Design Process
MMP Engineering delivers all of structural service to each client. By bringing scale and expertise to the delivery of most effective and economic design, our engineers, technologist and administration staff can focus on the activities they do best—providing advice and performing complicated analysis and design to create value for their clients.
For a project of this scope and size there is no question that a full service role is required on the part of all the consultants.
To elaborate on this matter we would like to breakdown the scope of work into four phases.
- Design Development Phase
- Working Drawing Phase
- Pre-Construction Phase
- Construction Phase
A) DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE: During this phase we will be examining various structural alternatives. These alternatives will be examined not only for the obvious requirements of structural economy and efficiency but also will be investigated in a manner such that the structural system is compatible with the mechanical and electrical design and especially with the functional, aesthetic and budgetary requirements of the architect and the owner. The simplicity and ease of construction will also be thoroughly investigated in discussions with the project manager and all related structural subtrades.
Until all parties involved in the project are satisfied that their requirements are met we do not consider the design development phase complete.
It is our experience that the extra effort in this phase of the work is critical to the overall success of the project. Any time taken in this phase of the work to logically work out the varying requirements will result in a project that proceeds easily into the working drawing phase as contentious items have been resolved without requiring major changes during the course of working drawings. It will also facilitate the construction process as no significant revisions would likely be required.
Having worked in diverse geographic areas we have learned that integration of design with local practice is a pre-requisite when constructing any project.
This approach is not restricted to the design of the building superstructure but also is especially required in the design of the building foundations. This area is one of our major focuses on any project and especially larger projects. We believe that a thorough and careful examination of the site foundation conditions are absolutely essential in getting a project started on a good footing, no pun intended. It has always been our experience that projects that get out of the ground without difficulty usually continue to go well and that the “In the ground” state of the job can be the most difficult and potentially most costly phase of the work if a thorough evaluation of the soil site conditions are not properly evaluated by the structural engineer.
This general approach has worked successfully for our firm on many projects of comparable size such that virtually all of our projects were on budget in the initial tender and continued to remain on budget with limited change notices during the course of construction.
B) WORKING DRAWING PHASE: Once the most economical and efficient structural system has been selected, we will commence with the working drawings for the project. The design team should meet on a regular basis so that the structural components of the project can be co-ordinate with the architectural, mechanical and electrical disciplines. A detailed walk through of all mechanical openings, ducts and location of mechanical units will be undertaken to ensure structural compatibility. A book of the specifications will also be provided.
C) PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE: Prior to the construction phase we will assist the project manager in the tendering process.
D) CONSTRUCTION PHASE: After the tendering phase and the start of the construction phase, we will review the shop drawings, attend site meetings and provide site reviews.