Construction projects involve several activities that must be completed before the actual work can begin. These activities are known as preliminary works and include tasks such as site clearance, demolition, soil survey, site survey, cost estimation, planning, and designing.
The first step in preliminary works is site clearance, which involves removing any debris, trees, or vegetation that may be present on the construction site. Once the site is cleared, the next step is to conduct a site survey to determine the location and boundaries of the construction site.
The soil survey follows the site survey, where engineers analyze the soil to determine its composition, strength, and stability. This information helps in deciding the type of foundation that will be suitable for the construction project.
Planning and designing are also critical aspects of preliminary works. The planning phase involves developing a comprehensive plan for the construction project, including the budget, timeline, and resource allocation. The design phase involves creating detailed drawings and specifications for the project, which are used to guide the construction process.
Lastly, cost estimation is also an essential part of preliminary works. Engineers and contractors use their expertise to determine the cost of materials, labor, and equipment required to complete the project. This information is crucial in setting a realistic budget and ensuring that the project is completed within the allocated resources.
In summary, preliminary works are crucial in ensuring the successful completion of a construction project. They involve several activities that are essential in laying the foundation for the actual construction work.
1. Demolition
Demolition refers to the systematic and controlled process of dismantling or destroying a building that has reached the end of its useful life. This process involves carefully planned methods that ensure safety, minimize the impact on the environment and neighboring structures, and maximize the efficiency of the demolition process. Typically, the demolition of a building is carried out after it has served its intended purpose and is no longer structurally sound or safe for occupancy.
However, in some cases, demolition may be initiated before a building reaches the end of its life of serviceability. This can happen, for example, when a building is no longer needed or is deemed unsafe due to structural defects or environmental hazards. In such cases, the demolition process is also carefully planned and executed to ensure that it is safe and effective.
Regardless of the reason for demolition, it is crucial to carry out the process with the utmost care and attention to detail. Demolition can be a hazardous process, and failure to plan and execute it properly can result in serious injuries, property damage, and environmental harm. Therefore, it is essential to engage the services of qualified professionals who have the expertise, experience, and equipment to undertake demolition safely and efficiently.
Fig 1: Demolition of a building.
Demolition is a process used to remove structures that may be obstructing or interfering with a new proposed building, or that are no longer needed. The demolition process typically involves four main steps, which are essential for ensuring safe and effective removal of the structure.
The first step in the demolition process is surveying the building to be demolished. This involves a thorough examination of the structure to identify any potential hazards, such as asbestos or other dangerous materials. The survey will also determine the best method of demolition to be used, taking into account factors such as the size and location of the building, as well as any surrounding structures that may be affected.
Once the survey has been completed, the next step is to remove any hazardous materials that may be present in the building. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the surrounding environment. Hazardous materials may include asbestos, lead, or other toxic substances that can pose a risk to human health.
After the hazardous materials have been safely removed, the chosen method of demolition can be implemented. There are several different methods of demolition, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The chosen method will depend on factors such as the size and location of the building, as well as any environmental or safety concerns that need to be addressed.
Finally, safety measures must be put in place to ensure that the demolition process is carried out in a safe and controlled manner. This may include the use of protective equipment, such as hard hats and safety harnesses, as well as measures to prevent dust and debris from escaping the demolition site and potentially causing harm to nearby people or buildings. By following these four steps, the demolition process can be carried out safely and efficiently, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
2. Site Clearance
Site clearance is a crucial procedure that must be done before excavation can begin. This process involves removing any obstacles or hindrances that may be present on the site, such as vegetation. The first step of site clearance is known as grubbing, which involves the removal of bushes and trees that may be obstructing the site. Once the vegetation has been removed, the next step is to remove the topsoil in order to form what is known as reduced levels. This is an important step in the site clearance process as it helps to create a level surface for excavation to take place. Overall, site clearance is a necessary process that must be completed thoroughly and efficiently to ensure a safe and successful excavation.
3. Site and Soil Survey
Conducting a survey is a crucial initial stage in any project’s design and construction process. This is because the substructure of a project plays a significant role in determining the overall success of the superstructure. By carrying out a survey, important aspects such as the condition of the soil, surrounding structures, and accessibility can be identified and analyzed. This information is then used to determine the appropriate amount and type of resources required for the construction, as well as the associated costs. Thus, a survey serves as a vital tool in ensuring that a project is planned and executed efficiently and effectively.
FIg 4: Soil Survey
Before starting any construction work, it is crucial to conduct a soil survey. This is because the stability and integrity of a building depend on the strength of the soil under loading and pressure. If the soil is not strong enough to support the weight of the structure, it could lead to foundation failure, which could be disastrous.
There are several reasons why a soil survey is important. Firstly, it helps to determine the suitability of the site for the proposed project. By analyzing the soil properties, the survey can identify any potential issues that could affect the construction process or the stability of the structure. For example, if the site is prone to flooding or landslides, it may not be suitable for building.
Secondly, a soil survey can help to determine the most suitable and economic foundation design. Different soil types have different bearing capacities, and the design of the foundation must take this into account. A soil survey can identify the soil type and its properties, allowing engineers to design a foundation that will provide the necessary support for the structure.
Finally, a soil survey can help to determine the occurrence and cause of changes in subsoil conditions. The soil properties can change over time due to natural factors such as weather and erosion, or due to human activity such as excavation or construction work. By monitoring changes in the soil properties, engineers can identify any potential problems and take action to mitigate them before they become serious issues.
