Structural engineer not for probation acceptance, and now?

what do you mean by that? Did he not receive the appointment notification and was therefore (not at fault) absent?

Yes, he did not get the appointment. In his letter, it said that I should give him the contact details of the foundation slab builder so that he can get in touch with him regarding construction supervision. I also gave him the implementation calendar week. I assumed that he would then take care of everything else.

Your expert has already inspected. He should give you this in writing.

In Hesse, I need a structural safety certificate for the building authority (§ 73 HBO paragraph 2). The structural engineer was registered as a certification authority at the building authority.

If the construction manager – I assume you mean the person responsible for the construction manager declarations according to the state building code – saw that the structural engineer was not on site, he should have cancelled the departure of the concrete truck.

Not construction manager, but "building expert." I have additionally hired him as a consultant; he supports me with the project and with the acceptance of the trades.

I interpret your quoted description as meaning that it was up to you to invite the structural engineer, that the structural engineer wanted to coordinate the appointment, and that you have proof of your communication with the structural engineer confirming receipt.

According to the structural engineer’s letter, it is up to the foundation slab builder; he (the structural engineer) wants to contact him regarding construction supervision. To me, that means the two parties are to sort that out among themselves.

The construction manager – in my opinion independently responsible for being present – must have noticed the absence of the structural engineer and should have reacted accordingly. The consequence of losing inspectability through accomplished facts must be clear to a construction manager – no wonder some state building codes require the suitability of the designated person.

To my knowledge, the construction manager was (also) not on site.

The structural engineer must now weigh the risk of his trust in the competence of the expert against initiating the dismantling of the foundation slab with all consequences (if he cannot wash his hands in innocence, i.e., not having caused his absence). In case of doubt, at least one of the parties involved – in my opinion the least likely you – needs an experienced lawyer. By the way, there are definitely non-destructive methods to examine concrete and verify that instead of mafia corpses, steel was actually cast as planned ;-)

Hehe, I have pictures showing that steel is inside and not corpses, but that is not enough for the structural engineer. I have the impression it is not enough as a principle. I cannot reach him by phone, neither I nor the foundation slab builder get the requested callback. He demands from me a comprehensive liability release by registered letter or he will resign his office vis-à-vis the building authority.

Sounds very complicated; I guess I won’t get around a lawyer. :( Whether this can be clarified amicably in 4 weeks (when the house arrives) I seriously doubt...

P.S.: I hope at least the electrician was present – wouldn’t want the same problem to occur again with the foundation earth conductor. By the way, he usually also does a photo documentation.

Good question, I don’t know. I have to ask the foundation slab builder. But it can surely be tested by continuity measurement or similar, right?

Is it the case that your structural engineer MUST be on site?

He must, according to § 73 HBO paragraph 2, verify that it was executed according to plan.

If that is so, does he then also have to supervise shell walls and roof carpentry work?

Yes.

We built in NRW.
Why does the builder need the approval of the structural engineer?

Different states, different laws... In our case, it is laid down in the Hesse Building Code (HBO).

For demanding structures, it seems different. Is that the case with you?

No, it is a small single-family house without a basement. Ground floor + 1 upper floor in timber frame construction.

Here lies the problem. How does the construction manager justify the impending stop of construction – because of your non-acceptance or because of the missing confirmation from the structural engineer?

Because of the missing confirmation from the structural engineer. This is required by the building authority.

I would exempt him from liability. What is supposed to happen? The shell builder is anyway under warranty and I've never heard of a normal new single-family house having structural problems. That would be extremely gross nonsense. I would take it easy and definitely not involve a lawyer etc.

See it like : The liability exemption for the structural engineer is the pragmatic solution. The risk is minimal. All other solutions will lead to significant delays. Discuss the issue kindly but clearly (it hasn't gone well, the solution is...) with your site manager, then you can "be in good standing with him." It might help you at some point in the construction process.

Different countries, different laws.. With us, this is stipulated in the Hessian Building Code (HBO).

Also in NRW, according to the building code, a "construction supervision by a licensed structural engineer/inspector" is required. The completed construction of the shell must be reported immediately to the building authority in our case and a test report from the structural engineer must be submitted.

In NRW, a "construction-accompanying supervision by an approved structural engineer/examiner" is also required according to the building regulations.
The completion of the shell construction must be reported immediately to the building authority in our case, and an inspection report by the structural engineer must be submitted.

Well, in NRW it is still quite relaxed. For an average single-family house, for example, the architect plus professional experience in structural engineering is sufficient (that is enough to be registered as qualified). The inspection is also to be carried out only on a random sample basis.

Well, things are still pretty relaxed in NRW. For an average detached house, for example, an architect plus professional experience in structural engineering is sufficient (that is enough to be registered as qualified). Also, inspections are only conducted on a random sample basis.

Unfortunately, I can only report this based on my own current experience. The building regulations office is currently getting on my nerves and demands an "immediate" structural analysis report after the shell construction is completed. They even issue corresponding registration forms together with the building permit that are to be used for this purpose. The completion of the shell construction (one week in advance!) must be reported on it and the structural engineer's inspection report must be attached immediately! Especially with a prefabricated house that can be erected within 2 days, this is a bit absurd, but that’s how it is.