Construction Business Development

 

Construction Business Development

Here are some detailed tips for business development in the residential building construction business in India, specifically for getting individual building construction clients:

1. Build a Strong Online Presence:

• Professional Website: Create a user-friendly website showcasing your services, past projects (with high-quality images and videos), client testimonials, team expertise, and contact information. Ensure it is mobile-responsive and optimized for local search engines (SEO). For example, a client searching for "house construction contractors Chennai" should easily find your website.
  
• Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share project updates, before-and-after photos, client success stories, and engage with potential clients. Run targeted ads based on location and demographics.
• Online Directories and Listings: List your business on relevant online directories like Justdial, Sulekha, IndiaMART, and construction-specific portals. Ensure your profile is complete and includes client reviews.
• Google My Business: Optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate contact details, services offered, photos, and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews. This helps in local search visibility on Google Maps and search results.

2. Leverage Networking and Relationships:

• Local Networking: Attend local business events, community gatherings, and homeowner association meetings. Connect with architects, interior designers, real estate agents, and material suppliers, as they often have leads for individual construction projects.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program to incentivize existing clients to recommend your services to their friends,¹ family, and colleagues. Offer discounts or other benefits for successful referrals.
• Past Client Engagement: Stay in touch with previous clients. They might have future construction needs or recommend you to others. Send them occasional updates or offers.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses, such as home loan providers or interior decorators, to reach a wider audience of potential homeowners.

3. Focus on Building Trust and Credibility:

• Transparency: Be transparent in your dealings, providing detailed project quotes, clear timelines, and regular updates on progress. Explain any potential cost increases upfront with proper justification.
• Quality Workmanship: Consistently deliver high-quality construction work that meets or exceeds client expectations. This is crucial for positive word-of-mouth referrals.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions, from initial consultation to project completion. Be punctual, communicate clearly, and ensure your worksite is clean and safe.
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service. Be responsive to client queries and concerns, address issues promptly, and ensure a smooth and positive construction experience.
• Testimonials and Reviews: Actively seek testimonials and reviews from satisfied clients and showcase them prominently on your website and other marketing materials. Positive reviews build trust with potential clients.

4. Targeted Marketing Strategies:

• Local Area Marketing: Focus your marketing efforts on specific neighborhoods or areas where there is a high potential for individual house construction. Use flyers, local newspaper ads, or direct mail campaigns.
• Content Marketing: Create valuable content related to house construction, such as blog posts, articles, or videos on topics like "cost-effective house design," "choosing the right materials," or "home renovation tips." Share this content on your website and social media to attract potential clients seeking information.
• Personalized Approach: Tailor your proposals and presentations to the specific needs and preferences of each individual client. Show that you understand their vision and can deliver a customized solution.
• Showcase Model Homes or Virtual Tours: If feasible, create a model home or offer virtual tours of completed projects to give potential clients a tangible idea of your construction quality and design capabilities.

5. Value-Added Services:

• Design and Planning Assistance: Offer in-house design and planning services or partner with architects to provide a comprehensive solution to clients.
• Permitting and Approvals: Assist clients with obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for their construction project.
• Post-Construction Support: Provide after-sales service and support, such as addressing any minor issues or offering maintenance tips. This builds long-term relationships and encourages repeat business.

Key Takeaways for Individual Clients:

• Understand their unique needs: Individual clients often have specific requirements and emotional attachments to their dream homes. Focus on understanding their vision and translating it into reality.
• Communication is paramount: Keep individual clients informed at every stage of the construction process. Regular and clear communication builds trust and manages expectations.
• Build personal relationships: Take the time to connect with individual clients on a personal level. Show empathy and understanding towards their concerns.

By implementing these comprehensive strategies, you can effectively develop your business and attract individual residential building construction clients in India. Remember that building a strong reputation and fostering trust are crucial for long-term success in this industry.

For getting individual buildings construction clients.

(1) Research online marketing strategies popular in India for reaching individual residential construction clients, such as local search engine optimization and social media marketing.

(2) Explore offline marketing methods effective in India for this sector, such as local newspaper advertisements, distributing flyers in target residential areas, and participating in local community events.

(3) Find information on how to build a strong online portfolio showcasing past residential construction projects in India to demonstrate expertise and attract potential clients.

(4) Research the importance of client testimonials and how to effectively gather and utilize them to build trust and credibility in the Indian market.

(5) Identify networking opportunities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, such as local real estate events, home improvement expos, and community gatherings, to connect with potential individual clients.

(6) Investigate effective communication and sales techniques tailored to the Indian context for converting leads into residential construction contracts.

(7) Research the typical decision-making process of individuals in India when choosing a construction company for their residential projects.

(8) Find out about any specific regulations or requirements in India that construction businesses need to be aware of when targeting individual clients

TOP 10 REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL CIVIL ENGINEER

 CIVIL ENGINEERS SHOULD KNOW THESE

1. TESTS OF BUILDING MATERIALS

A good civil engineer should have proper knowledge of different tests of building materials. Some important tests are listed below.