4. Planning
Planning for a construction project involves selecting the most appropriate method and order of work from a variety of possibilities. The process encompasses both the “What to do” and “How to do it” aspects of the project. The importance of planning cannot be overstated, as it has several benefits.
Firstly, planning enables the construction team to minimize costs by using available resources in the most efficient way possible. By identifying the optimal approach and sequence for the project, the team can avoid unnecessary expenses and make the best use of their resources.
Secondly, planning helps to prevent irrational approaches, duplication of work, and conflicts between different departments involved in the construction process. By having a clear plan in place, everyone involved in the project can work together towards a common goal, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings or miscommunications.
Thirdly, planning encourages innovation and creativity among construction managers. By thinking through the different options and considering the best approach, managers can identify new and better ways of doing things that might not have been considered otherwise.
Finally, planning gives the enterprise a competitive advantage. By having a well thought out and detailed plan, the enterprise can position itself as a leader in the construction industry, able to complete projects quickly, efficiently, and with high quality results.
5. Detailed Designing
A detailed design is a comprehensive and accurate physical representation of the entire structure, including blueprints and how each component is assembled. This design serves as the foundation for the construction phase. A detailed design involves examining the stability, strength, and rigidity of the structure that will be built. This examination is based on the physical needs of the building, as well as an understanding of the materials, geometries, and structural performance that will be utilized.
The purpose of a detailed design is to create a complete and precise physical description of all parts of the structure, and how they will fit together. This description allows builders to accurately construct the building without any discrepancies or misunderstandings. Additionally, a detailed design investigation includes an analysis of the structure’s stability, strength, and rigidity, which ensures that the building will be durable and safe to use.
To create a detailed design, designers must have a deep understanding of the materials and geometries that will be used in construction, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the physical requirements of the building. This understanding is essential for creating a design that can withstand the physical stresses and strains that the building will encounter. Overall, a detailed design is a crucial component of the construction process, as it ensures that the building will be safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Fig 5: Designing of a Construction Project.
To enable the creation of reliable estimates for construction, operating costs, and construction scheduling, the detailed design must include both drawings and a report. These elements work together to provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of the project. The drawings offer a visual representation of the design, including details such as dimensions, materials, and construction techniques. The report, on the other hand, provides a written explanation of the design, including any technical specifications, regulatory requirements, or environmental considerations that may impact the project’s implementation. By combining these two elements, stakeholders can better understand the scope and requirements of the project, allowing for more precise and informed decision-making.
6. Cost Estimation
The process of cost estimation for a project involves predicting the likely cost of achieving the project objectives while meeting the required workmanship standards outlined in the specifications and staying on schedule. Different tools and techniques can be used to estimate costs.
Detailed cost estimation for a project includes several factors. The first is the direct cost of the various tasks involved in the project. Additionally, provisions for contingencies must be made, and direct supervision charges must be taken into account. Miscellaneous expenses, such as water supply, sanitary arrangements, and electricity, must also be considered. Lastly, the cost of labour hutments, camps, field offices, and other related expenses must be included.
Once the preliminary work is complete, the actual construction process can begin. This includes setting out, excavation, and other necessary activities.
1. What are the preliminary works in the construction of a building?
Preliminary works encompass the various tasks that are carried out on a construction site before the actual construction work begins. These activities may include demolition, clearing of the site, surveying the site, assessing the soil conditions, planning the project, designing the structure, and estimating the costs involved.
Demolition is one of the preliminary works that involves the removal of existing structures and buildings from the construction site. Site clearance is another task that entails clearing the site of debris, vegetation, and any other obstructions that may hinder the construction process. Site surveying involves examining the site’s physical features, boundaries, and topography, which can help identify any potential challenges that may arise during construction.
A soil survey is also carried out as part of the preliminary works, which involves analyzing the soil’s physical and chemical properties to determine its suitability for the construction project. Planning and designing of the construction project are also crucial components of preliminary works, as they establish the project’s objectives, scope, and requirements. Finally, cost estimation is essential to ensure that the project is economically viable and can be completed within the available budget.
Overall, preliminary works are an integral part of any construction project, as they provide the foundation for the subsequent construction activities. It is essential to carry out these tasks thoroughly and accurately to ensure that the project runs smoothly and is completed on time and within budget.
2. What is the importance of preliminary works in construction?
Effective execution and timely completion of a project greatly depend on the preliminary works. These initial steps involve crucial tasks such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, value engineering, and quality decision-making that can significantly impact the overall construction process and the final cost of the project.
Proper planning is critical to ensure that the project stays on track and is completed within the specified timeframe. Scheduling allows for the effective allocation of resources and the coordination of various project activities. Budgeting, on the other hand, helps in managing project costs and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Value engineering is also an important aspect of the preliminary work. It involves analyzing the project’s design and identifying ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. This can help to improve the overall efficiency of the construction process and ensure that the project is completed within the budget.
Additionally, quality decisions made during the preliminary work stage can have a significant impact on the final outcome of the project. Proper planning, scheduling, and budgeting can help to ensure that the project meets or exceeds the expected quality standards.
In summary, the preliminary work stage is crucial in ensuring the success of a construction project. The tasks involved in this stage, such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, value engineering, and quality decision-making, can greatly impact the construction process and the final cost of the project.