LARE CONSTRUCTION ADMIN + DOCUMENTATION

interface between concrete and asphalt could be detailed as shown for which reasons

to ensure the edges of the two materials remain coplanar over time

Primary Reason LA should not give orders/directions directly to contactor’s workers

to do so places undue liability on the landscape architect and can make them responsible for any resulting cost overruns

Architectural Grid System can be used for

locating specific site elements on a layout plan,

Identify locations in lieu of survey control point,

50% completed design drawing plans

sections and details drawn, but dimensions, notes callouts are missing or incomplete.

25% completed design drawing

started but all elements are still in progress

As a general rule, aggregate used in a concrete mix should NOT exceed

1/3rd depth of slab to be poured.

payment bond

NOT AN ALTERATION TO EXISTING CONTRACT- legal instrument/guarantee that ensures payment for labor and other surfaces should employer fail to issues wages

Maximum Not to Exceed is typically added to which contract type

Time and Materials - (design firm pays for time + materials spent)

Landscape contractor would be wholly responsible for ina typical residential project?

Arranging site access.

who is responsible for ensuring all plans are properly permitted (residential project)

Owner

Record drawings

document changes that have occurred during the construction process

As-Built Drawings

Completed by contractor, both during and after the course of construction - containing absolutely everything as it was built/exists in the field

difference between as builts and record plans

as builts - everything and the kitchen sink. Record plans - record changes that occurred in field and are documented through change orders, addenda etc

time and materials contract with Max Not to Exceed - best option when

LA is having trouble establishing scope of work, client concerned with total cost of services.

Unit Price contracts are typically used for

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS not design services

Fixed fee contracts best used when

Scope of work is WELL ESTABLISHED

Cost Plus Fixed Fee with Guarenteed Max Price Contract best used when

a scope of work is clear and can be used to accurately estimate expected fees

which light fixture should be removed from proposed design to safely light stairs in graphic

light B, D, and E (pathways and stairs should be lit clearly and consistently -

construction means and methods are the responsibility of…

the contractor unless otherwise stated. If otherwise specified in the contract documents, contractor is typ. considered no longer liable for damages resulting from compliance with those instructions

3 primary documents used in the solicitation of bids by an owner are

1. invitation to bid

2. instructions to bidders

3. bid form

invitation to bid

advertises or otherwise notified bidders of proposed project

instruction to bidders

provides potential bidders with an outline of how to formulate and submit their bid

bid form

provides template for how the bid information is to be conveyed to the owner

arbitation

• handled outside of municipal court system

• impartial third parties lead the process (arbitrators)

• decisions at arbitration hearings are final and binding

• decisions at arbitration hearings do not establish legal precedents
  

whats wrong with this graphic

water feature located using “closed dimensions” - could not be executed as shown, located off of corners of two different existing building and has been dimensioned itself. no leeway for location in real world conditions.

LA visiting construction site to review the contractor performance should record what issues in their notes?

• date, time, location of visit

• condition of temp erosion control features (key site information)

• protection/removal of existing trees

• owners request for changes to the proposed design

Notice to proceed

means by which owner notifies the contractor that they have been award the contract,

Drafting and issuing a bid advertisement for a private firm/client

• site owner may choose any contractor they desire

• allow the bid to be shown to a select group of contractors

• reserving the right for owner to reject any and all bids

Responsible party for obtaining Builders Risk Insurance

General Contractor

Damage caused to a structure during construction is covered by

Builder’s risk insurance

If a contractor decides to forfeit their bid bond and withdraw from project, what penalties could be applied?

• forfeiture of the face value of the bid bond (more rare)

• forfeiture of money in the amount of the difference between their bid and that of the next lowest bidder, up to the face value of a bid

Effective and clear construction details should contain

• dimensions

• scale

• material callouts

primary determinant of the width of a retaining wall’s footing is

soil bearing capacity

Soil bearing capacity (in relation to retaining walls)

• one of primary determinants in establishing width of retaining wall footing

• measure of a soil to decrease in volume under pressure of a given weight

• also helps determine the method of retaining wall construction

Important factors to take into account when developing a wayfinding plan

• anticipated maintenance budget

• size of site

• proposed circulation

• proposed plant palette

• site user demographics

chronological activities of owner soliciting bids for the construction of a project

1. issuing addenda

2. bid tabulation

3. notice of award

4. contract signing

Design Build contact method

owner hires a single firm to conduct design and construction of a project

firm may still hire subs to complete the project

Height of handrail extension (best practice)

34-38”

depth of construction of isolation or expansion joints

Full depth of slab

Isolation/Expansion Joints -

• used to allow lateral movement between adjacent slabs, other fixed surfaces/structures

• should be constructed to full depth of concrete slab

• should be placed at the interface between conc and other fixed surf/structure

public projects, bid from contractor could be rejected because

• contractor does not meet bonding requirement

• bid submitted late (for any reason)

• bid form altered by contractor

Notice to proceed permits which action

allows contractor to begin construction

Retainage is typically released under which circumstance?

Notice of Final Completion.

Code requirement for minimum guardrail height

42”

Closeout procedures could include

• providing keys to owner

• affidavits confirming all workers have been paid

• lien releases

• as built-drawings

• operations and maintenance manual

• warranty information

proof of insurance provided by who to whom and when

proof of insurance provided by the contractor to the owner prior to the commencement of construction activities

Best practice for drafting construction documents and specifications?

