A public structure is not only built on site: it is also built on paper. Each stage is approved by the supervising engineer and recorded, until the day the contracting authority's committee comes to accept the works. Here is that path, as we practise it.
1. Prepare: read the file, see the site
The contract file describes the expected works. The site visit tests that description against reality: access, low points, watercourses, existing utilities, materials availability. This is when adaptations are identified, before resources are committed.
2. Set out and agree quantities
Surveyors set out the works and record profiles. A setting-out report fixes the alignment with the supervising engineer; quantities are agreed on that basis. This document prevents many later disagreements: everyone knows what will be built, and where.
3. Study what cannot be seen
Soils are investigated and tested by an accredited laboratory, particularly at structure foundations. Execution drawings are adjusted to the results and submitted to the supervising engineer.
4. Write the site rules
The quality assurance plan (QAP) sets out inspections, responsibilities and subcontractor management. The environmental and social management plan (ESMP) organises the safety of teams and residents, traffic, waste and site reinstatement. Both are submitted to the supervising engineer before execution.
5. Execute under control
Site meetings, materials and workmanship checks, and measurement sheets recording quantities completed: execution moves forward through verified steps. Payment statements are based on these measurements.
6. Accept the works
Acceptance itself happens in stages:
- Pre-acceptance: a visit that records any reservations — items to be corrected.
- Clearance of reservations: the contractor corrects, the supervising engineer confirms.
- Provisional acceptance: the contracting authority's committee accepts the works. The guarantee period begins.
- Final acceptance: at the end of the guarantee, the committee confirms that the works have performed well.
Why these stages matter to you
For a contracting authority, these documents are the memory of the structure: they explain what was built, support maintenance planning and inform future projects. That is also why each reference on this site states the acceptance stage reached — and nothing beyond what is documented.