The Importance of an Independent Design Check
Rigorous design checking procedures are in place to minimize the incidence of structural failures in all types of large structures such as multi-storey car parks, high-capacity commercial centers and high-rise residential buildings. The historical data clearly shows that there are far fewer cases of structural failures due to poor design when an independent check has been carried out.
An impartial structural analysis increases the chances of detecting design flaws and oversights before they result in costly disruptions such as production down time or expensive repair work in case of a structural failure (to see a broad description of the design checker’s role, click here).
The Design Checker’s Fee is Worth Every Cent
As a percentage of total project outlays, the cost of an independent design check is insignificant. On the other hand, the cost of rectifying design problems that may arise later is orders of magnitude larger and may include exorbitant litigation expenses, especially in case of commercial facilities and high-rise residential condos (to see the legal definition of “design checker”, click here).
In comparison to such considerable expenses, the independent checker’s fee is very affordable while providing the following benefits:
Risk reduction, especially if the structure or design elements are innovative or unusual.
Confirmation that the design has been carried out in accordance with the proper criteria.
Confidence that the finished structure, if built in strict accordance with the design, will perform as intended.
Autonomy and Integrity of the Design Checker
To be of any value, the independent design check must be carried out by an entity that is actually independent (i.e. without any conflict of interest). The structural analysis must be done with different BIM & analysis software and without reference to the original designer’s calculations.
In addition, the independent design checker must be allowed to reach his own professional conclusions without unreasonable deadline pressure or monetary incentive to certify the design “as is” (i.e. without any check at all.)
Video: Design Check by Engineer and Architect
In this insightful video, an engineer meets with an architect to share feedback on how to improve some elements of the design.
It is interesting to observe how each professional approaches the task at hand from differing perspectives of the same project.
5 Key Takeaways
1) Independent design checks exist to ensure a second layer of risk reduction in the construction industry, especially when it comes to large capacity commercial and residential facilities.
2) The cost-to-benefit ratio is excellent. The design checker’s fee is a negligible amount of the project budget but offers potentially huge savings in repair bills and litigation costs.
3) An independent design check is indispensable in case there are unusual or innovative (i.e. untested) design elements.
4) The structural design check must be carried out by a truly autonomous engineer using a different structural analysis software.
5) To ensure an impartial analysis, the independent design checker must not be pressured by unreasonable deadlines or incentivized through monetary means.
Independent Design Check
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