ARBE1305 - Site Analysis and Site Preparation Notes

Site Analysis

  • Before purchasing a building site, conduct a thorough survey to ascertain whether site characteristics suit the development concept (Chudley & Greeno 2014).
  • The guidance forms a basic checklist; guidance reference: http://cache4.asset-cache.net Building site
  • Actions:
    • Refer to Ordnance Survey maps to determine adjacent features, location, roads, facilities, footpaths and rights of way.
    • Survey to establish site dimensions and levels.
    • Inquire of local authority whether preservation orders affect the site and if it forms part of a conservation area.
    • Investigate subsoil. Use trial holes and borings to determine soil quality and water table level.
    • Consult local utilities providers for underground and overhead services, proximity to site and whether they cross the site.
    • Regard neighbourhood scale and character of buildings with respect to proposed new development (Chudley & Greeno 2014, p19).

Site Investigation (for New Work)

  • The basic objective of this form of site investigation is to collect systematically and record all the necessary data which will be needed or will help in the design and construction processes of the proposed work.
  • These data include Soil investigation (Geotechnical Report) (Chudley & Greeno 2014, p90).

Geotechnical Report

  • The purposes are:
    1. Determine the suitability of the site for the proposed project.
    2. Determine an adequate and economic foundation design.
    3. Determine the difficulties which may arise during the construction process and period.
    4. Determine the occurrence and/or cause of all changes in subsoil conditions. (Andres & Smith 2009, p6,7)

Site Layout Considerations

  • Before any specific considerations and decisions can be made regarding site layout, a thorough site investigation at the pre-tender stage should be conducted and drawings, specification and Bill of Quantities examined in detail to formulate proposals for how the contract will be carried out if the tender is successful (Chudley & Greeno 2014).
  • This will involve a preliminary assessment of plant, materials and manpower requirements plotted against the proposed time scale in the form of a bar chart.
  • Site layout consideration also references Construction site layout symbols (Sutt et al. 2013) (p173-4; p175-6).

Access Considerations

  • Routes to and from the site must be checked as to the suitability for transporting all the requirements for the proposed works.
  • Access on site for deliveries and general circulation must also be carefully considered.

Storage Considerations

  • Storage should consider the amount and types of material to be stored.
  • Security and weather protection requirements.
  • Allocation of adequate areas for storing materials and allocating adequate working space around storage areas.
  • Siting of storage areas to reduce double handling to a minimum without impeding the general site circulation and/or works in progress.
  • References: http://thumbs.d reamstime.com; http://www.lib.kobe-u.ac.jp
  • Site layout consideration – Storage Considerations (Sutt et al. 2013, p110).

Accommodation Considerations

  • Number and type of site staff anticipated.
  • Calculate size and select units of accommodation and check to ensure compliance with the minimum welfare requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
  • Select siting for mess room and toilets to reduce walking time to a minimum without impeding the general site circulation and/or works in progress. (Chudley & Greeno 2014, p123)

Temporary Services Considerations

  • Where is it required? Static or mobile plant?
  • To get this plant operating what, when and where are they required?
  • Possibility of having permanent services installed at an early stage and making temporary connections for site use during the construction period. These included:
    • Material
    • Water
    • Electric – power and lighting
    • Road
    • Waste management
  • (Sutt et al. 2013, p126)

Site Preparation – Examples

  • Site layout consideration – examples include:
    • Floodlighting dual purpose enables work to proceed in poor daylight levels and could be used as a measure of night security.
    • Lockable store for small and/or valuable items.
    • Internal fencing around storage compound.
    • Hut for gateman to check on validity of all persons entering the site.
    • Close-boarded hoarding adjacent to public highway and footpath – see details on the next pages.
    • Garages, paved area, perimeter fencing (at least 1.8 m high), site boundary fencing, temporary fencing.
    • General storage compound; strong and lockable site entrance gates.
    • Proposed 5-storey block; stand pipe; existing trees; garages built first and used as a lock-up store.
    • Protective fencing around roadways, drying rooms, mess and tower, crane, paved area, toilets (temporary connection to drain).
    • Site staff car park; bending reinforcement; mixer; cement store; fine and coarse aggregate; formwork; timber storage; temporary water supply.
    • Roadway; visitors car park; timekeeper; scaffold storage; signboard; electricity and telephone; site offices; toilets (temporary connection to drain); permanent water supply.

Site Layout Considerations – Safety and Health

  • Proper protection for the public around a building site is essential – protect properties and prevent public safety issues.
  • Video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hteC Xzb_pK0&gl=AU&hl=en-GB (Andres & Smith 2009, p18)