Page 50 - Water and wastewater engineering

THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES 1-21

points in the construction be identified and that the contractor’s progress be monitored so that
timely inspection can be made.
The RPR acts as the engineer’s agent at the site. He/she will have various duties as spelled out
in the contract between the owner and the engineer. Some examples include (EJCDC, 2002):
• Review schedules of progress, schedules of drawing submittals.

• Attend conferences and meetings.
• Serve as the engineer’s liaison with the contractor through the contractor’s superintendent.
• Report to the engineer when clarification and interpretation of the contract documents are
required and transmit these to the contractor.
• Receive samples and shop drawings for review and approval.
• Consult with the engineer in advance of scheduled major inspections, tests, and systems
start-ups.
• Accompany visiting inspectors representing public or other agencies having jurisdiction.
• Maintain records and daily log book.
The engineer makes visits to the site at intervals appropriate to the various stages of con-
struction. Based on information obtained during these visits, the engineer will determine if the
work is proceeding in accordance with the contract documents and will keep the owner informed
of the progress of the work. The engineer recommends to the owner that the contractor’s work be
rejected while it is in progress if, on the basis of his/her observations, the engineer believes that
the work will not produce a completed project that conforms to the contract documents or that it
will threaten the integrity of the project (EJCDC, 2002). In addition the engineer
• Clarifies contract documents for the contractor.
• Recommends change orders as appropriate.
• Reviews and approves shop drawings provided by the contractor.

• Reviews samples and other data submitted by the contractor.
• Recommends the amounts the contractor be paid based on observation of the progress and
quality of the contractor’s work (EJCDC, 2002).

As work progresses, it is prudent for the contractor, engineer, and owner to have periodic
progress meetings. These should be scheduled at regular intervals as well as at milestone points.
Typical topics for discussion include percent completion, projections for completion in the next
period, staffing, and unexpected problems.

Preparation of Project Record Documents
Progress record documents show the results of the construction process. They record changes
from the design drawings that occurred during the construction process. These are important
documents for the owner as they provide the first step in performing maintenance or repair work.