Concrete Test: Slump test, compression test, split tensile test, soundness etc.

Soil Test: Core cutter test, compaction test, sand replacement test, triaxial test, consolidation test etc.

Bitumen Test: Ductility test, softening point test, gravity test, penetration test etc.

2. INVESTIGATION OF SOIL

Various soil tests are conducted to determine the settlement and stability of soils before starting a construction. So as a civil engineer, you should have enough knowledge of these tests which are performed at the site.

3. USES OF SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS

Usages of surveying instruments like the total station, theodolite etc is also a mandatory knowledge for every civil engineer. These instruments are used for marking and measurements.

4. STANDARD CODES USED IN CONSTRUCTION

Every country has their standard safety specifications (eg: Is Code) for construction related works. All new construction should be done by following all the rules and procedures mentioned in the standard codes. Otherwise, chances of failure of a structure will be always high.

5. BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Bar bending schedule is an essential chart for civil engineers. It provides the reinforcement calculation of RC beam such as cutting length, type of bending, the length of bending etc.

6. DRAWING AND DESIGN

Drawing and design are the primary keys of an ongoing project. It provides all the required specifications of that project. Every site engineers should have the analysing power of such drawings and designs. Knowledge on Autocad and Construction Specifications will help you.

7. ESTIMATION AND BILLS

Estimation and bills should be prepared by a civil engineer in a construction project. Knowledge of methods of measurements, quantity surveying and billing methods are important.

8. QUALITY CONTROL

Quality control ensures the profit of a project by reducing the extra costs. So you must have a basic knowledge of quality control. Knowledge of Construction methodologies, using Checklists for all activities will help to achieve quality construction.

9. ON FIELD MANAGEMENT

Knowledge of form-work, concreting, safety measures etc is also a key aspect. Knowledge on Planning, Risk Management also will help. smooth functioning of the site works.

10. COORDINATION WITH LABOR

As a civil engineer, you must know how to deal with labours in a site. Local language, Information about local issues will help to deal with labours.

Every Engineer can not learn all the  above skills thoroughly. If you are specialist in particular department like Designing, Planning, QS or QC, they should have thorough knowledge in it. But every Engineer should have some basic knowledge in all the above.

TOP TECHNICAL SKILLS & SOFTWARES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

 Developing Technical Skills

Top Technology trends, tools and software that can increase your chances of getting hired

If technology and infrastructure go hand in hand then we will also see more inventions like Hyper-loop, Green Spaces, Eco Living, more land reclamation technologies etc. Also concepts like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, Machine Learning, automation will change the overall dynamics of the industry as well as our perception about how we plan, design, execute and operate the infrastructure projects.

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Civil 3D, offered by Autodesk, is used by civil engineers and other professionals to create digital models of infrastructure projects. Civil 3D is well known in the civil engineering community and widely used on a variety of infrastructure projects both large and small. Civil 3D is an engineering software application used by civil engineers and other professionals to plan, design, and manage civil engineering projects.

Civil 3D was originally created to be an add-on for AutoCAD but as its popularity and demand grew, it was further evolved and developed into a stand-alone product — built on the AutoCAD / AutoCAD Map 3D platform. Civil 3D offers many beneficial tools and features that can enhance a project such as, Corridor Modeling, Earthwork Calculations, Grading, Pipes Networks, Production Drafting, Geospatial Analysis, Point Clouds, and much more.

STAAD PRO

You can perform comprehensive analysis and design for any size or type of structure faster than ever before using the new STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition offered by Bentley Systems. You can simplify your BIM workflow by using a physical model in STAAD.Pro that is automatically converted into the analytical model for your structural analysis. You can also share synchronized models with confidence for multi-discipline team collaboration and, most importantly, deliver safe, cost-effective designs.

You can design steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and cold-formed steel structures anywhere in the world using over 90 included international design codes, regardless of which STAAD option you choose. The software automatically converts your physical model into an analytical model to streamline your workflow. You can also improve multi-discipline team collaboration through broad interoperability with Bentley desktop and cloud and mobile applications like AECOsim Building Designer, AutoPIPE, Revit, and Tekla

Revit

Autodesk Revit is a robust design and documentation software application created by Autodesk for architects and building professionals. The tools and features that make up Revit are specifically designed to support building information modeling. It is BIM software for architects, engineers, contractors and designers. It creates a unified model that contains real-life information. It has intelligent 3D-model-based design tools and the software supports a modelling workflow, where deliverables such as drawings and schedules come directly from a single, unified model. Changes are reflected in all views of the model and adjacent/connected elements automatically update to maintain established relationships.

NEBOSH

NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 as an awarding body with charitable status. They offer a comprehensive range of globally-recognized qualifications designed to meet the health, safety and environmental management needs of all places of work. Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract around 50,000 candidates annually and are offered by over 600 course providers, with exams taken in over 120 countries around the world.

Their qualifications are recognized by the relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA). NEBOSH examinations and assessments are set by its professionally qualified staff assisted by external examiners; most of whom are Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners or Chartered Environmentalists operating within industry, the public sector or in enforcement. NEBOSH is also an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified organization.

