16/12/2025
DOs and DON’Ts ENGINEERS MUST FOLLOW TO MAKE CONSTRUCTION DURABLE AND STRONG
✅ DOs (What engineers MUST do)
1. Do proper soil investigation
Always carry out soil test / trial pits before foundation work.
Know the bearing capacity, water table, and soil type. 👉 A strong building starts from the ground, not from blocks.
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2. Do correct foundation design
Match foundation type to soil:
Strip footing for good soil
Raft or pile for weak soil
Ensure correct foundation depth and width 👉 Foundation failure = total building failure.
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3. Use the right material quality
Cement: fresh, not expired or lumpy
Sand: well-graded, free from clay
Aggregates: clean, strong, correct size
Steel: correct diameter, no rust 👉 Cheap materials = expensive repairs later.
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4. Maintain proper concrete mix
Follow mix ratios strictly (e.g. 1:2:4, 1:3:6)
Measure with gauge box, not “eye judgment”
Use clean water 👉 Wrong mix = weak concrete.
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5. Ensure good workmanship
Proper compaction (vi****or or rod)
Correct curing (minimum 7–14 days)
Straight walls, correct alignment 👉 Good materials + bad workmanship = failure.
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6. Provide proper reinforcement detailing
Correct bar size, spacing, laps
Maintain concrete cover (use spacers)
Proper bending of bars 👉 Steel is the backbone of reinforced concrete.
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7. Control water and drainage
Provide good site drainage
Proper soakaway / septic tank location
Damp proof course (DPC) at correct level 👉 Water is the number one enemy of buildings.
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8. Supervise continuously
Be present during:
Excavation
Foundation casting
Slab and column casting 👉 Engineering is not “check once and go”.
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❌ DON’Ts (What engineers MUST avoid)
1. Don’t skip soil testing
Never assume soil strength
What works next door may fail on your plot
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2. Don’t reduce reinforcement
