Management Blog 003
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PROJECT TITLE: A 12-story residential and commercial building (condominium)
PROJECT COST: $20 M ( including labor and materials) (estimated at $1000/square meters or $100/ square foot)
PROJECT DURATION: 120 calendar days (estimate)
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND PREPARATION:
The planning, preparation and actual construction of a new building require a lot of skill from different professionals in this field. This is not an easy task because there are a lot of things to consider before something can be done correctly and safely. A lot of people will depend upon its stability because an edifice is a public place, where people from all walks of life come and go, in order to make very important transactions and appointments affecting their respective lives and careers.
The primary concern here is the stability of the ground where the proposed building is to be built. It is not enough that the surface looks stable to the naked eyes. In an article published by level.org.nz (1950), it revealed that structural and geotechnical engineers would go beyond what people normally see above ground. They also explore whatever is underneath from where they are standing in order to search for more evidence or proof that the area is really suitable for development. Subsoil can be composed of sand, clay, rocks of different kind and landfills created by past excavation and exploration. level.org.nz (1950)
Likewise, this claim was backed up by Soil Science Society of America (May 1, 2015) telling building contractors that not all subsoil, especially sand, is ideal for high rise buildings and skyscrapers. Sand structures cannot support the weight or bearing of the building and anytime, it could slowly or gradually sink the building, resulting to cracks in the concrete, that could eventually destroy and bring it down. It is to be understood that if the ground is not stable, it could create a lot of problems in the future. Soil samples must be taken, studied and evaluated so that engineers will be able to determine their next important move in ensuring the superstructure that they are going to build.
This is where all the foundations are to be laid and put in place and it is a must that all the standards are met accordingly. Emmit and Gorse (2006, 2010) revealed that the foundation of a building is designed to transmit loads to the ground so that any movements of the foundation are limited and thus will not adversely affect the functional requirements of the building or neighboring buildings or ground. This statement tells us that it is not only the safety of the occupants of the building that is being looked after but also the protection of other structures surrounding the edifice. Emmit and Gorse (2006, 2010) also added that movements of the foundation may be caused by the load of the building on the ground just like changes in water courses, excessive vibration from traffic or industrial operations and additional loads placed on adjacent ground will change the behavior of the subsoil and may affect existing foundations.
It is very clear now that there are a lot of physical factors that challenge the strength and capabilities of a certain building. These challenges are constant while the structure is still operational and necessary steps are to be taken in order not to create future accidents and or disasters. Namian, Zuluaga and Jaselskis (2016) admitted that there are hazards that remain unrecognized, and as a result unmanaged, that could potentially result in catastrophic and unexpected injuries. Namian, et.al (2016) further divulged that recent research has revealed that a large proportion of construction hazards remain unrecognized in construction projects and despite employer’s efforts to send their employees to actual training, desirable safety and health hazards recognition have not been achieved so far.
This shows that if nature really works, not a single steel or a pound of concrete could actually stop accidents or disasters from happening. It goes to show that no matter how brilliant are the engineers or how standard or strong are the materials being laid on a building, if it’s Act of God, then, all of these will be futile and helpless.
It’s due time that building contractors and subcontractors give back to nature what they have taken from it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Act says that every time a new building is to be constructed, they should always put in mind preserving what is beneficial to the public and retaining what is considered as a gift of nature. The issues on environment are always inevitable every time construction workers remove obstacles or anything that blocks or impedes the overall construction plan and design.
A concrete example is the uprooting of existing plants and the cutting down and uprooting of century old trees surrounding the proposed structure. These actions are irreparable and irreversible since trees and other plants have grown there for a purpose and disturbing it would lose its significance. They have functions and other intangible values that no man could ever give or perform for humanity according to the Environmental Protection Act of 1995.
