EPC Project - Field Engineering Support 5

[Ennys]

I have been given the task of developing a Field Engineering Support Plan (procedures) to be apply in EPC type projects. I am not sure of type of organization needed to accomplish this work.

Does anyone have information about this topic.

 

[dbsmith]

You can consider Field Engineering to be an extension of the EPC contractor's quality organization. The field engineer is called on to verify that the materials of construction are received and placed as specified; that construction is completed in accordance with specified methods; and that the proper storage and preservation methods are applied until the system is turned over for commisioning. The field engineer must also complete (or coordinate with the engineering organization to complete) any missing or incomplete design elements. An important note, that most EPC project managers make very clear, is that it is not the function of field engineering to redesign the project. Otherwise, control of the scope, and therefore the cost, could easily be lost. Typically, field engineers also report the progress of construction, and assemble turnover packages.

The field engineering organization is lead by the Project Field Engineer. This position reports to the Project Manager. Depending on the size of the project, the organization is scaled appropriately. The Project Field Engineer has reporting to him discipline engineers as required for the project. One a large project, you may need a lead field engineer for each discipline, and specialists to handle specific functions. For example, a power plant might require a lead mechanical engineer and a rotating equipment engineer assigned to follow the turbine work, plus one or more piping engineers. On a smaller project, you may be able to combine certain disciplines, such as Civil/Structural/Architectural, and Mechanical/Piping. Document Control is also a field engineering function, so you will need sufficient staff to organize, file, reproduce, and distribute documents.

It's difficult to provide rules of thumb for estimating staff requirements. In very broad strokes, you can estimate staffing requirements in these ranges:

up to 100,000 mhs: Project Field Eng, Doc Cntl, 1 or 2 disc. eng.
100,000 to 250,000 mhs: Project Field Eng, Doc Cntl + clerical assist, Disc Eng for each discipline of 25,000 mhs or more

Over 250,000 mhs: Project Field Eng, Doc Cntl + clerical, Lead Disc Eng for each major discipline, Specialists for major items, Turnover/Pre-Commissioning Eng, Quantity/Progress Tracking Eng for large disciplines.

I hope this helps.