Abstract
The use is described of the design and build form of contract for the improvement of 3km of the A45 in the West Midlands. The scheme is decribed and details given of the documentation developed. The role of the Employer's Agent and Site Representative through the tender period and construction stage of the project is described and compared with the role of the Resident Engineer on a traditional contract. Aspects considered include functions, supervision, measurement and payment and variations and claims. It is concluded that the Engineer's Agent is crucial to the success of this type of contract but that his powers are fewer than under a traditional contract.