Construction Methods


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CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Contents

Preface to the second edition

Preface to the first edition

Acknowledgements 

Part one factors affecting construction method assessment

Introduction

To manage, management

To plan, planning

The construction process

Construction planning

Influence of the law, codes and standards

The role of planning in claims

The construction method planning process

References

 

1 Site inspections

Site inspection forms

Examples of failures in site inspections

References

2 The influence of the site and its boundaries on plant and method selection

Basic types of site

Individual sites

Boundary conditions

References

 

3 Temporary works, their role; association with plant and equipment

 The scope of temporary works

Temporary works related to construction activity

Temporary works and the contract

Related legislation

Codes and standards

More detailed coverage

Plant-associated temporary works

References 

 

4 Temporary works: scaffolding, formwork and falsework, support of

excavations

Standard solutions

Designed solutions

Divisions between the two approaches

Scaffolding

Formwork and falsework

Support of excavations

References

 

5 Influence of design on construction cost and  buildability

Where the money is

Influence of design on construction cost

Influence of the specification

Buildability

Check-lists relating to design and buildability

Relationship of plant to the building concept

References

 

6 Cost elements in tender and contract planning

The cost of labour

Labour gang sizes

The cost of construction plant

 

7 Selection of plant and methods

Construction plant categories

Availability of plant and equipment

Selection of plant

Comparative costing of alternative methods

Plant chains

Conditions for efficient use

Dominant plant

Keeping up to date

Safe use of construction plant and methods

References

Further reading

 

Part two establishing methods and their planning control

Introduction

Critical items

Time/cost solutions

 

8 Non-piled foundations

Strip footings

Pad foundations

Raft foundations

Heavy rafts for major structures

References

 

9 Piled foundations

Types of piling

Piling systems

Cutting down to level

Attendances on piling contractors

Pile caps and ground beams

References

 

10 Deep basements

Temporary works

Permanent works as temporary works

Planning needs for permanent piled retaining walls

Programming

Permanent construction within secured boundaries

References

Further reading

 

 

 11 In-situ concrete structures

In-situ concrete structures

Case study

Speeding up construction

Slip form construction

References

 

12 Pre-cast concrete structures

Individual components erected in place

Volumetric units

The tilt-up technique

Pre-cast concrete cladding

References

Performance record form

 

13 Steel structures

Structural steel frames

Composites construction

Sub-assemblies

Steel with pre-cast concrete floors

Pre-casting structural steelwork

Establishing method and planning of steel structures

References

Further reading

 

14 Cladding, internal works specialist services

External cladding

Internal carcass and finishes

Specialist services

References

Example

 

 

15 External works

At contract commencement

Drainage

Temporary access, storage areas, car parking and site facilities

Public utility services

Towards the end of the contract

Minor external buildings

Landscaping

Fencing and lighting

Final completion of roads and paved areas

Generally

References

 

16 Waste in the construction process

Waste of materials

Waste of manpower

The role of planning in preventing waste

Communication and control

Conclusion

References

 

17 Method statements

Determination of the logical sequence of events

Pre-qualification stage

The pre-tender planning method statement

Example pre-tender method statement

Submission method statements

References

Example submission method statement

 

 

 18 Contract planning control on site

Varieties of presentation

Pre-tender stage

Post-tender programmes

Industrial and commercial projects

Housing and other domestic accommodation

Record drawings and financial progress recording

Further information

References 

 

 

19 The role of planning in claims

Site possession problems

Variations between tender and construction information

Influence of architects’ instructions

Provision of late information

Variations from standard practice

Delays by nominated subcontractors

Subcontractors’ claims

Extension provisions

References

 

20 Façade retention and structural alteration

Legal requirements

Responsibilities

Methods of façade retention

Factors affecting choice of method

Legal requirements in relation to adjoining owners

Provision of support structure

Divisions of responsibility

Demolition

Construction of the new works

Reference

Further reading

 

21 Refurbishment of dwellings

The decanting or otherwise of tenants

Number of working fronts proposed

The physical location of the dwellings

The number of dwellings available for contractor occupation at any one time

Continuity for trades

Assessing work content

The cycle time per clock or dwelling

Tender programme format

Preparation of tender programme

Services and the statutory authorities

Agreement of work content

The construction programme

The construction programme format

Constitution of labour gangs

Continuity for trades

Check-list for maintaining continuity of trades

Scaffolding and false work

Safety check-list and notes

Particular notes

Case study

References