Page 28 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

DESIGN-CONSTRUCTION PROCESS 1.9

Are the latest drawings available?
Are the drawings signed and sealed by a professional engineer or architect?
Are as-built drawings available?
Does the construction drawings depict the constructed structure?
Do the specifications indicate materials for the project?
Are the specification performance-type specifications?
Were there sufficient quality control requirements performed, such as special inspections
during shop and field fabrication of materials and results of material testing for the project?

Bid Package
The project construction bid package consists of the following major parts:

Invitation to bid: A sample bid form similar to or the same as recommended by the
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Engineers Joint Contract Document Committee-EJDC 1910-18. The term invitation to
bid is sometimes used interchangeably with specifications, but it should be noted that
they are two distinct sections of the project documents.
Qualification of bidders: Requires documentation of the prospective bidder or contrac-
tor’s financial capability, construction bonding ability, sufficient insurance coverage—
both general and property, listing of similar project experience, adequate supervision,
and ability to meet the owner’s schedule and budget.
Unit price schedule: Unit prices are stated by the contractor for alternates in the bid
package and/or “add” and “deduct” in-place costs for authorized changes during the
construction.
General conditions of the contract for construction: The commonly used document is
the Standard AIA A201. 8
Supplementary conditions: Additions or deletions to the general conditions of the par-
ticular project.
Design drawings: Drawings, details, and instructions prepared by the design team for
the construction of the project.
Technical specifications: Defines scope of work and materials or equipments usage and
their implementation for each trade.

SHOP DRAWINGS

Shop drawings reflect the contractor’s understanding and interpretation of the construction
documents for the fabrication and installation of the various components used in the con-
struction of the project. These drawings are detailed to indicate the sequence of assembly
of various components of the project, and its final form or position within the project.
Shop drawings are submitted to the design team for review prior to the actual fabrication or
assembly of construction components since time is of the essence. Return of the shop drawings
within a specified time is essential to the contractor. Delays in approval of shop drawings may
impact upon the construction schedule and further delay other trades to continue their work.
For example, the American Institute of Steel Construction Code of Standard Practice, Section
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4 Shop and Erection Drawings, paragraph 4.2 states: “The fabricator includes a maximum
allowance of fourteen (14) days in his schedule for the return of shop drawings.” [Note: If the