Civil Engineering Processes
Civil Engineering Processes
A civil engineering process is an ordered pattern of work and decisions that transforms inputs (information, materials, resources) into outputs (designs, built assets, approvals, operational performance).
Process concept model vs process approach model
Two complementary views are useful:
- Process concept model
- a model of a process without respect to execution, used to describe and communicate civil engineering knowledge.
- Process approach model
- a model of a process with respect to execution, used to describe work, controls, and communication needs.
Why process models matter
Process models support:
- coordination among stakeholders and disciplines,
- repeatability and learning,
- identification of where uncertainty enters and where control is most effective,
- clearer definition of responsibilities and interfaces.
Families of processes
Common families include:
- Technical processes: investigation, analysis, design, verification, construction methods, commissioning.
- Management processes: planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, quality management, procurement, communications.
- Governance processes: permitting, regulatory review, public engagement, dispute resolution.