ETABS

The innovative and revolutionary new ETABS is the ultimate integrated software package for the structural analysis and design of buildings. Incorporating 40 years of continuous research and development, this latest ETABS offers unmatched 3D object based modeling and visualization tools, blazingly fast linear and nonlinear analytical power, sophisticated and comprehensive design capabilities for a wide-range of materials, and insightful graphic displays, reports, and schematic drawings that allow users to quickly and easily decipher and understand analysis and design results.

From the start of design conception through the production of schematic drawings, ETABS integrates every aspect of the engineering design process. Creation of models has never been easier - intuitive drawing commands allow for the rapid generation of floor and elevation framing. CAD drawings can be converted directly into ETABS models or used as templates onto which ETABS objects may be overlaid. The state-of-the-art SAPFire 64-bit solver allows extremely large and complex models to be rapidly analyzed, and supports nonlinear modeling techniques such as construction sequencing and time effects

BIM

BIM (building information modeling) is a smart 3D modeling process used to efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings or infrastructure. By keeping a shared resource of project data, BIM helps keep workers, managers, and stakeholders on the same page

Primavera

The Primavera project portfolio management system enables a construction professional to plan,

manage, control, and deliver projects of any size. Primavera gives each stakeholder a consolidated dashboard with exactly the tools needed for planning, managing, controlling, and delivering projects and programs. With a single, consistent interface, the delivered content and functionality are configurable for each user or group of users, whether at the project or program level. This not only minimizes training requirements and allows for quick, meaningful adoption but also enables organizations to standardize best practices to consistently deliver successful projects across all disciplines.

3ds max Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.

Bentley - Software for Advancing Infrastructure

Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for the infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment.

Bentley Open Roads

Civil Design Software for Road Networks. OpenRoads enables the project delivery of road networks through construction-driven engineering and delivers all the information needed to support operational workflows.

Autodesk Infra Works

Autodesk InfraWorks is a planning and design platform that enables engineers to quickly and easily convey preliminary design intent in a real-world, contextual environment, increasing stakeholder buy-in and team decision-making.

MS Projects 

Microsoft Project is a project management software product, developed and sold by Microsoft. It is designed to assist a project manager in developing a schedule, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress, managing the budget, and analyzing workloads.

SAP 2000

SAP2000 is a structural analysis and design software developed by CSI America. This is  mostly used for the design of beam and columns only.

ARCGIS for Surveying

ARCGIS is a 2D, 3D & 4D GIS Mapping Software for Surveying

3DS Max

3D modelling, rendering and animation software

MX Road

It is a string based modelling tool for design of all types of roads. It has 3D
modelling and design.

Sketchup 3D                                                         

It is a 3D design, drawing and modelling software

StormCAD

StormCAD is a design and analysis of Storm sewer systems software. It calculates catchment runoff inlet capacity and shutters and pipe network flow.

WaterCAD

It is a Water distribution modelling and analysis  software. It is used to optimise water distribution systems from fireflow and water quality analysis to energy, cost management and pump monitoring.

ERP Softwares

Lot of ERP softwares are available in market. ERP helps to manage the Projects and Company.

EASYPRO, STACK, PROEST - Estimation Softwares

 International Certifications

• PMP - Project management Professional

• MRICS, AACE - Quantity Surveying

• ACI - American Concrete Institute

• NEBOSH - Occupational Safety and Health

• LEED - Green Buildings 

• IstructE - Institution of Structural Engineers

  Many more Softwares and Certifications are available. Choose the right path and upgrade regularly. 

              Best of Luck!

AMAZING CAREERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS

 MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

BIM Modeller / Specialist / Manager
A building information modeling (BIM) modeller provides CAD Drafting and modelling and design support. They coordinate and manage Revit Models. Building information models are virtual files that help with decision-making during the building process. The building information modeling Specialist must be well-educated in not only the industry in which they works, but in architecture generally as well.

Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. Building information models (BIMs) are files (often but not always in proprietary formats and containing proprietary data) which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a building or other built asset. Current BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design, construct, operate and maintain diverse physical infrastructures, such as water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, etc.

Construction Manager
Construction managers are often the main catalyst of construction projects. They are responsible for construction sites 24 hours a day. Common duties of construction managers include planning, directing, and coordinating activity on construction sites, overseeing project design, hiring and supervising workers, choosing contractors, and monitoring supplies. They are also responsible for preparing budgets and estimates, reporting progress to clients, and to fulfill with legal requirements. Construction mangers do not typically do any of the actual construction. 

Contracts Manager
Construction contracts managers help to win building contracts. They also help to control costs and keep construction projects on track. Projects can include everything from commercial and residential developments to road and rail engineering works. If you’re good with numbers and IT and can pay close attention to detail, you could find a career as a construction contracts manager very rewarding. To do this job you will need experience in the construction industry, although you may be able to get in if you have a background in contracting and managing projects in other sectors. 

