Should Structural Engineers be able to undertake both permanent and temporary works designs?

This question was posed to us recently by a client who is a contractor. To anyone reading the article the below will explain the differences between both types of engineers.

Permanent Works Engineers:

These engineers are responsible for designing the building or bridge for its final built condition. Basically, as you would see it in its final state (the picture below of one of recently completed hotel projects in London).

Temporary Works Engineers:

These engineers are responsible for temporary supports that are required while building the bridge or building. These items would be removed as the project progresses and would not be seen in the final case. Below is an example of recently completed temporary works scheme in Maidstone, Kent UK. We will provide more information on on this project soon so keep updated with LSY news.

From the question our client asked, the answer is YES!!

In our opinion structural engineers should be able to design both and understand the two disciplines. Working as a contractor for a period of your career is a great way of getting experience designing and supervising temporary works on site. It is very important to ensure that permanent works designs allow for practical safe temporary works to be developed and installed on site. On a lot of projects there is more costs associated with temporary works than permanent works.

Thanks for reading. We hope you found the article into useful. We here at LSY Engineering Consultants Ltd design both permanent and temporary works on a variety of schemes and sectors. If you require our advice, please feel free to get in touch with us.