Since the 1990s, the concept of integration between engineering and construction has been used as a solution to prevent and even eliminate re-work in projects where both phases are included. This interaction has been called “constructability”. The surprising thing is that there are still projects in which these recommendations are not taken into account.
The 'constructability approach', considers taking the contribution of Construction personnel in the very first phase of Engineering in projects that involve Engineering and Construction.
In many related articles, several interesting things are given as general recommendations,
· To Consider Construction as a “discipline” of engineering design work. This makes it play a fundamental role in engineering design decisions. It supposes that details shown on drawings, and assembling materials as well as procedures are reviewed by construction experienced people who can make suggestions and recommendations for the benefit of the entire project.
· Involving construction people from the very beginning implies an additional cost for which the project manager must really "believe" in the benefits to be obtained at the end of the project. This is a marginal additional cost because it is due only to the expense of some man-hours of construction people which means almost nothing to the total project cost, but in change, it assures a great reduction of rework activities at the construction phase, with the associated costs.
All of us who have been involved in engineering and construction projects do not doubt it.
The concept is especially important for contractors involved in Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) contracts in which a decision in engineering design can imply a substantial difference in the project cost.
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