4.0.

CLASSIFICATION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES

With the various specializations offered by civil engineers, the services can be grouped
into seven general categories.

1. Consultation, research, investigations, and reports

2. Design services for construction projects
3. Construction services
4. Special services for construction projects
5. Engineering support services
6. Academic services
7. Services as employee

4.1. CONSULTATIONS, RESEARCH, INVESTIGATIONS, AND REPORTS

The scope of services for this category includes:

• Collection interpretation, and reporting information

• Formulate conclusions
• Give recommendations

4.1.1. PRELIMINARY AND FEASIBILITY INVESTIGATIONS

AND REPORTS
Before allocation of funds for a project, extensive investigations and analyses should be
done with comparisons of potential plans. The basis for conclusions and
recommendations for undertaking a project are the following:

1. Environmental impact of the project. Effect of the project on the

environment. Would the project develop pollution in the area? denudation of
earth?
2. Sustainable development. Economic development which does not
deplete natural resources.
3. Operating costs. Also called Operational costs, they are the
expenses related to business operation, or to the operation of a device,
component, piece of equipment or facility. They are the cost of
resources to maintain its existence.
4. Life-cycle costs. The total cost - recurring and one-time (non-recurring) -
over the full life span or a specified period of a structure or system. It includes
purchase price, installation cost, operating costs, maintenance and upgrade costs,
and remaining (residual or salvage) value at the end of ownership or its useful life.
5. Financing considerations. Choosing between financing methods
• Payment terms
• Total cost
• Length of arrangement
 • Associated costs
• Requirements of the lender or investor
6. Expected revenues. This signifies the amount projected to be
collected during an accounting period.

4.1.2. PLANNING STUDIES

Civil engineer services cover the following:
• Developing engineering requirements for master plans
• Improvement plans
• Preliminary engineering studies of land development plans
• Urban plans
• Regional plans
• Investigations of environmental conditions

4.1.3. APPRAISALS, VALUATIONS AND RATE STUDIES

The service covers the establishment of prospective rates in evaluating properties
through:
• analysis of existing conditions
• capital and operating costs
• overhead costs
• financing costs
• revenues

4.1.4. ASSISTANCE IN FINANCIAL MATTERS

For clients who intend to issue revenue bonds (Wikipedia: a special type of municipal
bond distinguished by its guarantee of repayment solely from revenues generated by a
specified revenue-generating entity), engineering services include:
• evaluation of the capabilities of facilities to meet needs
• probable construction costs
• annual revenue requirements

4.1.5. MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT TESTS

Using codes and standards, the service tests materials and equipment.

4.1.6. DIRECT PERSONAL SERVICES

This service covers preparation of legal proceedings.

4.1.7. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The types of research covered:

1. Development of methods and materials in construction.

2. Improvement or upgrade of construction materials and methods.

4.1.8. SPECIAL SERVICES

Diverse activities in this scope are:

1. Value engineering
2. Appraisal and valuation
3. Load testing
4. Environmental evaluations
5. Traffic engineering
6. Forensic engineering for structural and other failures
7. Operational assistance
8. Materials process design
9. Pilot studies
10. Computer modeling
11. Safety engineering
12. Topographic, sounding and boundary survey engineering
13. Toxic and hazardous waste evaluation
14. Permit and application services
15. Sales and marketing services
16. Expert witness
17. Representation of municipal or private entities in projects proposed for
privatization

4.2. DESIGN SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

There are six construction phases where civil engineering services are required.

