Structural design processes: Difference between revisions

At the Production Stage, the chosen form of structure is developed to produce drawings and specifications to be passed on to the construction stage. Other outcomes include  documents that justify the decisions taken.

The Institution of Structural Egineers publishes a [https://www.istructe.org/sitefiles/handlers/DownloadFile.ashx?productId=9746 Structural Plan of Work] that sets out an overall process for structural engineers working on the design of a building.  

Table 1 only indicates some of the complexity of the system plan. It does not show iterations that are common, especially at the concept stage, nor does it show interactions among the sub-processes.

Reducing risk, e.g. risks of collapse, inadequate performance, cost escalations, etc, is a fundamental strategy in engineered processes. A structural collapse can have serious consequences and all structural engineering activities should be treated as being, to some degree [[Risk#Safety-critical systems|safety critical]].

Structural design briefs should require that consideration should be given to the issues that are not covered by standards and that analysis models should be validated [reference needed].

The work of the project is controlled by a programme where tasks are defined and allocated and timelines are established.

*Draw up a schedule for the work, typically using a bar chart which shows when each task should start and finish.  Leave some slack in the system to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

* Record progress and update the task times as the work proceeds.

When assigning a task, take account of (a) the competence of the person who is to carry out the task and (b) the need to train people to do the task.

''Regular review meetings'' should be included in the schedule to address:

*Progress in relation to the programme.