Civil Engineers' Role in SiteSelection Studies

At the feasibility study level, the selection of the optimum site for a plant or a project is one of the most important decisions that will significantly influence the economic viability of the project. Civil engineers can play a major role in the siteselection study. However, their expertise is often not included in the study team due to lack of awareness of the technical civil engineering parameters that may considerably affect the economic picture. A review of the site selection process is presented. The areas of contribution of the civil engineering profession to the location decision are identified. It can be concluded that the civil engineering expertise should be an integral part of the feasibility study team early in the process. A civil engineer with some basic economics knowledge is the ideal qualification to assume the principal role in the site location study.