Driver Trett Digest Issue 26 - Flipbook - Page 17
DIGEST | ISSUE 26
To help further illustrate the breadth of civil engineering, and what a civil engineering expert may become involved
in I provide, via superscripts below, a selection of examples from my own experience:
Transport
Utilities
Drainage
Structures and
Geotechnics
Airports1
Power2
Foul water3
Buildings
Railways4
Water, including Fire
water
Surface water
Bridges
Irrigation/TSE
Retaining walls
Rivers/Open channels
Dams
Hydrology
Tunnels
Metro/LRT5
Chilled water
Ports
Communications
Roads6
Oil & Gas
Traffic7
Renewables
Pedestrian /cyclists
In conclusion – civil engineering provides a canopy under which there are many specialisms, disciplines and subdisciplines. It is quite normal for civil engineering experts to practice in, at least, one particular specialism whilst
still bearing the title of civil engineer. Other civil engineering experts have developed their background skills over a
much wider range of specialisms focusing more on overall co-ordination.
As with choosing any expert, it is vitally important to ensure their attributes are well matched to the task. Given the
diverse range of specialisms within civil engineering, finding an appropriate expert can be especially demanding.
The selection process may not be helped with having to contend with the detailed technical jargon and, for
example, whether the subject is best addressed by an electrical engineer or a civil engineer who has specialised in
power. Of course, when looking for more of a co-ordinator, it is clearly important that they have at least knowledge
of the various disciplines involved.
1. Expert report on the design, co-ordination and supervision of civil engineering and utilities, in an arbitration
relating to a major international new-build airport.
2. Expert report concerning the forecasting of demand and identification of reinforcement of power and water
supplies, to sustain growth in operations of a major international airport.
3. Expert report commissioned by insurers relating to the damages incurred to commercial property arising from foul
drainage problems occurring during the construction of an adjacent by-pass.
4. Expert report for inquiry into the Great Heck train crash, covering the suitability / adequacy of highway barriers
limiting incursion onto the railway.
5. Expert reports and provision of evidence at a public inquiry on transportation and traffic impacts for the original
TWA Environmental Assessment of the Thameslink 2000 Rail project.
6. Expert report and Joint Statement on road humps that had been constructed on a private road which provided
access to a specialist car repairer, who claimed their vehicles were being damaged by the humps.
7. Expert report on the adequacy and safety provision of service yard facilities at a major superstore, where an
employee had been crushed to death by a lorry reversing. Evidence given in the Crown Court.
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