineer may be employed for any position or function in any commercial or institutional
organization. Where he is performing civil engineering functions, he is required to follow the code
of ethics for Civil Engineers and comply with the standards and guidelines of the PICE manual.

A licensed Civil Engineer may not allow his licensed to be used by the company that employs him
without the proper agreement for his professional services. Where the firm he is working for uses

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Chapter 3- Classification of Engineering Services

his license to sign and seal the plans, specifications and contract document, the Civil Engineer much
charge the professional fee for said services.

A Civil Engineer in part time employment with a firm is considered to be an employee and at the
same time a consultant of the firm.

The standards for an employee and an individual consultant as defined in the PICE manual apply
to this Civil Engineer.

Any Civil Engineer employed as an individual consultant of any firm, whether the firm is performing
engineering, commercial, administrative, management or financial services is required to comply
with the requirements and standards herein established for a consulting Civil Engineering firm or
consulting Civil Engineer.

All Government Civil Engineers employed by the instrumentalities of the Government e.g. natonal
and local, shall be governed by pertinent existing laws and regularities and particularly to those
prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.

In case of any conflict with any of the provisions of this Manual of Practice, such pertinent laws and
regulations shall take precedence and shall govern.

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