4.2.1. STUDY AND REPORT PHASE

The feasibility of a project can be investigated in this phase:

1. Reviewing data and clarification of the client's requirements

2. Identifying and analyzing government requirements for the project
approval.
3. Provision for clients' needs (planning surveys, evaluations) of prospective
sites.
 4. Provision of general economic analysis of clients requirements and
alternatives.
5. Preparation of reports containing alternative solutions according to the
findings and recommendations.
6. Informing the client of necessary data and services for the project.
• Photogrammetry
• Reconnaisance survey
• Property surveys
• Topographic surveys
• Geotechnical investigations
• Seismicity studies
• Hydrological data
• Traffic studies
• Materials engineering
• Zoning assembly
• Land use information like deeds
• Environmental assessments
• Impact assessment

4.2.2. PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE

Preliminary design includes establishment of general size, scope and location of the
project. The services include:

1. Clarifying study and report phase and coordinating with governmental

agencies and utilities.
2. Advising clients for additional data and services required.
3. Preparation of estimates
4. Provision of periodic status reports
5. Preparation of preliminary design documents
• Preliminary drawings
• Outline specifications

4.2.3. FINAL DESIGN PHASE

After approval of preliminary design, basic services for final design are as follows:

1. Preparation of final drawing plans

2. Preparation of revised estimate of probable total cost of the project
3. Furnishing the necessary data for the application of regulatory permits.
4. Preparation of basic construction documents for review and approval of
the client.
5. Furnishing required copies for necessary documents.
6. Provision of periodic status reports
4.2.4. BIDDING OR NEGOTIATING PHASE
Services under this phase may include:

1. Assisting in the bidding process:

• Obtaining bids
• Attending pre-bid conferences
• Receiving and processing deposits for bidding documents
2. Issuing addenda for the bidding documents (interpretation, clarification,
amending, expanding)
3. Assisting in determination of contractors, subcontractors, and materials
suppliers.
4. Advice on acceptability of materials and equipment proposed by
contractors and suppliers.

4.2.5. CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Services in this phase include consulting and advising the client during construction.

*Most Civil Engineers are not willing to assume the responsibilities associated with
construction phase services without providing resident project representative services at
the site.

1. Review work of constructors through design concepts and shop and

erection drawings.
2. Review test reports on materials and equipment.
3. Visiting the project site to observe and check progress and quality of
work.
4. Providing services by a full-time resident project representative and by
supporting staff.
5. Issuing instructions from the client to the contractors - interpret and
clarify; preparation of change orders, special inspections, testing of work,
recommendation to the acceptability of work.
6. Recommend the client on corrective actions or contractual measures that
may be exercised by the client.
7. Preparing sketches required to resolve problems due to actual field
conditions.
8. Determining progress of work and preparation of payments due.
9. Observing and assisting performance tests and initial operation of the
project.
10. Preparation of record drawings from information submitted by the
contractor.
11. Conducting final inspection and reporting the completion of the project,
recommend final payments to contractors and release retained percentages.
4.2.6. OPERATION PHASE
The civil engineer may assist in the start-up of the project operations.

• Preparation of a manual for both operation and maintenance requirements

• Provide assistance in adjusting and balancing equipment
• Identify deficiencies and assisting in obtaining corrections
• Perform inspection before the end of the warranty period
• Assist in operator training
• Set up job classifications and salaries
• Organizing purchase of supplies
• Develop charts for recording operational data
• Observing and reporting on project operations.

4.3. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

A civil engineer can work as a contractor. However, this is true only after the civil
engineer is licensed as a contractor by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board
(PCAB).

Section 23 of RA 544 states that only registered civil engineers can take charge or
supervise construction or alteration of any building or structure and other engineering
works.
4.3.1. RA 4566 (CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE LAW)
"R.A. 4566 as amended by P.D. No. 1746 provides that no contractor (including sub-
contractor and specialty contractor) shall engage in the business of contracting without
first having secured a PCAB license to conduct business. It is an offense to engage in
contracting business without a license first being obtained." [Construction Industry Authority of the
Philippines]

4.3.2. TYPES OF CONTRACTORS LICENSE

• Regular license. Issued to a domestic construction firm ( a sole

proprietorship/partnership/corporation with at least 60% Filipino equity.
• Special license. Issued to a joint venture, a consortium, a foreign
contractor, or a project owner who authorizes the licensee to engage only in the
construction or a single, specific project/undertaking.
4.3.3. AUTHORIZED MANAGING OFFICERS
The qualifications to be an AMO:

• Senior Executive of a company

• With at least 2 years experience in implementing a construction project in
amanagerial or supervisory capacity; and
• Nominated by the firm and possessing managerial powers

4.3.4. SUSTAINING TECHNICAL EMPLOYEE

A Sustaining Technical Employee is a licensed technical professional with at least three
(3) years experience.

