What can we do?

All are not able to stand in the construction sites regularly/fully. Also, all workers may not be aware or follow the standard procedure strictly. There are many problems that cannot be discussed here. However, certain general problems will be mentioned here, to discuss the need for visits.
Contruction works are being done by all people, Engineers/Non Engineers, but all of them may not be correct. There are chances for some mistakes, the reason may be on any side, the owner or builder or the workers in various situations. Mistake is a mistake.

1. Providing the same size of footings for all the outer and inner columns by Non-Engineers is not correct. Different columns will take and transfer different values of loads. Accordingly, the columns will require different sizes of footings. If this is not taken care, the column footings will undergo differential settlements and this will lead to non-structural cracks in walls. If one column settles by 5 cm and the next column settles by 10 cm and these are connected by a wall, what will happen? The size of the footings have to be fixed according to the Load on the column and the bearing capacity of the soil. Structural Design and Soil Test are very important for a Structure. For very small structures there may/can be exceptions.

2. Providing the footings at the same depth for all the columns is ok for uniform soils. If there is variation in the soil, this is to be taken care

3. For RCC footings, centering on sides/around edges is a must. Otherwise, the concrete when compacted will go inside the soil on sides. The footings also will not be strong.

4. For sloped footings, it is to be carefully concreted with proper slope. Footings of uniform thickness is preferred in certain cases by some people and done. Here the maximum depth required at the column edge is to be adopted. However, this is uneconomical. But footings of AVERAGE THICKNESS is likely to be attempted and that should not be permitted. Can of maximum required thickness.

5. Even if the Structure is small, Providing the foundation concrete, construction of footings and reaching the ground level including back filling on the same day is to be avoided. Each will have to be systematically done with proper curing and Time gap.

6. Plinth beam is to be laid on a layer of brickwork and not directly on soil. Cover blocks for all R.C.C. components are essential. i.e., for footings, columns, beams, slabs, etc.

7. For Columns and Roof beams, centering is to be systematically provided, concreted, Water cured and then only the masonry is to be built. Using the wall as centering for the bottom of the beam or as one or two or three sides of the column is to be avoided. Then only, the behaviour of a Structural Frame can be achieved.

8. Providing the Junction box for concealed wiring, at the central span of the slab is to be avoided. Maximum bending moment occurs generally at that point.

9. There are several more points as above that are to be checked at various important stages and the inspection of the same by an Engineer is very essential. Ex.: Immersion of bricks in water before use in masonry, etc.

Management of procuring quality materials, Maintaining the quality of construction, innovative techniques to reduce the construction time and cost of the Project, budget management/control, managing the BOQ, Arranging the master schedule of the project.
Estimates for Construction & Loans
Estimate preparation is needed to fix the fund required for the construction of the proposed building/structure, to obtain loan for the construction, etc. Checking of Reinforcements in the site, before Concreting
When the structure is NOT designed by a Design Engineer or Supervised by an experienced Engineer : One-way slab and Two-way slab may not be properly differentiated and proper and required reinforcement may not be provided. Providing extra reinforcement in unwanted places is not good.
In some cases ALL slabs are likely to be treated as one-way slabs or otherwise.
Also, several points like cover blocks, position of electrical pipes/conduits, Location of Junction boxes, additional reinforcement around the junction boxes, water cement ratio, compaction, etc. needs the presence and Inspection by Engineers.
Different rooms will require different thicknesses of Slabs. Should be provided accordingly. Should not go for average/uniform thickness. This is because we hesitate to provide centering at different levels, in some cases.

Actual Strength of old and new Concretes, through Rebound Hammer Test.
Depending upon the necessity, the strength of concrete of new or old Structure/Member can be obtained by different tests. Rebound Hammer Test is one of them. It is only in the interest of the Structure/Members. The test is carried out on existing surface, without damage (Non-destructive).