• specs should only appear in a single location to avoid error/confusion/conflict

• Installation and methods of construction would be covered

• used standard terminology between all document types

Clerk of works

• responsible for verifying quantities of materials delivered to site and confirms work carried out properly and that health + safety rules being followed

Asphalt treated base (ATB) is typically used in which conditions?

• Construction in wet or freezing conditions -

  • acts as a water barrier that prevents the infiltration of fines into the subgrade which is what happens when water accumulates in the subgrade

• 3x as strong as untreated granular base (crushed rock) = can use thinner layers for same structural support and save on costs

General conditions contained in the project manual include

• contain boilerplate language to establish rights, authority and obligations of contracting parties

• outlines the rules under which a project will be built

Which section of Construction Document set could include info to find technical guidance related to compressive strength of concrete PSI

Technical specifications - specifically in the performance specification for concrete

Why use standardized/boiler plate language in design contract?

• contains language familiar to both parities

• less expensive than hiring attorney

• has been properly vetted through the court system

table of abbreviations found where

included on the general information sheet within a construction document set

construction management performed “at risk” implies

• services are provided as an independent contractor

• project must be completed by established substantial completion date

• project must be completed within the agreed upon budget

• owner can be compensated for any work that does not conform to the contract documents

Optimal riser-tread relationship for outdoor applications formula

2R (risers) + T (treads) = 24-26 inches

concrete control joint purpose is to

restrict cracking to a predetermined location

• can be tooled, saw cut, but saw cut is nicest

• suggested depth varies, but ~ ¼ - 1/3 thickness of the concrete

contractor cost summary would include

• transportation costs

• incidental items

• operation costs and profits

3 materials found in typical concrete mix

• aggregate

• cement

• water

Best height for comfortable seating

16”-20” Height, minimum depth of 18”

Public bidding process awarded based on

-lowest RESPONSIBLE BIDDER submitting a REGULAR BID

Responsible Bidder

• determined through post qualification

Regular Bids

• bids conforming to requirements set forth in bidding documents

  • Not late

  • contains required info

  • contractor is properly bonded

Request for Interest Response

Statement of Interest

• overview of design firm, says interested

benefits of lump sum/fixed price contract

do not require precise measurements of in place quantities to determine payment

• reduced the potential for significant cost overruns

Technical spec format provides 3 types of information in what order

1. General

2. Product

3. Execution

What is this and what material used for

LAG BOLT

• typically used in WOOD construction

what is this and what material used for

MACHINE BOLT

• can be used to fasten wood to wood

• wood to metal

• metal to metal

what is this and what material used for

CARRIAGE BOLT

• can be used in wood to wood

• wood to metal interfaces

What is this and what material used for

J BOLT

• type of fastener used in CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Information regarding award of contract and rejection of bids generally found in what bid documents

instructions to bidders

A site protection plan would encompass what concerns

• noise mitigation

• wash down areas for construction equipment

• tree protection

• storage area for salvaged materials

• erosion control

• site access

• tree/plant salvage

• measures to salvage topsoil on site for reuse

Division 2 of the construction specification institute relates to

existing conditions

Division 3 of the construction specification institute relates to

concrete

Division 4 of the construction specification institute relates to

Masonry

Division 9 of the construction specifications institute addresses

Finishes

Continuous beam on an elevated or wood structure must be

supported by at least 3 structural members (posts)

Playground fall zone regarding equipement standard

6’ on all sides

How should contractor respond to field order issued by LA

• commence work on the field order pending approval of the owner

• determine if the proposed changes are cost neutral

Items always included in project manual

• general conditions

• bidding documents

• supplementary provisions

• technical specifications

placement of expansion joints

• need to be placed between adjacent concrete slabs

• at interface of concrete and other hardscape /buildings

specification 50% complete means

spec has been started but not yet completed

demo plan must always contain

• survey base

• limit of work

• hardscape to be removed

changes made OUTSIDE the SCOPE of original contract

Cardinal Changes

Citys Public Works Department would issue RFQ to

determine the most qualified firms to provide a specific scope of professional services

Project Work Plan

• organizational framework to plan how and in what sequence project work will occur

• takes scope of services + divides it into specific tasks.

• establishes project communication procedures

• qc procedures

• high level plan of project work

Quality control of construction drawings takes place at what % completion

90%

final completion

• lasty opportunity of the construction project to be addressed

  • lien releases

  • removing all debris from property

Active Interferance

Owner not furnishing contractor with necessary plans on time causing delays in construction schedule

primary goal of post construction evaluation is to

Determine if the design as built meets the needs of the owner and site users

when preparing a field report, LA should be prepared to

• document the progress of construction work

• observe the condition of stored materials

• approve mock-ups and material samples

• confirm compliance with the contract documents

Agency agreements

• agent can be empowered to take any legally permissible action that the principal could

• agent can enter into binding contracts on behalf of principal

• agency agreements are consensual in nature

client has requested an LA commission survey of their property, what do they do to accomplish this

• issue an RFP for the survey to a limited number of surveyors

Incidental items

never listed on a schedule of values

backflow prevention device

separates irrigation water from potable water

technical specifications are ordered according to

a prescribed sequence (Part 1- general, Part 2 - Product, Part 3 - Execution)

Punch list items

small in scope

completed after notice of substantial completion has been issued

compressive strength of concrete determined by ratio of

water & cement

landscape lighting objectives

1. safety

2. security

3. aesthetics

Lighting Best Practices

• regularity - regular /consistent schemes

• hierarchy - lighting should enhance legibility of site

• articulation - key site areas

• Intensity - less important than providing a clear and consistent scheme

• placement

Uplighting