A Setting Out Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all structures are built in the correct location, with precise dimensions and levels. This involves the use of advanced surveying equipment, such as total stations and GPS systems, to accurately map out the design on the ground.

Unlike above-ground structures, underground utilities like water pipes, drainage systems, and cabling are often out of sight—making them challenging to inspect and verify. Errors or omissions can lead to costly delays, rework, or even safety hazards down the line. ITRs provide a framework for documenting each phase of the inspection process, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

By keeping detailed and precise records, we can guarantee that underground services are installed to the correct specifications. These records also allow us to identify and address potential issues early, which is crucial for the longevity and safety of the project.

As the majority of our clients are main contractors for large highways projects, it's essential to not only focus on delivering quality work but also to recognise the broader impact of the projects we undertake, particularly at the local level. Local highways projects offer several benefits that go beyond the physical construction of roads, especially when it comes to environmental impact and social value. In this AKN Construction Strategies blog post, we'll explore how focusing on local projects can benefit both the community and the environment, as well as why this approach is integral to our business strategy.

Volume analysis is a powerful tool in construction that can significantly reduce project costs, particularly in highways and civil engineering projects. It involves measuring and calculating the volumes of materials like soil, concrete, and aggregates needed for a project. When done accurately, it helps manage resources effectively, minimise waste, and avoid unexpected expenses. Here’s how volume analysis can help keep your project on budget.

Planning a construction project can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Whether it’s a new highway, residential development, or commercial building, every successful project starts with a solid foundation. And by “foundation,” we’re not just talking about the structure but the accurate understanding of the land itself. This is where topographic surveys play an essential role—providing insights into the lands contours, boundaries, and features. At AKN Engineering, based in the South East of England, we specialise in site engineering services, especially highways construction, and our expert topographic surveys have proven invaluable in saving time and preventing delays for projects across the region. Check out our website for more information

Nighttime highway construction is a common practice due to the reduced traffic and the need to minimise disruptions. However, working at night introduces unique safety challenges. At AKN Engineering Ltd, based in the Hertfordshire, we specialise in highway construction and are dedicated to implementing stringent safety protocols to protect our workers. This AKN Construction Strategies Blog post will outline essential safety protocols for nighttime highway construction.

Graduate Engineers are important to any construction team, bringing both technical skills and practical problem-solving to complex projects. At AKN Engineering, based in Hertfordshire, our Graduate Engineers work closely with experienced site engineers and surveyors on major highways construction projects, helping to keep each stage of the project on track. Today, we’re giving you an inside look at a day in the life of one of our Graduate Engineers on a highways site, where responsibilities like setting out, monitoring progress, and quality control make a big impact.

When it comes to road construction and pavement surfacing, precise setting out of tarmac is essential for achieving smooth, durable, and visually appealing surfaces. Whether you're a project manager, engineer, or student, understanding the techniques of tarmac setting out is imperative for the success of highways construction projects. In this guide, we'll explore the key steps and best practices for setting out tarmac.

For companies like AKN Engineering, which specialise in site engineering services and Land Surveying services, ITRs are a valuable tool to monitor quality during projects like highways construction. Read more about the value of good documentation via this blog post.

At AKN Engineering Ltd, Site Engineers based in the South East of England, we’ve seen time and again how vital it is for engineers to be involved from the very start of a project. While some might think it’s best to bring in site engineers later on, getting us involved at the planning stage offers significant benefits to the entire construction process. Whether you're working on highways, residential developments, or commercial builds, involving site engineers early can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure a smoother project flow.

In this week's 'AKN Construction Strategies' blog we'll explain why early involvement in a project is key and why it benefits both clients and contractors alike.

In Construction projects, the choice between agency engineers and non-agency engineers can significantly impact the success of a project. As a successful site engineering company in the south-east of England, specialising in a range of site engineering services, we understand the nuances involved in this decision.

In this weeks 'AKN construction strategies' blog, we take a look at the advantages of working directly with non-agency teams like us

Today, we delve into a critical aspect of project success – effectively managing subcontractors. If you've faced challenges in this area, you're not alone. As a site engineering company, we recognise the importance of seamless collaboration. In this post, we'll explore strategies to optimise subcontractor management, incorporating key insights for site engineers to enhance project efficiency

In this instalment, we look into site engineering and Land surveying in the UK by addressing some of the more complex questions that often arise in the field. Whether you're an experienced professional such as a project manager, construction director, supply chain manager or a newcomer to the construction industry, we're here to provide clarity and insights into the multifaceted world of site engineering.

Deep drainage systems are critical components of modern infrastructure, responsible for managing water flow and preventing flooding, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Proper setting out of deep drainage is crucial to ensure that these systems function effectively and are built to last. This guide is tailored for construction project managers, engineers, and students who are looking to understand and master the process of setting out deep drainage systems. 

Traverse surveying is a foundational technique in the field of construction and engineering, the main purpose of traverse surveying is measuring and mapping the land. This surveying method is instrumental in creating accurate maps, planning construction projects, and even in the legal definition of land boundaries. Its application is vast, touching various aspects of engineering and construction management. This week's AKN Engineering blog post aims to guide project managers, engineers, and students through the fundamental steps of traverse surveying, ensuring a solid foundation for anyone looking to apply these principles in the field.

Welcome back to the AKN Engineering blog, where we unravel the intricacies of site engineering services. In this edition, we've compiled a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support our wider network in understanding more about what we do and why we do it. This may be a helpful guide if you are in the construction industry, perhaps you are a trainee site engineer, a project manager, a contracts manager, or even a supply chain manager. 

Let's explore the world of site engineering and address your queries…

It all begins with an idea.In the realm of civil engineering, Piles are essential for transferring the loads from buildings and other structures down to a competent bearing stratum where the load can be safely accommodated, with a reliable factor of safety. 

Site engineers bring their technical proficiency to the forefront by conducting comprehensive site assessments. They meticulously analyse soil conditions, topography, and other pertinent factors to devise effective groundworks strategies. By leveraging their expertise, site engineers help in the formulation of detailed plans that address the unique requirements of each project, laying the groundwork for a solid and reliable construction process.