Development Section Layout Obstacles and Workable Resolutions - Term Paper Example

Construction Site Layout Problems and Possible Solutions Name Institutional Affiliation Date Table of Contents Running head: CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUT PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS 1 1 Table of Figures 2 1.0. Introduction 3 2.0. Site Layout Problems and Solutions 5 2.1.Wrong Location for Material Stacks 5 2.1.1.Solution 5 2.2. Wrong Location for Plant and Equipment 6 2.2.1.Solutions 6 2.3. Inadequate space allowed 7 2.3.1.Solution 7 2.4.Environmental and Safety problems 8 2.4.1.Solutions 8 3.0.Planning Elements for Site Layout 10 4.0.Conclusion 11 References 12 Table of Figures Figure 1: Construction Site Layout with Several problems 4 Figure 2: Picture Showing Position of Mixers and the Stacking of Material 4 Figure 3: Site Layout that had been improved 9 Figure 4: Site Photo of a well organized site layout 9 1.0. Introduction Site layout decisions made by Civil Engineers depend on several factors. The construction team must take into consideration the handling of material, accommodation, hoarding, plant and safety related factors, among other layout elements. Considering a case of construction of a multi-storey building within the CBD, surrounded by high-rise buildings on three sides, has an in-site concrete and occupies the entire site area, this article will focus on four major site layout problems and propose the solutions to the layout. According to Wild (1996) site layout problem is purely a managerial factor. A civil engineer managing the site should maintain and control work performance, and rectify site layout problems in areas where performance of work is unsatisfactory. The entire exercise will entail investigating the site prior to construction, delivery of material, prepare proper site records, monitor work performance, and ensure proper site layout. The site layout of a construction site involves identification, sizing, and placing of temporary facilities within the boundaries of the construction site. Examples of temporary facilities within the site include the batch plant, maintenance shops, fabrication shops, resident facilities and warehouses. The number and location for these temporary facilities influence the site layout in terms of design and the organization of construction works (Tang, 2003). The diagram in Figure 1 below illustrates an existing site layout with a number of site problems as discussed herein. Figure 1: Construction Site Layout with Several problems In Figure 1, the construction material on the roads reduces the motorable space. Figure 2: Picture Showing Position of Mixers and the Stacking of Material From Figure 2, the following are the noticeable general site layout problems: i. Stockpiling of materials is not done near the hoists. ii. Site entrance point is narrow to allow trucks to pass. iii. It is hard to reach some stores, iv. The location of mortar and concrete is far from the hoists. v. The check point is not attached to the stores. vi. The location of the stores is behind the batching plant. 2.0. Site Layout Problems and Solutions The main cause of operation inefficiency is attached to problems of site layout. This can increase the overall project cost. The following are the most likely problems as a result of site layout: 2.1. Wrong Location for Material Stacks The materials brought to site are delivered to the wrong place and this result to additional work of transporting the same material to their right location. These materials are far and outside the crane radius, some are far from the working area, whereas some materials are stocked over drainage lines or excavation edges. Further, some material is already delivered to the site but is not required at the moment, and this prevents smooth flow of work across the site or causes unnecessary congestion on site. 2.1.1. Solution The material stocks should be closer to working area for easy movement from one place to another (Tang, 2003). Material to be lifted should be where cranes and hoists can access. These should be ensured right from the time of delivery and offloading. Further, only the required materials should be delivered to the site. Further, material storage guidelines should be observed. For example, cement should be stored away from moisture ridden surfaces. For material that is brittle, care ought to be observed while handling them. Double wrapping is appropriate for brittle and other delicate material. Consumables and small items such as nuts, bolts and hinges should be organized according to their standard in order to avoid confusion. The use of pre-fabricated material lowers the construction cost and it’s therefore, encouraged. 2.2. Wrong Location for Plant and Equipment Fixed cranes, hoists, and mixers post a great challenge when it comes to site layout. In this case, the fixed cranes cannot reach all the parts. Further, the mixer cannot be accessed easily for material delivery and their room for storage of aggregates is not sufficient. The hoists on site do not have enough height for handling of loads with regard to floor layout. In addition, some of the equipment on site is poorly located. 2.2.1. Solutions The problem of fixed cranes not accessing all parts can only be eliminated by identifying a central point from which to install the crane equipment, and offloading the materials at a point where the crane can access. The radius of the crane should be 2700. The load carrying capacity of the crane should be maximum. The same crane should be used for multiple tasking. The batching plant should have higher efficiency of procuring materials used for construction (Šelih, 2005). The mixer should be strategically positioned to allow access during material delivery and the storage for aggregate materials should be expanded. The procurement of hoist equipment should be done by a professional who can take into consideration the design heights needed. Further, the equipment should be flexible for handling different load sizes and should be placed at an area that allows easy access in case of maintenance and lubrication. The equipment should also be protected from damage and their path should be clearly market to avoid accidents and damage to property. 