A response from Jon F. Rauschkolb, P.E., M. ASCE, Schnabel Engineering, Inc.
I believe that engineers are largely responsible for the current state of the construction industry, as well as for the public’s perception/appreciation of the engineering profession. I hope to find the time to elaborate at a later date, but for now I offer this outline of my thoughts on this very important subject:
Problems:
1. Incomplete and inadequate bid documents
2. Decline in quality of design documents
3. Poor construction cost estimates
4. Insufficient design details
Result:
1. Alternative project delivery systems
2. Loss of respect for the engineering profession
3. Owners turn to contractors for project delivery; engineers have assumed a subordinate role (e.g., design-build projects)
4. Construction failures (failures are more often the result of constructability issues rather than lack of technical expertise)
Why:
1. Engineers lack construction experience (construction experience is not recognized as a prerequisite for licensing)
2. Preparation of contract documents (plans, specifications and contracts) is not a required subject for an accredited engineering degree
Questions and Comments:
1. How can engineers be truly competent (to produce constructible designs) without knowing how to build?
2. Failures are more often the result of constructability issues rather than lack of technical expertise.
3. ASCE and other professional organizations are campaigning for more educational requirements for engineering licensure, but they are missing the mark.
Please send responses to Marvin Oey, CI Director.
Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers
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