Frequently Asked Questions
The acronym “RFI” is used in the engineering industry to stand for Request For Information. An RFI is typically issued by entities who are interpreting a design and require further information to help with assessment and/or construction of the design.
Hydrology is the analysis of how catchments behave when subjected to rainfall events. Catchment characteristics such as runoff quantity, runoff behaviour as it flows down a catchment and flood levels are determined through the analytic process of hydrology. An assessment of the runoff is important as it can be used to determine how large drainage structures, such as culverts, need to be in order to ensure the runoff can flow through them without overtopping a road. It can also be used to determine how high a bridge needs to be to ensure it is flood immune, as another example.
ACS Engineers provides contract management services which typically follows on from the design phase of your project. Contract management is the process by which a design is turned into a reality through the following activities:
- Preparing a Bill of Quantities, job specification, drawings and contract.
- Developing a relevant and suitable tender process to obtain pricing for the construction of your project based on the proposed contract.
- Inviting tenders or quotations for the proposed contract from suitable contractors to competitively price the construction and delivery of your project.
- Assessing tenders and providing recommendations on who you should engage to carry out your works.
- Assisting in pre-contract negotiations as required.
- Acting as a Superintendent once a contract has been entered to see your project through to fruition under the terms of the contract.
A Superintendent acts as your agent when you enter into a construction contract. It is the Superintendent’s role to act as a decision maker regarding contractual obligations between contracted parties. These decisions are to be made to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome for both you, as the principal, and the contractor.
The Superintendent must execute his/her responsibilities and role in a way to manage conflicting obligations in a balanced and professional manner. A Superintendent working on your behalf will exhibit a range of professional skills, including:
- Relationship development and management
- Detailed contractual knowledge
- Detailed engineering knowledge
- Experience in construction practice
- A sound understanding of contract law
The Superintendent is responsible for:
- Assessing, valuing and certifying payments due between you and the contractor.
- Providing contractual instructions as directed or as a result of a decision made, all the while exercising good judgement.
- Ensuring works are built to the required standard.
- Assessing time and progress and its implications under the contract.
ACS Engineers is able to provide you with staff who possess these skills and experience to assist you with your project in the role of Superintendent.
ACS Engineers has extensive experience in the design and project management of many different types of engineering projects. We are able to explain the steps and process required in a way that is easy to understand, digestible and transparent.
We can also prepare project estimates and schedules for either your consideration or as information to provide to other stakeholders.
RPEQ is an acronym that stands for Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland. It is a requirement under the Professional Engineers Act that engineers working in Queensland (QLD) be registered by the Board of Professional Engineers. This registration is required to protect the public by ensuring all engineering services are delivered in a professional and competent way. Registration is also required to maintain public confidence in the standard of service delivered by professional engineers to the community.
ACS Engineers has extensive experience in providing well-considered solutions to meet the requirements of local government and respective Development Approvals. We recommend giving us a call to see how we can help you with your project specific conditions.
A road can be surfaced with a variety of products. One of these products is sprayed bituminous seals. Seal designs are required to ensure that the stone which sticks into the hot seal does not become loose or disappear into the seal on a hot day. If this were to occur, it would cause the seal to get stuck to vehicle tyres. Sprayed seal designs require a sound understanding of both sealing practice and theoretical design to ensure application rates of bitumen and stone are suitable for the anticipated traffic loading and vehicle types.
Operational works is the broad term used to describe activities that alter the shape or form of land. More accurate details of specific works can be found in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA). ACS Engineers are able to help you obtain Operational Works Development approvals along with Operational Works plans.
We are experienced in bringing together the required professional services to make your subdivision a reality. Call us to discuss your concept and get your project underway.
Show cause notices are generally issued in the context of a construction contract or from a local government authority. In the local government context, show cause notices are generally issued to people who the council believe are carrying out unlawful land use or activities (which are a development offence when the necessary approvals are not in place). Failure to show cause can result in a variety of different consequences, including your business being shut down or an illegal building being demolished.
In the construction contract context, a show cause notice can be issued from either party in the contract to the other party. It is typically an action taken following a breach of contract. The grounds required to remedy the breach are typically set out. Or, alternatively, termination is stipulated if required.
It should be noted that this is a general description. You should take the specific meaning from the contract documents which form the basis of the show cause notice.
If your question wasn’t completely answered here or you would like more clarification regarding your enquiry, don’t hesitate to reach out to the ACS Engineers team today.
If your question wasn’t included in this list of FAQs, please give us a call or send us an email to discuss with our professional, helpful team.