2.3. Inadequate space allowed Where the space for stacking materials is inadequate on a construction site, it becomes a problem to navigate. The stacking of materials on the roadways and high places can create hazards. Poor material organization causes the site to be cramped. Benches and machines should have adequate space around them to improve work efficiency. When the space is limited, it is hard to manoeuvrer with vehicles. Congestion results in poor working environment. Accidents due to congestion may discourage the workforce, or lead to non-compliance with the laws on safety. Stacking of metallic parts increases the rate of corrosion. 2.3.1. Solution The most important thing to do on site is to ensure sufficient space for tools, equipment and manpower. This will enhance more safety and reduce hazards in the working environment. Safety gear should be provided to reduce accidents related to limited space and the associated working hazards. Materials such as the metals should be stacked in a spacious environment to reduce corrosion and should be delivered at the correct time to avoid consumption of the available space or creation confusion. Proper space increase allows for vehicles movements and creates a healthy working environment. 2.4. Environmental and Safety problems Construction sites pose additional harm to water, air, land and life in general. This is due to dust, noise, smoke, waste water discharge, among other site related pollution substances. The sources of sound are many and include machines, equipment and vehicles while in operation. Plants and mixers can produce undesirable noise, thus making the working environment unfavourable. Accumulation of waste water, exhaust fumes from vehicles and noise leads to environmental pollution. Further, insufficient light can lead to occurrence of accidents. Insufficiency of sign boards on site poses danger to workers. Flammable material safety on site should also be considered and such material be kept in authorized areas only. 2.4.1. Solutions The Australian standards with regard to sound management should be followed. The regulation on when to use noisy machines should be followed strictly. Further, the machines should be maintained on a regular basis. According to Gibb et. Al (2005), water sprinklers and absorbents must be used to absorb smoke and dust that would otherwise pollute the air. The air purifier can be used at some locations within the site. Hazardous materials should be kept in a safe place. Further, sewage treatment plant can be provided on site for recycling of waste water. Fire safety on site can be ensured by creating an area for fire evacuation. Every junction should be provided at every junction. Further, sign boards and alarms should be installed. After taking into consideration the site problems in Figure 1 and the solutions discussed herein, Figure 1 layout can be improved as shown in Figure 2. Figure 3: Site Layout that had been improved Figure 4: Site Photo of a well organized site layout The layout in Figure 2 is more improved than Layout in Figure 1 because in Figure 2, the two hoists have been housed within a common scaffold, the batching plants discharge directly into the dumpers, the mortar and the concrete mixers are near the hoists, the entrance into the site has been widened and the provided temporary road has been widened and shortened. Further, the compound has no provision for bulking of materials. 3.0. Planning Elements for Site Layout In order to appreciate the reasons behind Civil Engineers’ effort on site layout design, we got to focus on the planning elements. For example, the issue of fire safety is not only a legal requirement but also guarantees safety to workers on site and surety that the building cannot be destroyed while still under construction (Andersson, 1994). Safety clothing like shoes, gloves, goggles and helmets ensure safety of workers during construction. Site accessibility is another element enhance through site planning. Easy access makes the use of vehicles and equipment both faster and safe. It becomes easy to manoeuvre when into and out of site when the site is accessible. Other important elements include the overall site security offered through improved lighting, fencing and entrance security features in the layout. Accommodation helps the staff to get into site on time without causing project delay. Fabrication shops, batch plant area, craft change- houses, sanitation, water supply, and material handling features within the site layout improve the overall work efficiency within the site. 4.0. Conclusion The reason for having an improved site layout is to enhance efficiency. The main areas to look at in terms of site layout include the location of material stocks, the location for machines and equipment, the navigation space within the site, the location for site huts or accommodation, and safety and environmental elements. The material should be delivered to site in phases of the work plan in order to avoid congestion. Material on should be stored in a safe place where it can be accessed easily when required. For fixed cranes, hoists and mixers, they should be located at a place where it is easy to supply them with material, operate and maintain them without difficulties. The entire site should be faced to avoid the curiosity of the neighbourhood who may want to look at the big machinery. Further, it is the obligation of the government to keep the environment clean. This can be ensured by proper waste disposal and recycling of some wastes on site. Dust and smoke should be filtered for the health of those working on site. References Andersson, C.-A. (1994). Site management. Geneva: International Labour Office. Gibb, Alistair G.F., Hide, Sophie, Haslam, Roger, Gyi, Diane E., Pavitt, Trevor C., Atkinson, Sarah, & Duff, Roy. (January 01, 2005). Construction tools and equipment – their influence on accident causality. 12-23. Šelih, J. (January 01, 2005). Improvement of construction and demolition (C and D) waste management on construction sites. Association of Researchers in Construction Management Twenty First Annual Conference. Tang, S. L. (2003). Modern construction project management. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Wild, J. (1996). Site management of building services contractors. London: E and FN Spon. Read More