Introduction

Civil engineering is the field of engineering concerned with structures, most commonly buildings, but also bridges, dams, pipelines, roads, container port facilities, railway lines and stations, airports and towers. It is therefore one of the oldest fields in engineering, dating back to the first city states in Sumer. This engineering field is offered in universities as a first degree course and includes sub-disciplines such as transportation engineering, municipal engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering and structural engineering. Civil engineers may also work in the private sector as consulting engineers, project managers or construction contractors or in various government departments.

Civil engineers are responsible for the design, construction and management of all our utility and transport infrastructure. They also plan, design and test the structures of private and public buildings and facilities. In addition, civil engineers can assess the impact of large scale projects on the environment, critical in areas such as the collection and treatment of sewage and industrial wastes, pollution control and resource protection.

 

Civil engineers typically commence work by examining an architect’s plans and consider whether the chosen materials for a particular building will be strong enough to hold a structure of that height, weight or design. This aspect is called structural engineering, ensuring that the projected building will be safe, serviceable, durable, aesthetically pleasing, economical and be able to be built within the forecasted time. Engineers analyse how the project might affect its surroundings and at the same time, how the environment affects it. It is the responsibility of the structural engineer to produce safe, economical and environmentally-sound structures. Structural engineers apply mathematics and physics to traditional construction materials such as concrete, stone, steel, timber, glass and innovative engineering materials including aluminium, ceramics, tempered glass, fibrous cement, polymers and carbon fibre.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

When assisting our clients with disputes which require expert opinion, there are a range of ways in which this knowledge can be applied in the case of civil and structural engineering. Where accidents have occurred involving dams, bridges, pipelines, towers and public buildings, experts will be needed to assess the design and integrity of the infrastructure. Transport and utility infrastructure is often under stress from a range of factors (use, environmental impact, fiscal constraints, limitations in material technology, etc) and experts will be needed to discern the precise facts of what took place in order for any legal proceedings to reach a conclusion.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

  • The need for a view or inspection of a location
  • The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
  • Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
  • Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype
Relevant Articles A study of the duties and liabilities of design and engineering consultants in design and construct contracts

Engineering consultants still owe common law or statutory duties to the principal (and other third parties) in the event of loss caused by a faulty design or by negligent contract administration.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Association of Consulting Structural Engineers (ACSE) and Structural Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions about the ACSE and Structural Engineering e.g. what do structural engineers do, how to check credentials, and what should be in a Structural Engineering Report.

Relevant Cases Simpson Design Associates Pty Ltd v Inspector Ching [2011] NSWIRComm 7

Evaluation of evidence in determining guilt where a failed plant resulted in a fatality. The judge relied on opinion evidence as well as examining regulations.

Related Blog Articles

A sample of our experts in Engineering - Civil and structural

Below are short profiles of a few experts with expertise in this field. Please contact our office to discuss your specific requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget. Expert Experts are experts in finding the right expert for your needs and you pay no more to use Expert Experts than if you searched and found the expert yourself.

  • #ID8701

Building and Civil Engineering Expert expert

ID8701 is a seasoned Civil Engineer and Expert Witness with over 25 years of comprehensive experience in the construction and safety industry. As a founding member and director of multi-disciplinary engineering consultancies, he has overseen the work of a proficient team comprising more than 20 engineers and consultants.


  • #ID14491

Building, Construction, and Civil Engineering Expert expert

ID14491 is building and construction expert with extensive experience in structural and civil engineering. They have over 50 years of experience in the structural design and the construction of buildings and civil projects both in Australia and overseas.


  • #ID7391

Structural and Civil Engineer expert

ID7391 is a Director and Principal engineer with over 25 years’ experience in design and delivery of structural and civil engineering projects. He provides insight and judgment that assists in guiding clients through the many decisions required to deliver a successful outcome, and he does this in a considered, collaborative manner with our clients and other consultants sharing a common goal.


  • #ID2393

Forensic and Investigative Civil Engineer expert

ID2393 has more than 60 years’ experience in civil engineering, building, property development and management, real estate and contract administration. He provides expert opinion on approximately 50 cases each year with about 30% as an expert witness in Courts and Tribunals.


  • #ID1429

Civil Engineer and Accident Investigator expert

ID1429 has an extensive background in civil engineering and accident assessment. He specialises in the evaluation of crane accidents, among other construction-based failures, and is currently the head of his own independent engineering consultancy firm.


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