Design Engineer/ CAD Technician
Design engineers research and develop ideas for new products and the systems used to make them. They also work to improve the performance and efficiency of existing products. If you want a professional career in engineering, and are good at problem-solving and generating new ideas, this job could suit you well. In this job you will need to be able to use Computer-Aided Design software. You will need to be able to combine engineering and design principles. 

As a CAD or computer-aided design technician, you’ll use software to create design plans for buildings and infra structures. 

Environmental Engineer /Manager

Environmental Engineers work to solve the Environmental problems using environmental Engg., Geology, soil engineering, biology. They work to improve recycling, waste management, public health, and water and air pollution control. They have to study Environmental Engineering specialization apart fron Civil Engineering. Environmental jobs are booming significantly nowadays.

EHS officers, Hydrologists, Pollution control board jobs are some other jobs related to environmental engineering.

LEED certification gives the valuable and dignified career.

Estimation and Costing

Estimators work out how much it is going to cost to supply products and services to their clients. If you have a good head for facts and figures, like being part of a team and want a varied job, this might be a career to suit you. To do this job well, you’ll need excellent math and IT skills, the ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and an organized approach. You can become a junior estimator and work your way up if you have a good general standard of education. Another option is to take a college or university course which covers some of the skills needed to do the job, then apply for work afterward.

Geotechnical Engineers

Geotechnical Engineering is a specilization in Civil Engineering which deals with earth materials using principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics.

Geotechnical engineers are professionals that ensure the long-term stability of various structures and earthworks. Tasked with designing foundations, slopes and retaining walls, Geotechnical professionals rely heavily on self-conducted site investigations, rather than code-based design.

Health and Safety Professional
As a health and safety adviser or officer, you would use your knowledge and skills to reduce injuries, accidents and health problems in the workplace. If you have an eye for detail and love problem solving, this could be the ideal job for you. You will need to be able to apply your communication skills when writing reports or dealing with employers. You’ll also be expected to have a good knowledge of health and safety legislation. Most health and safety advisers get into this role by either completing a qualification and then looking for work or studying whilst working. It is becoming more common for advisers to enter this profession with a degree level qualification. 

Planning Engineer

Prepare and update project schedule based on the contract. Set work program and target milestones for each phase based on the project plan. Monitor critical activities based on the project schedule and advise project management. Prepares and submit updated work program and cash flow curve showing actual progress and identify areas of weakness and establishes means and methods for recovery, if any, as well as new critical activities. 

Monitor day to day work progress and prepare the weekly and monthly program and report. Maintain and record update of site work progress obtained from Project Manager. Prepares monthly report reflecting work progress summary. Report to the Project Manager about the current work progress and make the comparison between the plan and actual progress and study impact of alternative approaches to work. Participate in project meetings and discussions with the Client as required. Assists in preparing work program, cash flow and manpower histogram for tenders. Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time. 

Project Coordinator
The project coordinator is a key member of the project team and works directly with the project manager to help define the project's goals and objectives; create and maintain a project's budget and schedule, analyse progress reported against the work schedules; and recommend actions to improve progress.

Prime duty of Project coordination is data gathering, management and analytical processes used to predict, understand and constructively influence the time and cost outcomes of a project or program; through the communication of information in formats that assist effective management and decision making.

Project Engineer
Project Engineering bridges the boundaries between engineering and project management, leading the technical workers who contribute to the building of structures or products. In some cases, the project engineer is the same as a project manager but in most cases, these two professionals have joint responsibility for leading a project. Project management holds the responsibility of every field of engineers

Project Manager
A project manager is a professional in the field of project management. Project managers have the responsibility of the planning, procurement and execution of a project, in any domain of engineering. Project managers are the first point of contact for any issues or discrepancies arising from within the heads of various departments in an organization before the problem escalate to higher authorities. Project management is the responsibility of a project manager. This individual seldom participates directly in the activities that produce the end result, but rather strives to maintain the progress, mutual interaction and tasks of various parties in such a way that reduces the risk of overall failure, maximizes benefits and minimizes costs.

Site Engineer
A site engineer will manage part of a construction project; they also help with technical advice and supervise other members of staff. The work can be varied as projects can range from working on a large-scale housing estate to building a new shopping complex. Site engineers should understand the different needs projects have. 

Surveyor

Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. They provide data relevant to the shape and contour of the Earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, and construction projects.

Surveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them. A land surveying professional is called a land surveyor. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership, locations like building corners or the surface location of subsurface features, or other purposes required by government or civil law, such as property sales. Surveyors work with Building marking, Columns marking, checking levels in buildings under construction and assist in taking measurements also.

They use equipment like Total stations, Robotic total stations, GPS receivers, retro-reflectors, 3D scanners, radios, handheld tablets, digital levels, drones, GIS and surveying software. The planning and execution of most forms of construction require it. It is also used in transport, communications, also.

Structural Engineer

Structural engineers analyze, design, plan, and research structural components and structural systems to achieve design goals and ensure the safety and comfort of users or occupants. Their work takes account mainly of safety, technical, economic and environmental concerns, but they may also consider aesthetic and social factors. Structural engineering is usually considered a specialty discipline within civil engineering,

Town Planners

Town Planning is everything to do with the construction of our built environment, within both the public and private sector. Before anything is built, it will likely need to go through the planning process and there are many aspects that will influence whether or not something can be built; including social, economic, environmental and aesthetic factors.

