Roles and responsibilities
1. Knowledge of Structural Engineering Principles
- Structural Design: Understanding of basic structural engineering principles such as load distribution, bending, shear, and axial forces.
- Building Codes and Standards: Familiarity with national and international standards for structural design and inspection (e.g., ACI, AISC, Eurocodes).
- Understanding the materials used in construction (e.g., concrete, steel, timber, masonry) and their properties.
2. Inspection Techniques and Tools
- Visual Inspections: Ability to visually assess the condition of structures, looking for cracks, corrosion, wear, and other signs of deterioration or damage.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Proficiency in using non-invasive tools to assess structural health, such as:
- Ultrasonic Testing (for detecting internal defects in concrete or metals).
- Magnetic Particle Testing (for surface defects in ferromagnetic materials).
- Infrared Thermography (for detecting moisture intrusion or insulation issues).
- Load Testing: Conducting tests to measure a structure’s ability to withstand loads and determine its safety under real-world conditions.
3. Concrete and Steel Inspection
- Concrete: Understanding of concrete mix designs, curing processes, and the ability to inspect for cracks, spalling, or signs of water penetration.
- Steel: Inspecting steel structures for signs of corrosion, rust, or structural degradation. Knowledge of welding, bolted connections, and their potential failure modes.
4. Structural Integrity and Safety Assessment
- Safety Standards: Ensuring that structures comply with safety standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, local building codes).
- Identifying potential safety hazards, such as weak foundations, damaged load-bearing walls, or insufficient bracing.
- Reporting on any immediate or long-term risks to safety, such as potential structural failures, that need remediation.
5. Report Writing and Documentation
- Writing clear, concise, and detailed inspection reports that document the findings, including measurements, defects, and recommendations.
- Ensuring that all relevant documentation is filed and easily accessible for future reference or audits.
- Documenting the history of a structure, including past repairs, maintenance, and inspections.
6. Knowledge of Building Codes and Compliance
- Knowledge of local, regional, and international codes and regulations related to structural construction and inspection.
- Ensuring that the structure being inspected complies with building regulations, zoning laws, and environmental considerations.
- Familiarity with safety protocols, environmental standards, and legal responsibilities associated with structural inspections.
7. Surveying and Measurement Skills
- Using tools such as laser distance meters, total stations, and digital levels for precise measurement of structural elements.
- Conducting structural surveys to assess the condition of large infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, or dams.
- Calculating deflections, settlement, or deformations of structural elements under various loads.
Desired candidate profile
- Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Responsible for setting own project deadlines.
- Provides on the job training to new employees.
- Responsible for monitoring conformance to quality, performance, specifications, and/or code requirements by performing inspection duties.
- Performs daily field inspections and maintains inspection records.
- Participates in punch lists, testing, and commissioning.
- Tracks quality assurance progress.
- Provides input to documentation for area and equipment turnovers.
- Experienced in Structures i.e. Bridges and Underpasses
- Aware of Abu Dhabi Regulations
- Identifying risks associated with structural components and making recommendations for mitigation.
- Evaluating the impact of natural forces (e.g., earthquakes, floods, wind) on the structural integrity of buildings and other infrastructure.
- Understanding how age, wear and tear, and environmental conditions affect structural performance over time.