The detailed design and engineering phase, also known as the detail engineering and design phase, is the last phase of engineering. You may also hear it referred to as the first phase of project execution.
After all parameters of scope, including timeline, budget, and site, have been clearly defined and agreed upon by project stakeholders, detailed design can begin. In this phase, all departments and disciplines from the design team/contractor work together to determine and produce the optimal design for project success. The team should work to develop a design that strikes a balance between budget and efficiency while placing a strong focus on safety. After the design has been fleshed out, the contractor’s engineering team provides a set of highly disciplined drawings that will be used for construction.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive detailed design and engineering deliverable list, including deliverables included in a typical Issued for Construction (IFC) package in addition to common optional deliverables.
Detailed Design and Engineering Deliverable List
Every capital project is unique—consequently, detailed design and engineering deliverables may vary. Deliverables produced during this phase are largely dependent on project scope and may also vary depending on other aspects, such as client/project owner requirements, provided items, project characteristics, driving factors, and risk. However, for typical multidisciplinary projects within industries such as energy, chemicals, and terminal and logistics, project deliverables are fairly standardized.
Below is a comprehensive detailed design and engineering deliverable list.
Standard Deliverables/IFC
OVERALL
- Scope of Work
- Project Schedule (Level 3)
- Constructability Review
- Total Installed Cost (TIC) Estimate
PROCESS
- Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
- Process Drawing List
- Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) Study
MECHANICAL/PIPING
- Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)
- Plot Plan
- Equipment Arrangement Plan
- 3D Model
- Line List
- Tie-In List
- Piping Layout/Plans and Sections
- Piping Stress Analysis
- Equipment Trim Drawing
- Specialty Item List
- Related Piping Standards
- Equipment Reference Drawings
- Fabrication Isometrics with Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Equipment Process Data Sheets
- Equipment List
- Certified Equipment Drawings
- Equipment Calculations
- Vendor Data Sheets
- Equipment Installation Operating Manual (IOM)
CIVIL/STRUCTURAL
- Foundation Location Plan
- Foundation Drawings
- Structural Design and Analysis/Sketches
- Building Plans and Elevation
- Concrete Details
- Steel Details
- Calculation Package
INSTRUMENTATION & ELECTRICAL
- Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs)
- Instrument Index
- Electrical Classification Plan
- Controls Logic
- Specification Sheets
*Note: Standard detailed design and engineering deliverables may vary depending on client requirements, provided items, project drivers, characteristics, and risk.
Optional Deliverables
- Hazard Analysis
- Process-Specific Deliverables
- IFC Design Basis and Assumptions
- Final Equipment Insulation
- Underground Plan
- Firewater Plan
- Pipe Support Details
- New Soil Study
- Contaminant Calculations
- Grading Plan
- Safety Control System
- Motor List
- Demolition Drawings
- Identify Substation, Transformer, or, Feeder Needs
- Electrical Heat Tracing (EHT)
- Lighting
- Gas/Fire Detectors
- Emergency Shutdowns (ESDs)
- Programming
*Note: Optional detailed design and engineering deliverables are contingent upon project scope, and client requirements and early deliverables depend on client priorities and specific project needs.
Preparing for Successful Detailed Design and Engineering
Project success for any capital project relies heavily on proper planning and scope development. Poor or late planning and scope definition can lead to significant changes to scope and increased change orders, which can result in significant cost and schedule overruns.
Before entering the detailed design and engineering phase, project owners should ensure they have all components necessary for contractors to complete the design. Design contractors will likely require project owners to provide the following information and documentation:
- Basis of Engineering and Design Data (BEDD)
- Front-End Planning/Loading (FEP/FEL) 3 Package (if available)
- Existing Drawings and Studies
- Safety Requirements
- Client Specifications and Standards
- Permitting Requirements
H+M Industrial: Designing for Capital Project Success
For more than 30 years, H+M Industrial EPC has provided leading capital project execution services to the energy, chemical, and terminal and logistics industries. Being client-focused, we provide cost-effective, fit-for-purpose engineering solutions to meet your needs. We will work closely with you to bring your vision to life while prioritizing the success of your projects with every decision we make.
The H+M Industrial Team
For over three decades, we have provided best-in-class capital project management services to Energy and Chemical industries through our proven EPC approach. We are dedicated to providing trust, experience, and efficiency through all stages of engineering, procurement, and construction--on budget and on time.
Partnering with H+M Modular
H+M Modular, a division of H+M Industrial EPC, specializes in custom fabricated equipment, modules, and skids for energy and chemical industries. The approach emphasizes the potential for decreased risk through more controlled fabrication, leading to enhanced quality and safety, reduced labor costs and construction times, improved labor availability, and solutions to geographic challenges. We are dedicated to providing trust, experience, and efficiency through all stages of traditional and modular construction projects using our proven EPFC approach, If you're considering modular fabrication, we invite you to connect with us to learn about how modular solutions can improve project outcomes.
