Why Site-Structural Engineering?
Urban Construction is Different
This demand for new urban buildings and infrastructure presents a number of distinct challenges. Available land is scarce and expensive, affecting land use and programming of facilities. As a result, construction is often taller, deeper below ground and closer to existing buildings and infrastructure. Therefore the costs and risks associated with construction in the urban environment are higher than in undeveloped areas, due to logistical constraints and considerations to protect existing facilities on and adjacent to the site. These challenges are compounded when dense urban development requires new facilities to be constructed below ground.
Urban construction is different and requires different approaches to design and construction. What works for rural or suburban projects may be cost-prohibitive or high-risk on an urban site. Proactive risk management and consideration of constructability are important for project success. This requires an integrated approach to foundations, below-grade structures and management of construction impacts to existing facilities above and below ground.
Site-structural engineering, as a practice area, provides a holistic approach to the problems of building in the urban environment, while protecting surrounding property and the public. Treating these problems as a single multidiscipline specialty area improves coordination, risk management and accountability for all project stakeholders.
By using knowledge and experience to actively managing constructions risks, site-structural engineering reduces expected project costs and uncertainty.
Why Richard J. Driscoll?
Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) specializes in the practice of site-structural engineering and presents experience with urban construction projects from Boston, to Virginia, with particular experience in New York City. With structural and foundation/geostructural engineering, as well as engineering forensics and construction risk management within one practice, RJDCE is particularly suited to site-structural projects.