Our History
APRIL 1984
In April 1984, during a meeting aimed at assessing the results of major construction operations such as the Reconstruction of Chlef following the 1980 earthquake and the implementation of the Préfa 82 program, the Council of Ministers was encouraged by the remarkable performance of steel-frame construction. In order to support the development of this strategic sector, several measures were adopted, including the creation of an organization intended to play a central and dynamic role in the metallic construction sector.
SEPTEMBER 1984
In September 1984, the National Center for Construction Engineering (CNIC) was established by Decree No. 84/263, with the primary objective of promoting industrialized construction techniques based on steel-frame systems. CNIC was entrusted with several key functions, including the definition of needs, the selection of appropriate technologies, project feasibility assessment, and the development of master plans for execution studies. It also assumed a coordination role with respect to all stakeholders involved, by developing systems for programming, management, and coordination, as well as technical specifications for construction engineering.
Furthermore, CNIC was mandated to provide technological and technical support to other organizations sharing the same vocation. To support its missions, several environmental measures were prepared, such as the disaggregation of the 1985–1989 five-year plan for industrialized construction, the creation of 17 development hubs across the country comprising general contracting companies, steel structure companies, and local design offices. In addition, studies were launched on various research themes addressing issues specific to the sector and the adaptation of construction systems to the local context.
Despite the effective start-up of CNIC and its efforts to initiate joint operations with local companies using adapted construction systems, the actions planned by the sectors concerned did not progress to the same extent. Nevertheless, certain operators demonstrated goodwill and contributed significantly to the implementation of specific programs.
The National Center for Construction Engineering (CNIC) was created with the aim of promoting industrialized construction techniques based on steel-frame systems, through the implementation of appropriate systems for design, programming, management, and execution.
In this capacity, it assumes several responsibilities on behalf of the project owner. First, it plays a crucial role in the overall design of projects, by defining needs, selecting appropriate technologies, assessing project feasibility, managing the overall project economics, and establishing essential master plans for execution studies.
In addition, CNIC is responsible for selecting design offices, contractors, and component suppliers.
As a coordinating body, CNIC is also responsible for developing systems for programming, management, and coordination, as well as formulating general technical specifications in the field of construction engineering. It provides technological support and technical assistance to other entities sharing the same mission.
Moreover, the Center is authorized to carry out various industrial, movable, real estate, and financial operations that contribute to its development, while complying with the legislation in force governing the conclusion of contracts and agreements relevant to its objectives.
The National Center for Construction Engineering (CNIC) constitutes the State’s primary instrument in the field of construction engineering, assuming missions of technical competence, expertise, and assistance in the service of the State, local authorities, and public bodies.
Its main mission is the promotion of industrial construction techniques through the implementation of adapted systems for project design, management, and execution. To this end, CNIC develops study programs, defines needs, selects appropriate technologies, and evaluates the economic feasibility of projects, while establishing essential master plans for execution studies. It is also responsible for designing systems for programming, management, and coordination to ensure the proper execution of projects.
From a commercial perspective, CNIC provides technological support and technical assistance to any organization or company expressing interest, organizes seminars and study days within its field of intervention, and may even assume the role of project manager for specific projects.
As a public service entity, CNIC may be mandated to assist project owners and provide technical expertise in construction engineering, thereby demonstrating its commitment to the development and efficient management of large-scale public and private infrastructure projects.