Town Planners work on the behalf of a developer or landowner to advise and assess your development idea and plan. Planners are professionals in developing strategies and reports from their assessments on your proposed development to ensure the best outcome is made to get approval from local council. 

For more details, visit Institute of Town Planners - http://www.itpi.org.in/

Quality Engineers / Managers

Project Management Professionals

Here are some suggestions on how to find a path that works well for you:

 Develop a long-term vision.

 Have a short-term plan.

 Review your career plan annually.

 Enhance your ability to communicate.

 Listen to what others have done.

 Find a mentor.

 Improve your skills through continuing education.

 Don’t be afraid to change.

 Be willing to take a risk.

 Challenge yourself.

 Have fun.

(Ref.: Constructionplacements.com)

 

Various Job Profiles for Civil Engineers in Construction and other Industries

 Construction Job Titles in the Construction Industry    

 (Article from Constructionplacements.com)

There are around hundreds of Job profiles in the entire construction industry. We have compiled construction job titles & descriptions used in the construction industry. Following are the important job profiles in the construction industry.

 Asset Management

 Billing Engineer | Billing and Documentation

 BIM (Building Information modeling) Related Job Profiles | BIM Coordinator

 Budgeting, Costing & MIS

 Building Inspector

 Business Development

 CAD Technician

 Civil Engineer

 Commercial Manager

 Construction Assistant

 Construction Coordinator

 Construction Engineer

 Construction Finance Manager

 Construction Manager

 Construction Superintendent

 Construction Supervisor

 Contract Administrator

 Contracts Manager / Contracts Engineer

 Design Consultant

 Design Coordination

 Engineering Design

 Estimation

 Executive Assistant

 Field Engineer

 Finishing Specialist

 Geo technologist

 Highway Engineer

 Heavy Equipment Operator

 HSEM – Health Safety and Environment Management

 HVAC Engineer/Technician

 Infra Project Management

 Interior Designer

 LEED Auditor

 MEP Engineer

 Operation and Strategy

 Piping Engineer

 Planner

 Planning Engineer

 Procurement Engineer

 Project Appraisal Engineer

 Project Assistant

 Project Control

 Project Engineer /Project Manager

 Project evaluation

 Project Execution

 Project Financing

 Project Manager

 Project Monitoring

 Property Manager

 Purchase Engineer

 Purchasing

 Purchasing Coordinator

 QA/QC Engineer

 Quality Assurance

 Quality Control

 Quantity Surveyor

 Risk Advisory

 Safety Director

 Safety Manager

 Scaffolding

 Scheduler

 Site Engineer / Site Manager

 Site Manager

 Site Supervisor

 Structural Engineer

 Superintendent

 Supply chain / Purchase / Inventory

 Surveyor

 Tendering

 Urban Planning / Transport Planning / Transportation Engineer

 Valuation Consultant

Industry sectors in which construction professionals can make their Career

 Construction

 Infrastructure

 Real Estate

 Oil and Gas

 Logistics

 Interior Fit-Outs

 Interior Designs

 Transportation (Railway, metro rail, aviation, road and highways)

 FMCG (Retail)

 Energy and Power (Renewable Energy):

 Steel Industry

 Construction Chemical

 Metals and Mining

 Shipping Corporations

 Manufacturing

 BFSI

 Consulting (Risk and advisory)

 Process Industries (Chemical, affluent)

 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

(Article from Constructionplacements.com)

THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO BECOME A GREAT CIVIL ENGINEER

 METHODS TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER TO ACHIEVE GREATNESS!

Greatness - Always sounds good, isn't it? How to Achieve?

I just want to divide into two - 1. Technical Greatness 

                                                        2. Social Greatness

Methods to become Technically Great in Civil Engineering

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Collect Civil Engineering Books, Data, IS Codes and Specifications, Articles from Journals, Civil Engineering Blogs, Slideshare, etc. This will help you in your entire career to sharpen and update your technical skills. Majority Civil Engineers fail to do this and become outdated.. If you have great skill, anytime in life, you can rise in career. 

• Surveying : Every Civil Engineer should know the usage of Surveying Instruments like, Total Station, Theodolite, Dumpy levels, etc.which are used for marking and measurements.

• Soil Investigation : Various soil tests are conducted to determine the settlement and stability of soils before starting a construction. So as a Civil Engineer, you should have enough knowledge to these tests which are performed at the site.

• Design and Drawing : Analysing the design and drawing, understanding and correcting the errors, creating new are mandatory for the Civil Engineers to handle the projects.

• Planning : "If you fail to Plan, it is a Plan to fail" Nothing will succeed without Planning. Understanding the activities and planning for that is very much essential.

• Quality tests of materials : Knowledge of testing of building materials, soil tests, Concrete tests.

• Quantity Surveying : Estimation, Cost analysis, Schedule of Rates, measurements and billing are basic requirements for any Civil Engineer.

