Before the actual construction work begins on a site, a number of activities must take place. These activities are collectively referred to as preliminary works. Some of the preliminary works include site clearance, demolition, site survey, soil survey, planning, designing, and cost estimation. These activities are essential for laying the groundwork for the actual construction process.
Site clearance involves removing any obstacles or unwanted structures from the site to make way for the new construction. Demolition, on the other hand, involves tearing down existing structures on the site. Site survey and soil survey involve analyzing the land to assess its topography, soil quality, and suitability for construction. This information is important in determining the foundation requirements for the new structure.
Planning and designing are also important preliminary works. These activities involve developing a blueprint or design for the new structure, including details such as the size, shape, layout, and materials to be used. Cost estimation is also a crucial part of the preliminary works, as it involves estimating the overall cost of the project. This information is important for budgeting and securing financing for the project.
In summary, preliminary works are a critical part of any construction project. They involve a range of activities that are necessary for laying the groundwork for the actual construction work. From site clearance to cost estimation, each of these activities plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the project.
1. Demolition
The demolition of a building is a process that involves the dismantling or destruction of a structure. This process is usually carried out after the building has reached the end of its serviceability, using pre-planned and controlled methods. However, in some cases, the demolition can be initiated before the building becomes unserviceable. This is typically done when the building is obstructing or impeding the construction of a new building.
The demolition process involves several steps, with the first being the surveying of the building. This is done to determine the best method of demolition and to identify any potential hazards that may need to be addressed before the demolition can begin.
The next step in the demolition process is the removal of hazardous materials from the building. This includes materials such as asbestos, which can be harmful to human health if not properly handled and disposed of.
The method of demolition itself is the third step in the process. This step involves the actual dismantling or destruction of the building using pre-planned and controlled methods.
Finally, safety measures are put in place throughout the demolition process to protect workers and the surrounding environment. This includes measures such as the use of protective equipment, the securing of the demolition site, and the proper disposal of any hazardous materials or debris generated during the demolition.
2. Site Clearance
Site clearance is an essential procedure that must be carried out before excavation work can commence. This process involves the removal of any obstacles or obstructions that may hinder the excavation process. Vegetation such as bushes or trees that may be present at the site must be removed through a process known as grubbing.
In addition to the removal of vegetation, the top layer of soil, commonly known as topsoil, must also be cleared. This step involves the removal of the topsoil to form reduced levels that are suitable for the excavation process. The removal of the topsoil is necessary to expose the underlying layers of soil and rock that are essential for the construction process.
Overall, the site clearance process is a crucial step in preparing the site for excavation. By removing vegetation and topsoil, the site is cleared of any obstacles that may impede the excavation process. This prepares the site for the construction process by exposing the underlying layers of soil and rock that are necessary for building the foundation of any structure.
3. Site and Soil Survey
Conducting a survey is a crucial initial step in the design and construction process of any project, as the stability and integrity of the superstructure greatly depend on the quality and suitability of the substructure. By conducting a thorough survey, important elements such as the condition of the soil, proximity to surrounding buildings, and accessibility to the site can be accurately defined. This information enables the project team to make informed decisions regarding the appropriate resources and construction techniques to be used, as well as accurately estimate the costs associated with the construction process. In essence, the survey provides the essential groundwork for successful project planning and execution.
Fig 3: Site Survey
FIg 4: Soil Survey
Soil survey is a crucial step that should be undertaken before any construction work begins, as the stability and integrity of a building heavily rely on the strength of the soil under the load and pressure of the structure. The soil conditions at a construction site are often unknown and can vary significantly, making soil survey an essential part of the construction process.
One of the key reasons for conducting a soil survey is to assess the suitability of the site for the proposed project. The characteristics of the soil, such as its bearing capacity, settlement potential, and groundwater conditions, can significantly impact the structural design and construction approach. By conducting a soil survey, engineers and construction professionals can determine if the site is suitable for the intended construction project, or if any modifications or reinforcements are needed to ensure the stability and safety of the structure.
Additionally, a soil survey is crucial in determining the most appropriate and cost-effective foundation design for the project. Different types of soil require different foundation designs to ensure that the building can withstand the loads and pressures exerted on it. A soil survey provides valuable information on the soil’s properties, allowing engineers to select the appropriate foundation type, depth, and reinforcement measures, which can have a significant impact on the project’s cost and performance.
Furthermore, a soil survey helps in identifying any potential changes in subsoil conditions. Soil can vary significantly within a construction site, with different layers or types of soil having varying properties. Conducting a soil survey allows engineers to identify any changes in soil conditions, such as variations in soil strength, composition, or water content, which may affect the construction process and the performance of the building. This information enables engineers to make informed decisions and implement necessary measures to mitigate any risks associated with changing soil conditions.
