Civil engineers use the design process every day to create innovative solutions for their clients. There is not one specific way to approach the design process. However, all of them have the same basic concept. Here are the steps that are in a civil engineer’s design process.

Step One: Information
This step seems simple, but it is sometimes overlooked. Without fully understanding the project details beforehand, it is nearly impossible to create a solution. Three basic questions that civil engineers ask during this step are:

• What is the problem?
• Who has the problem?
• Why is this problem important to solve?

Step Two: Feasibility Study
Following research about project specifics, civil engineers conduct a feasibility study to find out if the project has potential. During this study, economic, technological, and legal factors are all accounted for. If the civil engineers agree that the project has potential, then the team will begin the design phase of the project.

Step Three: Create Several Alternatives
Everyone’s first idea is usually the most generic one. In this step, civil engineers dig deep into the problem and get creative with their words. They brainstorm countless possibilities of how to solve the problem effectively. Brainstorming can take forever, but any idea can be a good one in the engineering world.

Step Four: Select a Final Alternative
After brainstorming, civil engineers begin working to choose an appropriate solution for the designated project. Civil engineers choose the design that will be cost effective, time saving, and beneficial to the client.

Step Five: Design
Once a solution is chosen, civil engineers begin to refine their solution through design collaboration. This process can be lengthy depending on the scale of the project. Many civil engineers use 3D software to create a virtual model of their project design. A 3D model can be used to provide a visual idea of the project solution and polish any misconceptions about the solution’s details.

Step Six: Build & Monitor
The construction phase can begin as soon as the design is finalized. Civil engineers can make arrangements to keep public disturbances, if any, to a minimum during the construction phase of a project.

CEDARVILLE’s engineering team uses an intricate design process to complete every project. Call us at 610-705-4500 or email info@cedarvilleeng.com to find out more.

By: J. Auerbach