Construction management and testing services are critical to any civil engineering or architectural project. Miller & Associates takes extra precautions in assuring that the project is constructed according to drawings and specifications, and contracts are administered in a professional manner. Many activities make up this service category, whether engineering or architecture services are rendered. The activities that Miller & Associates performs during this phase of the project are as follows:

• Construction Staking - Construction staking services will include but not necessarily be limited to setting stakes and grades for sanitary and storm sewer, water main, structures and paving projects.
  
• Construction Observation - Construction observation can be the most critical service provided for the project. Full-time construction observation by the design professional of record is the best defense against problems during and after construction. The absence of this service can be associated with numerous problems that have resulted in claims and losses. Construction projects are extraordinarily complex. Despite technological progress, problems still occur on site. Because no one can understand as much about the intent of design as the designers themselves, no one is in as good a position to answer constructor's questions, to spot small problems before they grow, and to respond quickly to unanticipated conditions and developments. In addition to the daily observation by the Construction Resident, random inspections by the Project Manager will be made to verify construction progress and respond to construction issues.
  
• Sampling and Testing Services - The Engineer can require special inspections or tests of the work as deemed reasonably necessary, and receive and review all certificates of inspections, tests and approvals required by the Contract Documents. The Engineer will review such certificates for the purpose of determining that the results certified indicate compliance with the Contract Documents. Concrete is sampled for testing and soil in-place tests are performed on the backfill to assure compliance with specifications. Observation and testing of the subgrade as well as the placement and testing of concrete or asphalt for pavement is also important to the service life of the facility.
  
• General Administration of Construction Contracts - Miller & Associates helps ensure that the project is being constructed within the contract time period and that all contract requirements are being met by the Contractor and the Owner. Miller & Associates acts as a liaison with the Client, Contractor and regulating authorities during the implementation phase of construction projects.
  
• Quantity Computations and Processing Pay Requests - Miller & Associates’ Construction Resident and Engineer reviews all quantities against the pay request quantities that were submitted by the Contractor. From those altered and/or confirmed quantities, the Engineer signs the Pay Request letting the Owner know that he agrees with the computation and approval has been given to pay the Contractor has performed.
  
• As-Recorded Drawings - As-recorded drawings are formalized by the CAD staff of Miller & Associates. These drawings are based on appropriate record information and project documentation received from the Contractor and checked by the construction resident. These as-recorded drawings are provided to the Owner for reference on future projects.

As noted, the construction management and testing services are a crucial part of any successful engineering project. If you have question regarding construction management or testing services, please contact Travis A. Mason.