In conclusion, a soil survey is a crucial step in the construction process as it provides vital information about the soil conditions at a construction site. It helps determine the suitability of the site, enables the selection of appropriate foundation designs, and identifies any potential changes in soil conditions that may affect the construction project’s stability and integrity. Investing in a comprehensive soil survey is essential to ensure the safe and successful construction of any building.
4. Planning
Planning is a crucial process in selecting the most suitable method and sequence of work to be implemented for a project from among all the possible options. The primary focus of planning is on determining “What to do” and “How to do it” in constructing a structure.
One of the critical advantages of planning in construction is its ability to minimize costs by maximizing the utilization of available resources. Through effective planning, resources are allocated in the most efficient and effective manner, reducing unnecessary expenditures and preventing wastage.
Moreover, planning helps to prevent irrational approaches, duplication of work, and inter-departmental conflicts, thereby streamlining the construction process. By identifying potential challenges and risks beforehand, planning enables construction managers to take necessary precautions and mitigate risks that may otherwise lead to delays, disputes, or even project failure.
Planning also fosters innovation and creativity among construction managers. By encouraging the exploration of new ideas, planning enables managers to identify new and better ways of achieving project objectives, leading to improved outcomes and greater success.
Lastly, planning provides a competitive advantage to enterprises by ensuring that their construction projects are executed with maximum efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality. This results in improved customer satisfaction, increased market share, and enhanced reputation, all of which contribute to the long-term success of the enterprise.
5. Detailed Designing
A detailed design refers to a comprehensive and accurate physical representation of all components of a structure, often in the form of blueprints or technical drawings. This design provides a thorough description of how the various parts of the structure fit together, serving as the foundation for the construction phase. In addition to depicting the layout and arrangement of the building’s elements, a detailed design also encompasses an assessment of the stability, strength, and rigidity of the structure. This assessment takes into consideration the physical requirements of the building, as well as a deep understanding of the structural performance, materials used, and geometries employed in the design.
Fig 5: Designing of a Construction Project.
The detailed design phase of the project will include the creation of drawings and reports that will allow for reasonably accurate estimates of construction, operating costs, and construction scheduling. These drawings and reports will provide the necessary information for contractors to assess the scope of work, determine the cost of construction materials and labor, and develop a construction schedule. The accuracy of these estimates is important for ensuring that the project can be completed within budget and on schedule. Additionally, the detailed design drawings and reports will provide a comprehensive overview of the project, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and plan for the successful execution of the construction phase.
6. Cost Estimation
The process of cost estimation for a project involves predicting the probable cost required to achieve the project objectives according to specified workmanship standards and schedule. Different methods and techniques can be used to estimate costs.
A detailed cost estimation of a project includes determining the direct cost of each item of work, setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, accounting for direct supervision charges, and miscellaneous expenses such as water supply, sanitation, and electricity service charges. Other expenses such as labor housing, camps, and field offices are also taken into consideration.
Once the preliminary work of cost estimation is complete, the actual construction process begins. This includes activities such as setting out and excavation.
1. What are the preliminary works in the construction of a building?
Preliminary works encompass a range of activities that take place at a construction site before the actual construction work begins. These activities include tasks such as demolition, site clearance, site surveying, soil surveying, planning, designing, and cost estimation.
Demolition refers to the process of taking down any existing structures on the site that need to be removed before construction work can begin. Site clearance involves the removal of any debris or materials from the site, making it ready for construction work. Site surveying is an important task that involves measuring and mapping the site to identify any potential challenges that need to be addressed before construction can start.
Soil surveying involves analyzing the composition of the soil on the site, including its structure and properties. This information is important because it helps to determine the type of foundation that will be needed for the construction project. Planning and designing are also crucial preliminary works, as they involve creating a detailed plan for the construction project and designing the structure according to the requirements of the project.
Finally, cost estimation is an essential preliminary task that involves determining the total cost of the project. This includes not only the cost of materials and labor but also any potential unforeseen costs that may arise during the construction process. All of these preliminary works are essential for ensuring that the construction project is completed safely, efficiently, and within budget.
2. What is the importance of preliminary works in construction?
The initial stages of a project, collectively known as preliminary work, hold immense significance in ensuring a project’s successful completion. This phase encompasses various crucial activities such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, value engineering, and quality decision-making. These activities determine the course of construction and have a considerable impact on the final cost of the project.
Effective planning, in this phase, lays out a blueprint for the project and outlines the tasks that need to be completed. Scheduling ensures that these tasks are completed within the stipulated time frame. Budgeting involves allocating resources efficiently to keep the project on track financially. Value engineering aims to optimize the project’s value while minimizing costs, while quality decisions ensure that the project meets the desired quality standards.
The success of a project depends heavily on the effectiveness of the preliminary work. Without careful planning, scheduling, budgeting, value engineering, and quality decision-making, construction can easily go off track, leading to delays, cost overruns, and unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to invest sufficient time and effort into the preliminary work to ensure the smooth execution of the project and achieve the desired results within the defined budget and timeframe.