Classification of Engineering Services

2.1 GENERAL
The needs for professional civil engineering services vary, and the civil
engineering firms that meet these needs vary in organizational structure, size, and
capability. Many civil engineering firms provide comprehensive services to the
client, while other firms specialize in areas of engineering, such as geotechnical or
structural, and transportation, water and construction management, and provide
their services to a prime engineer, architect, or owner. Few civil engineering firms
are qualified to provide complete service for all projects, and the use of associate
professionals to provide specialized services is common.
Services provided by civil Engineers can be grouped into five broad categories:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Consultations, research, investigations, and reports.

Design services for construction projects.
Construction services.
Special services for construction projects.
Engineering support services.
Academic services.
Services as Employee

The types of infrastructure under the domain of civil engineering, pursuant to RA

544, as amended, include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Streets, bridges, highways and railroads

Airports and hangars
Portworks, canals, river and shore improvements, light houses and dry docks.
Buildings
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 CONSULTATIONS, RESEARCH, INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS
These services deal primarily with collecting, interpreting, and reporting
information, together with formulating conclusions and making recommendations.
Typical services in this category are:
2.2.1 Preliminary and feasibility investigations and Reports
These services usually precede the authorization of a capital project and may
involve extensive investigations, analyses of conditions, and comparison of several
possible plans. These studies may include the impact of a project upon the
environment, sustainable development, operating costs, life-cycle cost, financing

considerations, and expected revenues as bases for conclusions and

recommendations regarding the advisability of undertaking a project.
2.2.2 Planning studies
These services may include the broad areas of developing the engineering
requirements of master plans for long-range capital improvement programs;
preparation of preliminary engineering of land development plans, urban plans, and
regional plans; and the investigation of environmental conditions and preparation of
environmental impact studies with subsequent engineering planning to improve or
maintain existing conditions. Such planning often requires coordination of the work
of many engineering and other disciplines.
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 to recommend establishment of prospective rates.
2.2.4 Assistance in Financial Matters
The civil Engineer may be engaged by a client who is planning to issue bonds,
particularly revenue bonds, to finance a capital project. The scope of services may
include an 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 include tests 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 commissions to render expert opinions and
conclusions, and investigations of technical matters where specialized civil
engineering knowledge, experience, and judgment is required.
2.2.7 Research and Development
Research is a specialized investigation and gathering of data from existing
resources or through laboratory works and processes related to the purpose and
object of the research. Research and development may cover the following:

a. Development of new construction materials and methods from concept to

commercialization.
b. 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
Materials 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 projects 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 y the same civil engineer
for consistency and efficiency, although at times 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Study and report phase.

Preliminary design phase.
Final design phase.
Bidding or negotiating phase.
Construction phase.

6. Operation phase.
2.3.1 Study and report phase
This phase involves determinations of project scope and economic and technical
evaluation of feasible alternatives. The services performed during this phase may
include:
1. Reviewing available data and consulting with the client to clarify and define
the clients requirements for the project.
2. Advising the client as to the necessity of providing or obtaining from others
additional data or services and assisting the client in obtaining such data and
services. These additional services may include photogrammetry,
reconnaissance surveys, property surveys, topographic surveys, geotechnical
investigations and consultations, seismicity studies, compilation of
hydrological data, traffic studies, materials engineering, assembly of zoning,
deed and other restrictive land use information, and environmental
assessments and impact statements.
3. Identifying and analyzing requirements of governmental authorities having
jurisdiction to approve the design of the project and participating in
consultations with such authorities.
4. Providing analyses of the clients needs, planning surveys, comparative
evaluations of prospective sites and solutions.
5. Providing a general economic analysis of the clients requirements applicable
to various alternatives.
6. Preparing a report and presenting alternative solutions available to the client
with the civil engineers findings and recommendations. The report may
contain schematic layouts, sketches, conceptual design criteria with
appropriate exhibits to indicate clearly the considerations involved and the
civil engineers conceptual opinions of probable costs for the project
2.3.2 Preliminary Design Phase
This phase involves the establishment of the general size and scope of the
project and its location on the selected site. The preliminary design services may
include:
1. Consulting with the client, reviewing preliminary reports, clarifying and
defining the project requirements, reviewing available data, and discussing
general scheduling. Conferences may also be required with approving and
regulatory governmental agencies and applicable utilities.