Approved by the Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee on April 21, 2021
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on May 6, 2021
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 16, 2021
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) believes that post-construction drawings of record documenting the location and layout of civil engineering projects should be prepared following project completion under the direction/supervision of licensed professional engineers and/or professional surveyors. Complete post-construction record drawings are a document of the location and layout of civil engineering projects. Record drawings are the recommended method and provide a means to retain technical information in a central location. All project owners are encouraged to invest in record drawings for completed projects.
Issue
Record drawings are used to verify substantial compliance with the design documents for inventory, asset management, maintenance needs, and for record keeping purposes. Record drawings are distinct from “as-builts” because record drawings should be and often are sealed by the engineer or surveyor of record that provided oversight during construction whereas as-builts are typically completed by the contractor and are without a seal. There are many forms of post-construction drawings that serve this purpose to a certain extent and contain valuable information but may not have the final review provided by the engineer of record.
Rationale
The health, safety, and welfare of the public can be compromised by the failure to record the constructed location and physical characteristics of civil engineering projects. Record drawings and all post-construction drawings are valuable sources of information.
This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 290
First Approved in 1983