Civil Engineering Contracts

Book excerpt: Civil Engineering Contracts: Practice and Procedure, Second Edition explains the contract procedures used in civil engineering projects. Topics covered include types of contract in civil engineering, general conditions of contract, insurances, and tender procedures. The powers, duties, and functions of the engineer and his representative are also considered. This book is comprised of 14 chapters and begins with an overview of the philosophy underlying the contract system in civil engineering, followed by a discussion on the promotion of civil engineering works. The reader is then introduced to types of civil engineering contracts; contract risk and contract responsibility; the application of contract documents; and general conditions of contract. The remaining chapters focus on contract specifications; bill of quantities and methods of measurement; principles and types of insurance; procedures for competitive bids or tenders; cost estimates, methods of pricing, and rate fixing; and claims on civil engineering contracts. The final chapter is devoted to arbitration and related procedure for the settlement of contract disputes. This monograph will be useful to practicing civil engineers who are involved with contract administration and to younger engineers who are aspiring to obtain professional qualifications.