Trees can provide a natural shade or a temporary shelter to those who would like to stay away from the scorching heat of the sun. Heat coming from the sun is absorbed by the trees and could even provide buildings with a good wind direction, especially buildings that are covered mostly with glass on its façade. Ultraviolet rays coming from the sun are now minimized by building contractors with the use of either specialized window glass coatings or glass that deflect sunlight, so that employees inside may not be blinded or exhausted from absorbing too much body heat.
On the other hand, level.org.nz (1950) admitted that air conditioners installed inside every building cannot replace the natural breeze coming from the outside. Even though not all kinds of wind or air is beneficial, it is still a better option and a good choice above the rest. Trees not only protect the building and its occupants from intrusive winds but also helps in funneling or guiding cool breeze inside a wide building entrance or on passages and corridors within the edifice. Likewise, it also provide protection for workers from the glaring sun. Trees act as filtering agents so that there is no extreme heat that could enter our body.
Aside from trees, other plants could also be helpful and beneficial to the overall appearance or appeal of the building. Others are unaware that flowers and ornamental plants provide high rise buildings not only with natural beauty and design but also, along with trees, protection from flood or storm water and as a prevention from eroding soil. As we are all aware, water will really look for a passage, no matter how many obstacles are in place. The preservation or retention of existing plants within the vicinity of the building will eventually help in absorbing or sipping water through its roots, thereby, stopping if not minimizing its adverse effects not only on the stability of the ground, but also on the strength of the building.
In another development, aside from depending on what nature can deliver, existing structures should also help reinforce the strength and stability of an edifice. High rise buildings should be concerned primarily on how people will be able to access the premises with ease and comfort. The invention of the elevator paved the way in minimizing the effort of climbing long and winding stairs along dark and murky corners of the structure. Clients who have important meetings and appointments scheduled on the upper floors have a hard time reaching their respective destinations and by the time they get on the floor, they are surely tired and exhausted already. With the technological benefit of the lift, added comfort and satisfaction have been addressed.
Considering that a lot more people occupy the building, part of the building requirement is having access to services like water supply, electricity, communication, gas and the facilities for sewage disposal and storm water disposal. (Control of pollution (amendment) Act of 1989) and (Land Drainage Act of 1991)
Access to safe and clean drinking water is everybody’s need and whether you like it or not, we cannot survive if we are thirsty, or worst, almost dehydrated. Water is also essential when people use the restrooms in the building. It’s main purpose is for cleanliness and sanitation. Other buildings use recycled or reclaimed water, not only to save for higher bills but also one way of conserving this precious liquid for the rest of our lives. (Water Act of 1989)
Another very important factor to consider is electricity. The proper installation of electrical wirings and circuits is something of great value for the safety and comfort of those who are working inside every office in the building. An overload and a short circuit could be dangerous, not only to the occupants of the building but also to the material property of the company.
The building contractor must first consider hiring a professional and a licensed electrical engineer not only to draw or make a schematic diagram of electrical circuits for every floor plan but also considering the qualification of the electricians that the engineer would tap for the services.
In order to ensure a safe and proper installation of electrical wiring and circuits, it is a must that bare ground wires are there to touch while putting on electrical sockets, electrical breakers, panel boards and switches (Holt, 2011). Touching the bare ground wire could also create a problem if it is entwined with other wires inside the panel board. The conductor of both neutral and bare ground wires must not make contact with each other because both have electrical conductors in them. Since these two very important wires are together inside the electrical panel board, there should be a gap or way to separate each of them, in such a way that it will not cause any accidents in the future.
Like many other construction sites, the presence of different construction materials in the area is evident. The main problem now is on how these materials will be stored in place. Since these materials will not surely fit in a big room, contractors must decide whether to put them indoors or outdoors. Heavy materials like steel, trusses, pipes and the like can withstand rain or humidity, so they can be placed outside of the unfinished structure. On the other hand, light materials that are prone to damage should be kept or stored indoors, provided that all is accounted for, because if not, they can be easily carried and will be lost because of fraud or theft.
