Site Planning

*Planning Construction Site

Ramya Kumanayake

Providing site facilities

Planning of site facilities start at the pre-tender stage. Before starting unit rate calculations, an site investigation must be carried out, preferably by the Site Agent who will supervise the contract if the tender is awarded.

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What are the information obtained from site investigation?*

Site access : on and off site access, road facilities, distances involved, rights of way restrictionsServices: Available power and water supplies, nuisance or value of services already on site, changes requiredLayout: General site conditions such as nature of soil, height of water table, flooding risks, tidal waters, neighbouring properties and any demolition problemsLabour: Availability of local labour and prevailing rates of paySecurity: Type of neighbourhood, need for night security, fencing requirements etc.

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Mandatory site conditionsCertain site facilities and requirements have been made compulsory by Local Authorities, statutory bodies, labour/safety regulations and Conditions of Contract.When a proposed site is intersected by a public waterway, road or footpath, alternative routes will have to be provided for theseFencing, lighting and watching have to be provided for protection of the works, safety and convenience of the publicWater supply systemSewerage, storm water and drainage systemHealth and safety requirementsSystems for keeping site tidy

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Health and safety requirements*Protective clothingFirst aid box/first aid roomPerson trained in giving first aidPlace to change clothesRest roomWashing facilitiesSanitary facilities

What are the facilities to be provided at site?*

Access to siteSite storageSite accommodationTemporary servicesPlant locationSite securityHealth and safety*

Access to site

Provision of both on and off site accessRoutes to and from the site to transport all the requirements for the proposed work.Access on site for deliveries and general circulation

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Site StorageStorage facilities required depend on the amount and types of material to be stored, security and weather protection requirements, durability of materials etc.Allocation of adequate areas for storing materials Allocating adequate working space around storage areasSiting of storage areas to reduce double handling to a minimum without restricting general site circulation and works in progress.Secure area provided for site stores and a store keeper should be given responsibility of receiving, storing and issuing materialConsideration given for using completed building for storage of materials. Small and valuable items stored in a secure and lockable store. *

What factors do you consider in providing storage for following materials?CementSandAggregatesBricks and BlocksReinforcement barsTimberSmall and valuable itemsFuel

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*CementFine and coarse aggregateTimber

*Site accommodationAs the site office is the information and control centre of site, is must be placed as to facilitate checking, supervision and security of site.Site office should be sited overlooking the site working area and access road to enable site management to observe daily movement of labour and plant together with all vehicles entering and leaving the site.Number and type of site staff to be considered in providing accommodation.Accommodation should comply with health and safety requirementsConsideration may be given to existing buildings on site which can be used as accommodation prior to any demolition work.Mess rooms and toilets should be sited to reduce walking time to minimum without disturbing general site circulation and work-in progress.

Temporary site services

Identify what, when and where they are required.Possibility of having permanent work installed at an early stage and making temporary connections for site use during constructionTemporary water connection is required to supply office and worker accommodation requirements.Standpipe locations are required for the site mixing of concrete or mortar.Supply mains must be protected against traffic using the site.Telephone facilities should be provided.Electrical power is required for site office, workers accommodation and stores. Where a direct supply cannot be obtained, generators can be provided.Consideration must be given to the provision of lighting to the site during the night.

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