Preparing a Civil Engineering Design Project Report: Content, Structure and Flow

Cover page

The cover page should contain the name/title of the project, name of the client or the organization, the organization which prepared prepared the report, the date of publication and other relevant information.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief description of the content of the report. It summarizes the report, so that the readers can quickly grab the idea what the report is about without having to read it completely. This should contain all the aspects covered in the report. The executive summary is similar to the abstract of a research publication. An example is given below, 

Example

The project of constructing a flyover for the A19 road was initiated by the Road Development Authority of Sri Lanka. The outcomes of the project are, a bypass road connecting A19 & A6 roads and a flyover above the Polgahawela railway station. Presently, the level crossing area overlaps with the shunting area of the Polgahawela railway station. Hence, the rail gate is kept closed for seven hours per day approximately. Consequently, lengthy queues form and delays are experienced by the A19 users.

Reconnaissance surveys, land investigations and traffic surveys were done initially to identify the problem and to set the objectives. Five traces were considered in the alternative evaluation and as per their social, technical, environmental and financial feasibility. Accordingly, the most suitable trace for the bypass road and the location for the flyover were determined. Based on the land availability and topography, the conceptual design was developed. An analysis of the existing traffic conditions of the A19 road was done along with a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. The proposed bypass road was designed for a 25-year design life, including the capacity calculations, geometric designs and pavement designs. The structural design of the flyover deck was done after comparing two alternative designs done using steel and concrete. Pier capping beams, abutments and piers were designed afterwards. Soil investigation reports were used to determine necessary soil parameters. Two foundation types were proposed for the piers; raft foundation and pile foundation. Raft foundation was designed for abutments. A box culvert is proposed to be constructed as a solution for the disturbance caused by the bypass road to a local road. A drainage system was also designed for the flyover. Relevant design codes and standards were adopted for all the design calculations and detailed drawings. The bill of quantities was prepared by referring the latest relevant standards. Total expected cost of the project, including land acquisition, compensation, demolition and resettlement is LKR 1.424 billion. An economic study was done for the 25-year period. The present value of the benefits due to travel time saving and vehicle operating cost saving is 2,117 million and the economic net present value is +682 million with an economic internal rate of return of 21.7%. Sustainability was a major concern in this project. It was made sure that the project is sustainable under all three aspects; people, profit and planet. The recommendations to incorporate sustainability are also included in this report.

This report and the appendix contain all the relevant discussions, detailed calculations of the design works, drawings and additional information of the project plan prepared by the project team.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledge all the parties that helped make the project a success. Structure the acknowledgement by identifying the persons or organizations, according to the order they should be acknowledged. 

Table of Contents

Example

Executive Summary........................................................................................................................i

Acknowledgement.........................................................................................................................ii

List of Tables..................................................................................................................................v

List of Figures...............................................................................................................................vii

1.0 Introduction..............................................................................................................................1

     1.1 Project overview.................................................................................................................1

          1.1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................1

          1.1.2 Client's requirements................................................................................................2

     1.2 Problem statement...........................................................................................................3

     1.3 Aim and Objectives...........................................................................................................4

2.0 Site details...............................................................................................................................4

     2.1 Site location.......................................................................................................................5

List of Tables

Example

Table 3.1: Number of trees to be cut down on each trace.....................................................17

Table 3.2: Unit costs.....................................................................................................................18

Table 3.3: Affected structures....................................................................................................19

Table 3.4: Cost calculation for each trace...............................................................................19

Table 3.5: Cost comparison.......................................................................................................20

List of Figures

Example

Figure 1.1: Railway lines passing through Polgahawela station..........................................2

Figure 2.1: Polgahawela town....................................................................................................3

Figure 2.2: Road and railway network at Polgahawela..........................................................4

Figure 2.3: Topography of Polgahawela...................................................................................4

Figure 3.1: Alternative traces......................................................................................................6

Figure 3.2: Affected structures of trace 1................................................................................7

Figure 3.3: Affected trees of trace 1.........................................................................................7

Acronyms and Abbreviations 

Present a list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the report. Provide their meaning according to the alphabetical order.

Example

BOQ - Bill of Quantities

BS    - British Standards

BSR - Building Schedule of Rates

MCC - Manual Classified Count

SLS - Serviceability Limit State 

Chapter 01: Introduction

The first chapter is about the background of the project. Following headings can be discussed in this section and if necessary, more headings can be included.

1.1 Project overview

A brief summary about what the project is about, the client and other stakeholders involved and other relevant information. 

1.2 Problem statement

Explain the problem or the client's requirements under this heading.

1.3 Aim and objectives

The ultimate goal (aim) and the objectives that are expected to be achieved through the project.  

1.4 Proposed solution 

The propose solution with regards to the problem/requirement explained previously. 

1.5 Project justification 

Briefly justify the need of the project and how the proposed solution will fulfill the client's requirements. 

Follow the article: Process of designing a civil engineering project - Part 1 of 5

Chapter 02: Background study

2.1 Site location, land use, topography, geographical features

Discuss about the location and surrounding area of the site with respect to geographical features. Explain the reconnaissance surveys, social surveys, site visits and other investigations conducted and their outputs.

2.2 Neighbourhood, Socioeconomic environment

Elaborate on the social life, economic environment, demographic information, livelihood and other matters related to the project area.

2.3 Existing structures, important landmarks and developments

The existing developments and other landmarks which plays a role in the project can be discussed under this section.

