Disposition of Engineering Documents

The importance of the disposition of engineering documents, after an engineered construction project is completed and the owner takes possession of the facility, is not always completely understood. There are three groups identified with an interest in preserving a complete set of engineering documents for a facility and protecting the integrity and encouraging the appropriate use of the documents. They are the engineers, owners, and, through the governmental entities in whose jurisdiction a facility is built, the public. Their unique and apparent interests in and position on the engineering documents, and the mutual benefits each accrues by preservation and accessibility of the documents, are discussed. A resulting proposal is intended to enhance the probability that the final disposition of the engineering documents will more effectively meet the needs of each group.