Contemporary Issues and Research Methodology in Construction - Essay Example

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION By Presented to Contemporary issues and research methodology in construction Abstract Considerate Constructors Scheme is a nongovernmental, nonprofit making organization that is charged with responsibility of positively uplifting the appearance of the construction in the country. It achieves this by monitoring and obtaining feedback and opinions from the public, workers and anyone affected by the construction endeavor. This information obtained is then delivered to the corporation accountable for the building and its effects and alternatives or better solutions and methodology are introduced, in a bid to ensure maximum satisfaction for those affected by the project. This may involve changes like better waste disposal and a decrease in noise pollution. Introduction Considerate Constructors Scheme achieves this by monitoring and obtaining feedback and opinions from the public, workers and anyone affected by the construction endeavor. This is accomplished by collection of data and issues influential to the planned project and factoring in this information to enable one to make a decision in accordance with relevant criteria. Thus research in the construction area is critical in determining several factors which affect the proposed or ongoing project. There is no theory, plan, strategy or objective is either completely viable or completely invalid but research helps us make appropriate decisions concerning these objectives in order to attain the best possible outcome. The development project in implementing the Considerate Constructors Scheme should have the following objectives in mind: To attain public acceptance of the project -without which the project would be at risk of being non-feasible. To attain government backing- this would result in availability of appropriate funds to cater for the development project To accomplish the key goal of the development project- to complete the project successfully and obtain the benefit that was to be obtained while meeting the requirements of the public. The implementation of the Considerate Constructors Scheme the Thames hub project is thus proven relevant mainly because they are adamant on three basic areas of a projects influence: The neighborhood and general public Construction sites and companies registered with them should minimize all negative implications on anyone affected by their work and they should ultimately result in positive impression on the neighbors. The workforce Construction sites and companies registered with them should do all they can to be a humane employer. They should provide sanitary and appropriate facilities for those who work for them. They should also be an improvement from other facilities especially those provided by the government. The environment Registered sites and companies should do all they can to reduce or work toward eradicating all undesirable effects on the environment, whether during construction or running of the project after completion. The ICE President Douglass Oakervee was responsible for carrying out a feasibility study on the proposed development project a stated that although the project did not face numerous hindrances to its accomplishment, it was critical to undertake further measures to ensure positive productivity of the project. The report recommended the introduction of another group to oversee the consideration of and studies of the Thames Estuary so as to attain required solutions to energy, flood management, transport, ecological and regeneration There are several main aspects or features that the Considerate Constructors Scheme uses to determine the impact and continued feasibility of the project at hand: Consideration- the company should have the interests of the labor and public in mind and act humanely towards all individuals employed or affected by it. Environment- this means the company project should not threaten or damage the environment in any way which directly affects the health of the public. Appearance-should be physically viable in the exterior and not conflict with any opinions in its appearance. This implies that it ought to be tolerable to all. Good neighbor-this requires the project to act as positively towards the neighbors next to the development project as possible Respectful- the company or project should in no way violate the rights of any individuals in fulfilling its goals and main function Safety- the project must adhere fully to the safety regulations stated by the government in construction of any projects Responsible- the company should be self-driven to achieve satisfaction for all parties affected by the project and not just act for its own benefit Accountable-the company should be ready to accept blame for any mishaps or events they are responsible for in a bid to avoid any law suits The development project at hand should involve the construction of Thames Estuary Airport, a High Speed Rail Link, a Flood Barrier THAMES ESTUARY AIRPORT The proposal by the London mayor for an alternate airport to replace or supplement existed at the Heathrow airport. This is mainly because Heathrow has been facing skepticism from the public and especially residents of South-West Middlesex under the takeoff and landing paths of the airport. This will meet the UK‘s necessity for a new aviation hub to satisfy the projected increase in passenger numbers. By locating this airport in the Thames Estuary, the noise and security problems of aircraft over-flying London are reduced and it can benefit from the integrated rail connections provided by the Thames Hub. HIGH SPEED RAIL LINK A high speed rail link would make the proposed airport, more easily accessible and available to western continental Europe. The new high-speed 2 Orbital Rail route around the north, east and west of London will open up fast rail connections – commuter and carriage – from the North of the UK to Europe, bypassing London’s congestion. Incorporating two high-speed lines and two conventional lines, it will improve transport drastically for industry and movement by reducing travel times for passengers. FLOOD BARRIER A new Thames flood barrier would protect against floods and convert tidal waves into electricity by use of turbines. A new barrier upstream of the London Gateway port would provide effective flood protection for the capital and the surroundings. As well as protect London from rising storms and subsequent waves, it would also free vital land for development to address the housing shortage in the South East. The proposal also includes a hydropower array in the Estuary, 5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, to