Subs' design teams replace consultants

Specialist contractors are set to take over the detailing of reinforced concrete from consultant engineers, says Construct, the specialist concrete contractors' forum.

Detailing on reinforced concrete has traditionally been the responsibility of the consultant engineer. But a Construct initiative launched this week aims to change all that.

Construct task force leader Peter Matthews, of Swift Structures, said: 'We want to see a system similar to that in the US where the consultant does the design but the detailing and scheduling is done by the specialist contractor.'

Construct says the change will benefit all parties by reducing errors and costs while increasing safety. It will also make concrete structures more competitive with steel, where specialist contractor detailing already exists. The initiative was also inspired by Latham's recent call for a 30% reduction in building costs.

Matthews explained: 'Contractors will be able to schedule detailing in a preferred order, influence details to allow for safety and buildability and be able to influence striking times, back propping and tolerances.'

Consultants will also benefit, says Construct, through the elimination of contractor changes to completed drawings and by having fewer problems with the interpretation of drawings by site workers.

Clients will reap the rewards of a less adversarial approach to design and faster construction.

The Association of Consulting Engineer has already signaled its approval of specialist contractor detailing by including relevant clauses in its recently published Conditions of Engagement 1995.

And Construct claims that contractor detailing has already taken off on four major contracts now out to tender.

Matthews refused to identify the jobs as they are out to tender but added: 'Contractor detailing is tailor-made for large contracts such as these where there is a sizeable specialist concrete contractor on site.'