Page 5 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Thirteen

SUMMER 2022 5
Adayinthelifeofa... Site Engineer
This is the first in a series of articles looking at the typical working day on site of engineers, supervisors, trades and labourers.
John Campbell is a Site Engineer. He has worked for W M Donald for 4 years.
7.00am
Early start in Carron Den. Setting up floor level pegs for two new plots. Site team reducing ground today.
Noticed site has a large topsoil stockpile. Alert QS team that it needs surveying and quantifying.
9.30am
Urgent call from Kincorth. The client in Kincorth is Aberdeen City Council. The Council is looking to build social housing on two sites in Kincorth previously occupied by Kincorth Academy and Craighall Primary. The Kincorth Academy has been replaced by the newly built Lochside Academy in Altens
Subcontractors looking for heights to set pipe connections into a large attenuation tank. Pipelaying squads have come across an existing unmapped sewer pipe. They can no longer follow the line they were working on. I rush over to set out a new sewer line for them.
On way over, called to asked when new line is needed. Response is ‘yesterday’!
11.00am
One of the road tie-ins at Kincorth Circle has a design issue. Drainage features clashing with kerb lines. I liaise with the Council Roads Inspector, the client and line manager to decide on best option. Tar is due tomorrow!
12.00pm
Receiving phone calls from site in Brechin. Need to double check calculated sewer grades over the phone with the site team. Thankfully, we both reach the same numbers. Maths when you’re out of breath can be tricky.
1.30pm
Head over to Brechin to check and survey the as-laid sewers and the earthworks.
Earthworks being undertaken by subcontractor. Design changes have led to a degree of confusion. Some areas will need to be revisited.
Advised the subcontractor ‘you’ll have to do those bits again’ an hour before the site closes. This is not a job for those wanting to be Mr Popular!
4.30pm
25 phone calls. 40 emails.
6.00pm
Home! Recharge batteries, both Trimble and my own. Another sprint session appears to be on the cards for tomorrow.