2.4 Accessibility and the road network

Access to the site location and about the road network is to be discussed.

2.5 Natural environment and ecosystem

The environmental aspects about both flora and fauna can be explained.

2.6 Hydrology and drainage

Highlight the hydrology and drainage system in the area.

2.7 Initial environmental examination

Present the initial environmental examination report with the conclusions and recommendations.

Chapter 03: Alternative analysis

3.1 Proposed project alternatives

Explain the proposed project alternatives with appropriate drawings

3.2 Alternative analysis

Conduct the comparison study between the alternatives and present the findings. A PESTEL analysis can be conducted here.

3.3 Initial financial feasibility of the alternatives

Comparison of the costs of each alternative by rough estimates using the market and industry rates/values.

3.4 Conclusion

The impact matrix can be shown to explain how the final decision was made on the most viable alternative.

Chapter 04: Feasibility study

4.1 Environmental and social impact assessment

The feasibility study conducted on the selected alternative can be described in this section.

4.1.1 Introduction

Provide an introduction to the study under this heading.

4.1.2 Description

The extent of the project area & the study area, the matters considered, regulations on environmental, guidelines followed have to be mentioned. 

4.1.3 Existing environment

Following aspects can be discussed, 

• Physical environment - climate, surface & ground water hydrology, topography & soils, air quality & noise
• Ecological environment - existing natural habitats in the project area, agricultural habitats
• Socioeconomic environment - electricity, pipe born water and sanitary facilities, transport facilities

4.1.4 Environmental impacts due to the proposed project and mitigation measures

Following aspects can be discussed, 

• Impact identification matrix
• Impacts during pre-construction and proposed mitigation measures
• Impacts on civil life
• Impact on livelihood and employment
• Impacts during construction and proposed mitigation measures
• Degradation of air quality (dust and other emissions)
• Impacts due to noise and vibration
• Impacts on ground water quality
• Impacts due to waste disposal
• Soil compaction and loss of productive soil
• Impacts on road network operations
• Impacts on drainage
• Impacts on utility service lines
• Ecological Impacts
• Loss of valuable trees
• Impacts on flora and fauna
• Damages to roads that will be used to transport material
• Safety and health of public and workers
• Impacts that could occur during the operation stage
• Traffic impact 
• Storm water drainage of the area
• Waste disposal

4.1.5 Environmental and social management plan

Proposed mitigation methods to the above impacts 

4.1.6 Conclusion and recommendation

4.2 Technical feasibility and constructability

Following aspects can be discussed, 

• Soil strength and ground conditions
• Availability of material and storage 
• Equipment and machinery requirements 

4.3 Legal and political viability 

Chapter 05: Project details

Discuss the designing aspects. In some projects, preliminary designs have to be done (eg: road projects). So, the studies and designs conducted in this regard can be mentioned here (eg: traffic analyses, highway designs, hydraulic designs, acoustic designs etc.) 

5.1 Conceptual designs

Explain the final conceptual design. The features or the components of the design (eg: number of apartments, number of parking slots, capacity, flow areas, types of buildings, facilities etc.). 

5.2 Architectural designs

5.2.1 Survey plan
5.2.2 Layout plans
5.2.3 Architectural designs and models 

5.3 Structural analysis and designs

5.3.1 Preliminary designs and loads

Design standards and guidelines adopted in the project. Section properties, material selection, design basis, loads, thumb rules and other initial works are discussed under this heading.

5.3.2 Structural analysis 
5.3.3 Superstructure design 
5.3.4 Detailed drawings and general arrangement 

5.4 Soil investigation and geo-technical designs

5.4.1 Soil investigation 

The soil investigation report, which includes determination of soil properties should be presented here.

5.4.2 Preliminary designs, loads and analysis 
5.4.3 Substructure design 
5.4.4 Detailed drawings and general arrangement 

5.5 MEP designs and building services

5.6 Finishes and materials 

5.7 Miscellaneous 

Drainage design, landscaping, aesthetics, etc. sustainability (Sustainable features that are recommended to be incorporated)

5.8 Proposed master plan and timeline

5.9 Method statements, quality control and quality assurance

5.10 Operation and maintenance 

Chapter 06: Bill of quantities and benefit analysis 

6.1 Project cost

6.1.1 Land acquisition, resettlement cost and compensation
6.1.2 Bill of quantities
6.1.3 Total material quantity of the project

6.2 Cost-Benefits analysis

6.2.1 Selling value
6.2.2 Economic benefits of the project

NPV, IRR, B/C ratio

6.2.2 Socio-Economics Benefits

References

Present a list of references used. For more information follow the article on Referencing and citation 

Example

Road Development Authority. (1998). Geometric Design Standards of Roads. 

Access Engineering PLC. (2016). Laboratory Test Report - CBR Soaked Test. Polgahawela: Winico Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd.

Department of Motor Traffic. (2016, February 25). Statistics. Retrieved August 03, 2016, from DMT: http://www.motortraffic.gov.lk/web/images/stories/document/pop2015.pdf

Transport and Road Research Laboratory. (1984). Road note 31: a guide to the structural design of bitumen surfaced roads in tropical and subtropical countries

Assessing Public Investment in the Transport Sector, Published by Department of National Planning 1999.

Indiana Department of Transportation-Chapter 33- Bridge deck drainage (2012)

Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1950

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