What Is Design Proof Checking?

Proof-checking involves third-party design consultants scrutinising a design. This process is typically used in projects where the design and build are handled by the same team. The project's criticality determines the scope of proof-checking. It may include one or all disciplines. 

Once the client provides all the necessary information for proof-checking, the independent design consultant thoroughly examines all the documents, drawings, and other inputs. These inputs include tender documents, technical specifications, project requirements documents, design basis reports, design compliance with statutory regulations and local rules, design calculations, detailing and clarity of drawings, constructability, safety, correctness of inputs, discrepancies in drawings, and completeness. 

The design consultants submit a report to the client after proof-checking. This report includes discrepancies or errors found during the review. It may also include comments on the design basis report, advice and suggestions, comments on the calculations, and notes on details in the drawings. Additionally, the design consultants may request specific information needed for the review, such as soil investigation reports, all drawings, design basis reports, software output files, and calculations. 

On the other hand, peer review involves consultants in the same field evaluating the design to maintain quality. The main aim of peer review is to check for errors, design enhancement, and optimisation, ensuring conformance to local codes and regulations, quality and clarity of design, and energy efficiency. 

In conclusion, the design consultants providing proof checking in industrial projects are typically more experienced than the principal consultants. They utilise their expertise, the latest technology, and knowledge updates to deliver an optimised design for the project.