Construction Management Review
Construction Management Notes
Chapter 1: Making Buildings
I. The Construction Industry
Economic Impact: The construction industry represents approximately $2.1 trillion in worth.
Employment: Approximately 8 million workers are employed in the construction sector, highlighting a high demand for labor in this field.
Career Opportunities: High income potential and varied career opportunities are widely available in construction management.
II. Buildings and the Environment
Environmental Impacts: The construction and operation of buildings account for roughly one-third of worldwide energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
In the United States:
Building construction and operation consume:
more than one-third of energy
70% of electricity
12% of potable water
30% of raw materials
Generate one-third of all solid waste.
Responsible for significant emissions of air pollutants.
Account for up to 45% of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.
III. The Work of Design Professionals
1. Role of Design Professionals
The design professionals, which include architects and engineers, are responsible for translating the owner’s building ideas and needs into a complete design. This includes:
Creation of construction documents that describe the building's specifications:
Graphic construction drawings
Written specifications (following CSI Master format)
2. Environmental and Land Use Regulations
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) must address potential impacts on:
Water resources
Natural habitats
Protected species
Air and water pollution impacts
Municipal water and sewer systems
Urban open spaces and neighborhood character
3. Zoning Regulations
Define:
Types of allowed activities (industrial, commercial, residential)
Coverage of land by buildings
Separation distances between buildings and adjacent properties
Parking provisions
Regulations on building heights and fire safety requirements
4. Building Codes
Building codes regulate life safety and health aspects, including:
Fire safety
Emergency egress provisions
Construction quality and structural integrity
Durability and livability standards
Also include regulations on energy conservation, access for handicapped individuals, and health codes.
IV. The Work of Construction Professionals
1. Providing Construction Services
Allocation of responsibilities and risks among stakeholders:
Design Team: Architects, engineers, and consultants
Construction Team: General contractors, subcontractors, suppliers
Owner Group: Developer/owner, financiers, user groups
2. The Construction Process
Key steps in the construction process include:
Recognizing the need for a project
Assessing technical and financial feasibility
Preparing detailed plans, specifications, and cost estimates
Obtaining approval from regulatory agencies while ensuring compliance with zoning and building codes.
3. Contract Procedure
Involves:
Development of plans and specifications
Bid solicitation and preparation
Bid submission and contract award
Ongoing contract administration
V. Trends in the Delivery of Design and Construction Services
1. Project Delivery Methods
Design/Bid/Build: Separate design and construction teams are managed independently.
Design/Build: A single entity is responsible for both design and construction, promoting enhanced coordination and accountability.
Construction Management: An independent construction manager oversees the process, commonly used for large, complex projects.
2. Allocation of Construction Costs
Fixed Fee/Lump Sum: Owner pays an agreed fixed amount; most risk assumed by the general contractor (GC).
Best suited for well-defined project scopes.
Cost Plus a Fee: GC’s direct costs plus an additional fee; risks are more on the owner’s side.
Suitable for projects where scope isn’t fully defined initially.
Incentive Provisions: Financial rewards for timely completion or cost savings, alongside surety bonds to protect against contractor default.
3. Construction Scheduling
Two major scheduling methods:
Sequential Construction: Each phase is completed before the next begins.
Phased Construction: Overlaps design and construction phases to minimize total project duration.
VI. Health and Safety in Construction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees safety regulations in construction, especially in:
Concrete construction processes
Erection of prefabricated elements
Operations involving scaffolding and construction equipment.
VII. Performance Metrics for Sustainable Buildings
Sustainable structures yield a 25%-35% improvement in energy consumption compared to traditional buildings.
Example: Seattle City Hall, which achieved LEED Gold certification, demonstrating reduced resource use and sustainability.
VIII. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Overview: LEED is the most widely implemented green building program in North America. It includes various rating systems tailored to different types of buildings.
LEED NC (New Construction and Renovation) evaluates:
Location and transportation
Sustainable sites
Water efficiency
Energy and atmosphere
Materials and resources
Indoor environmental quality
Innovation and regional priorities.
IX. Sustainable Construction Practices
Building sustainably refers to:
Reducing fossil fuel use
Protecting natural ecosystems and water resources
Minimizing material consumption and waste
Maximizing healthfulness of the interior environment.
X. Standards for Construction Information
MasterFormat: A standardized system for organizing construction materials and systems developed by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Describes construction tasks across 50 major divisions.
XI. Conclusion
The construction industry is integral to economic growth, heavily impacting the environment. As such, professionals within this field must strive for sustainable practices, compliance with safety regulations, and efficient project management to improve the industry's overall impact.