Inventory and management of construction materials is an important part of the process because they are considered as company property. If there is something missing or damaged, whether big or small items, it could possibly hinder work completion for the day and will contribute to employees’ low work productivity and poor performance.
It is best that the supply officer or property custodian assigned should and must keep a record of all materials requested during every regular working day and at the same time, a detailed document on what additional materials were purchased based on the construction need so that there will be honesty and transparency in handling all the necessary materials.
With the bulk of materials surrounding the construction site a lot of hazards are also in place. The danger of heavy steel falling or the possibility of scratching or wounding personnel with sharp-edged materials make it unsafe to work within the premises. To avoid these dilemmas in the future, all heavy materials and equipments should be placed on a specific corner marked with warning or danger signs. In the case of sharp objects, the placement or storage should be facing against a concrete wall to avoid close contact with construction workers and other moving machineries and equipments.
Another problem faced by contractors during a building construction is the coming in and out of people and vehicles. If the land area is just enough for the building to stand, a lot of things might obstruct the surroundings. Heavy machineries, service vehicles and construction materials are probably placed or parked partially on the streets or on the nearby corners, resulting to a one way traffic.
In addition, there will be a limited space for workers to walk inside the construction site and this will probably result to congestion. If this is the case, the contractor has no choice except to ask either the closure of some roads with a special permit from the city government where the construction is taking place or look for alternative storage and parking area by leasing or renting an adjacent or nearby space still accessible to people and vehicles.
The space leased or rented could also be used as a temporary site office for meetings and other important transactions and of course utilized for employee’s canteen, emergency medical services and a rest house or quarters for employees. These are important temporary mini structures to look after the welfare of all people involved in the ongoing construction project and without it, involves a lot of hassle or inconvenience in undertaking the regular operations of the company.
Moreover, it is also very important to have an ocular inspection not only of the actual construction site but also of the surrounding buildings and establishments. The presence of chemical factories and other industrial plants could also pose a threat to the safety and welfare of all workers and the general public.
Gas leaks, fire hazards, sudden and unexpected explosions and inhalation of harmful chemicals are very much possible if the above mentioned structures are within the surrounding areas. To avoid these unfortunate events, the contractor, including the managers or supervisors, should at least open the line of communication to all administrators of the said establishments by not only verbally informing them of their presence in the area but also meeting them personally thru a representative in order to discuss some safety measures and strategies for the benefit of all.
By doing so, it is assured that smooth and convenient operations among those involved will not be stopped or disrupted because of some work related problems or accidents caused by ignorance and negligence. Furthermore, good working relationships will dominate and will surely assure everybody of a safe and sound working environment.
Lastly, it must and should be remembered by everybody that a small amount of prevention is better than an ounce of cure. Following and adhering to the rules and regulations of work safety ethics is very important for every employee. The culture on self discipline and vigilance must be always observed.
The construction worker must be protected from his head down to his toes (Health and Safety Executive, 2006). The wearing of skull guards during working hours protects him from falling objects. Safety goggles prevents dust and other foreign minute materials from entering into his eyes, causing irritation or worst, partial or total blindness. Wearing of long sleeved and a fire proof jacket prevents minor injuries like bruises or scratches resulting from contact with sharp edged objects or materials. Those working at night should not also forget to wear a special reflectorized jacket for him not to be bumped or hit by his co workers or by moving machines or equipments during a scheduled routine work.
The precious hands must also be covered with safety or industrial gloves, especially handling and disposal of toxic industrial waste (Health and Safety Executive,2006) in order to avoid contamination and poisoning and or puncturing and cutting it accidentally with sharp or pointed materials. With these, comes the wearing of working jeans and jumpers, safety boots and steel toes for added protection, comfort and convenience.
References:
Dela Garza, J.M. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. (ISSN:0733-9364; elSSN: 1943-7862)
Emmitt, S. and Gorse, C, 1958. Barry’s Advanced Construction of Buildings. 2nd and 3rd Editions .Hoboken, N.J. John Wiley & Sons.
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