harness tidal flows effectively. The tidal generation units can sit either on the estuary bed or on moving pontoons and are estimated to generate approximately 1600GWhrs/year .This is adequate enough to cater for the power needs of the airport and the railway line included in the Thames development project. Collection of the following data is vital to the development of the project: Environment This would involve a study on increase CO2 emissions, affected wildlife and disturbance to the fishery directly or indirectly linked to the airport emissions and waste disposal in the surroundings. This will go along in proving the implications of the proposed airport on the environment which may lead to degradation if proper measures are not undertaken to prevent this. It also explores the validity of the Zero carbon emissions from hydropower project and its influence on marine life in the area and effectiveness in flood prevention. Appearance This would involve application or design of structures which, in their visual form blend as harmoniously as possible with the low-lying maritime nature of the landscape in order to minimize obstruction of the views out over the Estuary from the adjoining shoreline roads and land. The high speed railway line should also be built in a manner that complements rather than degrade the natural state of the surroundings along the route. The flood barrier should also blend in to develop the aesthetic worth of the estuary despite its size. Consideration This involves a study of the workplace environment of the proposed airport and the availability of adequate and clean amenities. This is a straight comparison of the influence of the workplace attitude on the productivity and reaction of the workforce to the conditions in play. Good neighbor This will focus on the implications of the Thames estuary airport and the effect of the high speed rail the other European countries due to critical change in airspace, flight patterns and railway routes. This is as a result of introduction of a new airport, which will redirect traffic that may be headed to neighboring European countries an d the new high speed two rail line to reduce transport costs. Safety This ensures that the project adheres fully to the U.K. Construction Health and Safety Regulations by proper facilities, equipment and measures in the construction and application of the airport. The main factors that will determine this are the levels of noise pollution if any, effects of any emissions or environmental hazards and safety advantages of having planes take-off and land above water instead of major built-up areas. Aircraft are considered to be at risk from ‘bird-strike’ incidents due to their great population in the immediate surroundings. Ships in the estuary should also be safe from any structures resulting from the project structures. The orbital rail route has to comply with safety measures to eliminate the possibility of accidents occurring. Responsibility This is to safeguard that the people in charge of the project take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of workers by: Providing and maintaining a safe workplace, equipment, tools and systems. Ensuring all workers and supervisors are aware of hazards and safety measures in the workplace necessary for their protection. Providing workers with competent supervision to handle all matters Providing appropriate training to protect workers and health before commencing tasks. Therefore it involves taking all precautions to ascertain other persons are not exposed to safety or health risks by the project. Accountability The company staff charged with oversight of the construction and development of the airport, high speed rail route and flood barrier, is given the obligation of accounting for their actions and dealing with all complaints and disputes concerning their activities related to the project at hand. The main goals attained by the implementation of the Considerate Constructors Scheme include: Elimination of disturbances or negative impact of the project (in terms of noise, emissions and inconvenience) caused by construction sites to the immediate neighborhood and environment. In the Thames Estuary. The Considerate Constructors Scheme handles complaints from the neighbors and general public. Eradicate offensive behavior and language from construction sites. Promotes the best practices and behavior through advice and guidance from a Monitor. Recognizes and remunerates the constructor’s commitment to raise standards of site management, safety, welfare and environmental awareness beyond statutory duties through annual awards ceremonies. Achievement of these goals by implementation of Considerate Constructors Scheme in the development project may result in: Improved international relations due to the presence of good relations between the U.K. and its neighbors. Increased availability of funds and additional support from individuals and institutions as a result of increased intrinsic value in terms of appearance which dramatically boosts the project’s viability and benefits Improved workplace environment as a result of respect and consideration which in turns gives rise to better environment during the project development and ultimately increased productivity rate due to a positive attitude. Conclusion A decrease in negative effects of the project on the environs through promotion of proper waste management and alternative energy sources. This helps greatly in safeguarding the environment from degradation and spread of diseases and infections that may arise from negligence. Thames Hub is a courageous innovative method to future infrastructure improvement in Britain. It blends rail, carriage logistics, air travel, dynamism and its transmission, flood security and regional development. It is exclusive for its scale and tactical Cross-sector intellectual. Recognizing the synergies between these different strands, it reaps the benefits of their integration. It is an opportunity to reassert Britain’s role as an international gateway for people, freight and communications thus the importance of implementing the Considerate Constructors Scheme in this development project. References Atkinson, E. 2007. Airport focus: Is a Thames Estuary airport feasible? London: aviation and the environment. Freng, D. E. 2008. Thames estuary airport Feasibility review. London: Thames estuary Local government association. 2003. Considerate constructor’s scheme: local authority advice note. London: Local Government Association Lord Foster. 2010. Thames Hub: An integrated vision for Britain. London: Halcrow Thames estuary airport. 2009. Thames estuary airport: AEF position paper. New York: AEF Aviation environment federation Read More