• Bar bending Schedule : Knowledge of creating and understanding Barbending Schedule, Reinforcement details.

• Quality Control : Understanding and implementing of methodology of works, quality checklists, correction measures.

• Concrete and Form-works : A thorough technical knowledge in Concrete and Form-works

• Safety systems

• Civil Engineering Softwares : Autocad, Revit, MS Projects, MS Office, ERP etc.

These are the technical skills to be acquired by the Civil Engineers within first 5 years of their career.

If you prefer specialised subjects like Structural Engineering, Environmental Engg., Oil and Gas, Infrastructures like Roads and Bridges, Railways, Irrigation, etc. you should focus on the relevant subjects and acquire broad knowledge in that field.

Project Management : To transform from Site Engineer to Project Manager, Knowledge of Project Management is necessary. It involves Planning, Cost management, Quality management, Safety management, Contract management, Risk management, MIS reports etc. To climb in the career ladder, PMC is mandatory.

TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL GREATNESS

1. Create your Vision: Greatness doesn't happen by chance. You have to set Goals - Short term and Long term, focus on those, work with commitment, review your progress and achieve.

2. Cultivate a Champion's Mindset: An unshakeable belief in yourself and your potential may sound like a Tall order, but it is possible to create. In fact, it's essential if you want to graduate from average to Great. Reconnect with your strengths, your passion and your ambition and cement those into your mindset.

Stop and take stock of everything you learned in life. Commit yourself to continuous professional Development.

 Have you ever felt greatness? 

3. Learn from Mistakes: Do you think, mistakes make you fail? Mistakes are part of the process, particularly if you work with cutting edge technologies, processes or systems. Do not play into a victim mindset and give your power away like average people. You should use these situations as an opportunity to learn, develop and improve. Turn adversity into advantage as great people.

4. Embrace Change: You should embrace the rapid developments and never get struck in an attitude of  "that's the way, we have always done it". Instead, always be flexible, so you are ready to change.

5. Get the Right work-life balance: Some people are having wrong perception that working maximum hours will yield success. Particularly, when a project deadline is fast approaching. You should plan before starting work, priorities and avoid tensions in the final hours. 

Understand life is big apart from work. Find the correct work-life balance. When we think of Greatness, we often think about outward behaviours - making to do lists, achieving Goals. But taking care of our body is also important. Do you eat great food? Have a great diet? Be conscious of your body and health everyday.

6. Practice Positive habits: We are all experts at forming and keeping habits - some of them are good and a lot of them are bad. A huge part of our Greatness is using our ability to form habits to our advantage. The more good habits you can create, the less energy you have to spend on deciding what to do for every part of your day. Be Optimistic.

7. Build a Winning Team: Playing solo (aka Perfectionism) might have gotten you this far, but it is not going to get you to your full potential. The best and biggest accomplishments are never achieved by a single person. Invest in the right kinds of relationships that compliment your weaknesses and allow you to focus on your strengths.

• People who achieve true Greatness never feel 'done'. Cultivating a life of Greatness means constantly pushing, learning and growing. 
• Awaken your Greatness ... Now you are on your way to Greatness.

ANSWERS TO INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (52-100)

 Answers to Questions 52-100 in Previous Blog (Questions for Project Manager)

52. Water-Cement Ratio

The water-cement ratio is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement used in a Concrete mix. A lower ratio leads to higher strength and durability, but make the mix difficult to work - Low workability of Concrete mix. Work ability can be increased with the use of admixtures.

53. What is Hybrid Foundation?

A Hybrid foundation consists of both soil supported mat and piles, usually for High rise buildings. This type of foundation is helpful in reducing the amount of settlement.

54. What are the various tests for checking Brick quality?

a) Water absorption test: Dip the brick for 24 hrs. in water. For 1st class brick, weight of brick should not exceed 20% increase after 24 hrs. 22.5% for 2nd class and 25% for 3rd class.

b) Compressive strength test: Test to determine the load carrying capacity of bricks under compression with CTM. As per IS:3495. Compressive strength for 1st class bricks - 105.Kg/Cm2, 2nd class bricks- 70Kg/Cm2, Country bricks - 35Kg/Cm2

c)Hardness test: Scratch a brick with nails. It should be scratch free.

d) Soundness test : Struck two bricks- with one another, metallic sound should come and brick should nor break.

e)Efforescense test: To check any soluble salts in bricks, dip brick in water for 24 hours and dry in shade. Then check for any white or grey color deposits which are soluble salts.

Other tests are Color, structure, shape and size. All should be perfect.

55. What is the minimum diameter of steel in Columns?

12 mm

56. IS Codes for Concrete and Reinforcement

 IS:456 ; 10262, SP 23 - Codes for designing concrete mixes

IS: 1199 - Methods of sampling and analysis of Concrete

IS: 2502-1963 - Bending and Fixing of Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

Chair rod

57. Chair rods

Chair rods should be min. 12mm dia. and max. spacing is 1.0 m or 1 no. per 1 Sqm.