The STE (Sustaining Technical Employee) forms the backbone of the contractor and
represents the technical qualifications required for a PCAB license as well as the License
Classification. STEs also play a major part in determining the License Category.

Every contractor shall have at least one Sustaining Technical Employee (STE) who has
undergone the 40 hour Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Course for
Site Safety Officers as a condition for license renewal or New License Application.

A Sustaining Technical Employee (STE) must have at least three (3) years experience
of construction implementation and knowledge of Philippine construction-building codes
and ordinances, labor safety codes and other laws applicable to construction operation

4.3.5. COSH SEMINAR

The Construction Safety and Health Seminar is a forty (40)-hour seminar that is intended
to equip the contractor/applicant with the knowledge on standard occupational safety,
health, practices and processes in construction industry.

The following are those who should attend:

• The proprietor in an application for a new license

• Any person nominated as Authorized Managing Officer (AMO) in an
application for new license of a partnership or corporation
• Any person designated to replace the AMO of a PCAB licensed contractor
(application to be filed: CAMO: Change in AMO)
• Proprietors or AMO of applicants for upgrading of license category
• At least (1) Sustaining Technical Employee (STE) of the film. If the
proprietor or AMO who are the same time STEs of their companies who have
completed the course on COSH are deemed compliant
4.3.6. AMO SEMINAR
The AMO Seminar is a two(2)-day seminar that is intended to equip the
contractor/applicant with the basic knowledge on construction safety, building and lien
laws, taxation, labor and other relevant laws, and the basic principles of the construction
business.

4.4. SPECIAL SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Special services in the profession include:

1. Geotechnical Engineering including test borings, sampling and analysis,

and recommendation on soils.
2. Establishment of design criteria or demonstrate compliance
3. Surveying works. Land surveys, establishment of boundaries and
monuments, preparation of easement descriptions, topographic surveys
4. Shop or laboratory inspections
5. Reproduction of reports, drawings, specifications, and documents required
for bidding and construction
6. Value engineering
7. Extra travel and subsistence
8. Value engineering
9. Redesign to reflect changes by the client
10. Assistance to client as an expert witness in litigation
11. Final investigation
12. Preparation of documents for public works
13. Land planning and partitioning activities
14. Environmental assessments and impact statements
15. Detailed studies to meet special conditions encountered during
construction
16. Assistance to the client in the selection and engagement of contractors
and subcontractors.
17. Assessment of the project's ability
18. Computer simulation and modeling

4.5. ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES

General engineering support services are as follows:

1. Drafting. Also called technical drawing, this is the creation of accurate

representations of objects, buildings or houses for engineering purposes.
 2. Land and construction surveying. Surveying works to establish the
major features of the land surface, which can be affected with upcoming
construction.
3. Procurement of adequate and correct data. These are information
which need sound engineering judgment and guidance.

4.6. ACADEMIC SERVICES

Academic services of civil engineers include full or part-time teaching or training. These
services include:

1. Teaching of civil engineering courses in colleges/universities. RA 8981

states that all subjects for licensure examinations shall be taught by registered
professionals and who comply with CHED requirements.
2. Lecturing in PICE seminars for CPD credits.
3. Conducting tutorials/refresher courses on civil engineering subjects
4. A Resource Speaker in Technical Session
5. Writing technical articles

4.7. SERVICES AS EMPLOYEE

These services engage the civil engineer to duties for regular salary from the employer.

1. A civil engineer can be employed in any institutional or commercial

functions.
2. For part-time employment, as an employee and a consultant, the civil
engineer should be compliant to the two different standards - as an employee
and as a consultant.
3. If the civil engineer is employed in a consulting firm, he should comply
with the standards of the firm or the consulting civil engineer.
4. Civil engineers working in the government are governed by laws
prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.