As a Structural Design Engineer on the LNGC Non-Process Buildings project in Kitimat, BC, I was integral to the development of critical infrastructure. The project encompassed the design and construction of several key facilities, including the foundations for a new Pre-Engineered Steel Building (PESB) for the materials warehouse, a central workshop, and artic corridor walkways connecting all site buildings. The structural scope was extensive, involving large-scale reinforced concrete foundations and retaining walls designed to withstand challenging site conditions.

My Role and Responsibilities

I played a key role throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility analysis through to detailed design, tendering, and construction support. My responsibilities were comprehensive, demonstrating my full-spectrum project involvement:

  • Conceptual and Feasibility Stage:

    • Spearheaded the evaluation of diverse structural systems to determine optimal solutions for the project’s unique requirements.
    • Proactively obtained and analyzed quotes from Pre-Engineered Steel Building suppliers, contributing to informed decision-making.
    • Actively participated in Value Engineering sessions with the project team, successfully identifying opportunities for significant cost savings without compromising structural integrity.

  • Detailed Design Stage:

    • Led the structural design of multiple large-scale reinforced concrete foundations, including those for the new materials warehouse, central workshop, and extensive artic corridor walkways.
    • Drove multi-disciplinary coordination by participating in weekly meetings, effectively tabling critical structural design interface points, and providing innovative solutions to accommodate the requirements of all engineering disciplines.
    • Authored and prepared comprehensive tender drawings and detailed specifications, ensuring clarity and completeness for the bidding process.
    • Innovatively automated a process for structural model creation/analysis and the parsing of results, significantly enhancing design efficiency and accuracy.

  • Tendering Stage:

    • Served as a key technical point of contact during the tender period, providing timely and accurate responses to tender inquiries (TQs) from bidders.

  • Construction Stage:

    • Facilitated a smooth transition to construction by issuing Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings upon contract award.
    • Provided critical construction support by meticulously reviewing contractor-submitted shop drawings and promptly responding to Requests for Information (RFIs).
    • Issued site instructions as needed to clarify design intent or address unforeseen site conditions.
    • Conducted regular reviews of work progress on-site and actively participated in teleconference calls with the contractor to expeditiously resolve on-site issues.
    • Offered expert technical interpretation of structural specifications to ensure compliance.
    • Managed contract administration tasks, including the review of progress claim amounts and the assessment of material testing results.
    • Proactively compiled a comprehensive list of deficiency items in anticipation of substantial completion, ensuring adherence to quality standards.

Key Deliverables and Achievements

My contributions were pivotal to advancing the LNGC Non-Process Buildings project towards its successful completion, which was scheduled for 2023. Key achievements during my involvement include:

  • Successfully delivered robust and efficient structural designs for multiple large-scale foundations and associated structures.
  • Significantly enhanced design workflow efficiency by automating model creation, analysis, and results parsing.
  • Contributed directly to project cost-effectiveness through active participation in value engineering and strategic evaluation of structural systems.
  • Ensured seamless project progression through proactive multi-disciplinary coordination and effective communication.
  • Produced high-quality tender and construction documentation, facilitating a competitive bidding process and clear construction execution.
  • Provided comprehensive engineering support throughout the construction phase, minimizing delays and ensuring design compliance through diligent RFI responses, shop drawing reviews, and site inspections.
  • Maintained rigorous quality control and contract adherence through meticulous review of progress claims, test results, and deficiency tracking.

My direct involvement ensured that the structural components of the LNGC Non-Process Buildings were designed and executed to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency, supporting the overall project objectives.