58. Binding wire requirement for steel reinforcements

8 Kg/MT

59. Stripping (deshuttering) time for formworks after laying concrete

For Columns, walls, Vertical form works : 16-24 Hrs.

Roof spanning upto 4.5m : Min. 7days

Roof spanning above 4.5m : Min. 14 days

60. Cube Samples

Upto 30 Cum - 3 nos. 

Above 50 Cum - 4+ 1no. addition sample for each 50 Cum.

The test results of the samples shall be the average of the strength of three specimens. The individual variation should not be more than +/- 15% of the average. If more variation, samples are invalid.

61. Compressive strength of Concrete

In 3 days - 45%

     7 days - 67-70%

   14 days - 85%

   28 days - 100%

62.Clay and silt content in Sand

As per IS 383:1970, Clay and silt should not exceed 3% by weight and 8-10% by volume. For Crushed sand 15% by volume.

63. Calculation of Materials required for 1Cum. of Concrete mis 1:2:4 (M15)

Add 50% for wet concrete then, it is 1,5Cum.

1,5/(1+2+4) = 0.214 Cum

Volume of Cement - 1Cum = 1440Kg/50= 30 Bags.

Cement reqd. = 0.214x30 = 6.42 bags

Sand reqd. = 0.214x2 = 0.428 Cum

Aggregate reqd. - 0.214 x4 =0.856 Cum

64. Target strength of Concrete M25

As per IS 10262:2009, Target strength fck = 25+1.65s (Std. deviation s =4)  

Then, Target strength is 25+(1.65x4) = 31.6 N/mm2

65. Cement required for M20, M25 &M30

For M20 mix, cement required : 320kg/cum, for M25 : 340kg/cum & M30 : 380kg/Cum

66. Antitermite treatment

Antitermite treatment is the chemical application in soil, masonry, wood and electrical features to provide protection from Termites before and after construction. The Chemical used for Antitermite treatment is Chloropyriphos 20% (Lindane is another chemical) with ISI certification in India.

Diluting 5 Litre chemical with 95 litre of water and usage is 7.5 Sqm. per litre-diluted.

67. Conversion factors for Sqm to Sft, Cum to Cft, Cum to litres, Acres to Sqm and sft.

       1 Sqm = 10.763 Sft. (1m= 3.28feet)

       1 Cum = 35.314 Cft

       1 Cum = 1000 Litres

       1 Acre = 4046.87 Sqm = 43560 Sft.

68. Materials used in Expansion joint in Columns

Polysulphide compound , polystrene board are most commonly used in India

69. Carpet area, Builtup area and Super builtup area

Carpet Area : It is the area enclosed within walls, does not include thickness of inner walls also. 

Builtup Area : It is the carpet area plus the thickness of walls and the balcony. This will be around 10% more than carpet area.

Super Builtp area : It is builtup area plus proportionate area of common areas such as lobby, lift, shaft, stair, etc. Usually 25% more than the builtup area.

70. Q.A & Q.C

Quality Assurance (Q.A) is a set of activities for ensuring quality in the processes by which works are done. Providing Construction methodology for each activity is part of QA.

Quality Control (Q.C) is a set of activities for ensuring quality in works. It is used to verify the quality of Product. Providing Construction Checklists  for each work is part of QC.

71. What is the IS Code of practice for General Construction in Steel?

IS: 800

72. Which test is conducted to determine the bearing capacity of soil?

Plate Load Test - To determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the ground and the likely settlement under a given load.

Hook length

73. What is the Minimum hook length in stirrups as per IS Code?

75mm

74. Which Apparatus is used for testing consistency in Cement?

Vicat apparatus is used to determine consistency and initial/final setting times of cement and mortar pastes.

75. What is soundness test of cement?

Soundness of Cement is the ability of  a hardened paste to retain its volume after setting. The test for that is 'Le Chatlier Apparatus Test'. In the Soundness Test, a specimen of hardened cement paste is boiled for a fixed time so that any tendency to expand is speed up and can be detected.

76. Number of Bricks used in 1 Cubic meter of Brick work?

      500 Nos.

77.Tell some Project Obstacles/Hindrances for which affects progress very much?

No Proper Planning, Inadequate Funding, Material supply problems, Supplier quality issues, Lack of Team spirit, Poor communications, etc.

78. What is PPE?

       Personal Protective Equipment

79. What are the PPE's mandatory at site?

Safety Helmets, Safety Jackets, Shoes, Safety Belts and Lifelines, Safety nets, etc. Goggles for Eyes protection and face mask while, Hacking, welding, glass cutting, chipping or drilling operations.

80. What is the minimum age required for workers?

      18

81. What is Mivan Technology?

Mivan is an aluminum formwork system.

82. What are the types of Scaffolding in Construction?

a) Single Scaffolding / Brick layer Scaffolding

b) Double Scaffolding / Mason's Scaffolding

c) Steel or Tubular Scaffolding

d) Cantilever Scaffolding / Needle Scaffolding

e) Suspended Scaffolding (Used for repairs, paintings)

f) Trestle Scaffolding ( A platform is supported through the movable ladders in trestle)

83. What are the elements of steel scaffolding?

 a) Standards (Vertical tubes)

b) Ledgers ( Horizontal tubes)

c) Transforms (Horz. tubes placed across and perpendicular to Ledgers)

d) Cuplock is another system

84. List out the Potential risk factors for workers on the construction site?

• Falls from Heights
• Scaffold and Trench collapse
• Electric shock and arc blast
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Not using PPE correctly

86. What are the types of Construction Project Plans?

1. Design & Drawing Plan
2. Time Plan
3. Manpower Plan
4. Material Plan
5. Construction Equipment Plan
6. Finance Plan
7. Quality Plan
8. Safety Plan

87. What is OSHA compliance?

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Act. Its motive is to fulfill the health and safety requirement of employees and workers. It is the standard adopted by USA.

88. What does a construction cost covers and what does not?

A Construction cost covers material, labour, equipment and services, contractors overhead and profit and other direct construction costs. While, it does not cover compensation paid to the Architect, Consultant or Engineers, cost of the land and other cost that is owner's responsibility.

89. What are the Responsibilities of a Project Engineer?

• Maintaining Drawings
• Technical Supervision of ongoing work
• To control wastage and to improve the quality of workmanship
• To calculate the requirement of different materials and submit the indent well in advance.
• To workout the labours, tools and equipment and inform PM
• To communicate all necessary instructions to supervisors and departmental labour.
• To assist PM to prepare bills of Contractors and submit the measurements
• To discuss the technical problems, issues in drawings and execution difficulties at site meeting.
• To submit DPR, weekly reports and maintaining checklists and documents

90. What are the responsibilities of a Project Manager?

• Preparing Schedules, Materials, labour and cost Planning
• Organising the Execution Team
• Selection of sub-contractors and vendors
• Samples submission and get approval from client
• Monitoring the progress of work as per schedule and maintaining quality
• Cost control is the major responsibility of PM
• Motivating and rewarding the team members to achieve the target
• Submitting Contractors bills, vendors bills and MIS Reports in time.
• Conducting site meetings regularly and sending the minutes to all stakeholders
• Implement the Safety Procedures and assure safety to all
• managing the Project Risks and local issues

91. What is RFI?

RFI is Request For Information to seek the clarification of plans, drawings, specifications and agreements. RFI is a formal written process in which parties, such as the contractor, Architect, designer and Consultants clarify the information gaps in Construction doccuments.

92. What is the difference between RFI & RFP?

A Request For Information (RFI) is used when the owner wants contractors to provide potential solutions, while a Request For Proposal (RFP) is used in a bidding process to solicit offers for a project.

93. Which are the causes of cracks in concrete?

• Concrete expands and shrinks due to temperature differences
• Settlement of structure
• Insufficient vibration at the time of laying of Concrete
• Improper cover provided during concreting
• High water-cement ratio (exceeding 0.5)
• Due to corrosionof reinforcement steel.

94. What are the prevention measures to avoid cracks in concrete?

• Maintain correct Water-cement ratio as per design mix
• Proper mix design and use of quality materials
• Proper placement and vibration of concrete
• Proper finishing of Concrete surface with flat troweling. Don't finish the concrete when there is bleed water on the surface
• Avoid overworking the concrete, especially with vibrators
• Providing proper control joints in concrete
• Proper curing of concrete
• Inspect the formworks from starting to deshuttering

95. What is the role and responsibility of a Quantity Surveyor?

Quantity Surveyor calculates the costs, material, manpower and equipment costs. He is also involved in planning, billing and contracting related jobs which are mainly involved in the construction cost calculation.

Responsibilities of QS:

• Estimating
• Cost planning
• Preparing, negotiating and analysing costs for tenders and contracts
• Procurement advice
• Preparing Bill Of Quantities (BOQ)
• Monitoring Budget
• Preparation of payment invoice and certification
• Assessment of variations and disputes resolution

96. What is Green Building? 

Green Building - also known as sustainable or high performance building is the practice of

• increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water and materials; and
• Protecting and restoring human health and the environment, throughout the building life cycle: Design, Construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

97. What are the components of Green Building?

• Energy Efficiency and renewable energy
• Water Efficiency
• Environmentally preferable building materials and specifications
• Waste Reduction
• Toxics Reduction
• Indoor Air quality
• Smart growth and sustainable Development

98. What is HSE?

HSE - Health and Safety Executive , is an independent regulator that aim to prevent work-related death, injury and ill-health.

99. What are the skills required for a Project Manager?

• Project management
• Technical Skills (designs, specifications and drawings)
• Planning and Organising
• Leadership skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Visualisation skills
• Communication skills
• Risk management

100. What are the requirements to become a Successful Project Manager?

The successful PM will have the knowledge in the following:

1. IS Codes

2. Using survey instruments 

3. Design and Drawing

4. Bar bending Schedule

5. Estimation and Quantity Survey

6. Quality Control

7. Testing of Building Materials

8. Soil Investigation

9. Site safety management

10. MIS Reports

11. Computer Knowledge in Autocad, MS Projects, MS Office, Internet usage. (ERP is more useful)