G3-Advanced-Construction-Method-Written-Report.pdf
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Eastern Samar State University – MAIN College Of Engineering Bachelor Of Science in Civil Engineering ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ORGANIZATION A. INTRODUCTION...
Eastern Samar State University – MAIN College Of Engineering Bachelor Of Science in Civil Engineering ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ORGANIZATION A. INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ORGANIZATION Definition and Importance A Construction Project Organization refers to the structured arrangement of different roles, responsibilities, and workflows that are essential for the successful execution of a construction project. The organization of a construction project ensures that resources, labor, materials, equipment, and information are coordinated effectively to meet project objectives, such as time, budget, and quality. A well- organized project helps avoid delays, cost overruns, and poor-quality output. Its importance lies in establishing clear communication, accountability, and efficient workflows among all stakeholders involved. Objectives of a Construction Organization Clear Assignment of Roles: Define the responsibilities of each participant (e.g., owner, contractor, designer) to avoid confusion and overlaps. Efficient Resource Management: Ensure that materials, labor, and equipment are used optimally. Risk Mitigation: Identify and manage risks early in the project lifecycle. Cost and Time Control: Monitor the budget and schedule to prevent cost overruns and delays. Quality Control: Ensure that the work meets regulatory standards and project specifications. B. TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATIONS 1|Page 1. Owner/Client: Role: The owner or client is the primary initiator and financier of the project. Their role includes defining the scope, setting objectives, and ensuring that the project meets their needs. Objectives: Deliver a project that meets specific functional and aesthetic requirements. Complete the project within the allotted budget and time. Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and environmental regulations. Influence on Projects: The owner's decisions can significantly impact the project timeline, budget, and design. Their involvement in the decision-making process is crucial, especially when it comes to approvals or changes in scope. 2. Contractor: Types of Contractors: General Contractor: Oversees the entire construction process and is responsible for coordinating all subcontractors, managing schedules, and ensuring that construction adheres to plans and specifications. Subcontractors: Specialize in specific trades (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and work under the general contractor to complete their portion of the work. Role: Contractors are responsible for the actual physical construction of the project. They must manage labor, materials, equipment, and ensure that the construction adheres to plans, specifications, and safety regulations. 3. Design Team: Engineers and Architects: The design team is responsible for creating the plans and specifications for the project. Architects focus on the aesthetic, functional, and spatial aspects of the project, ensuring it meets the client's vision. 2|Page Engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical) ensure that the design is structurally sound and feasible within the project’s constraints. Responsibilities: Develop detailed construction drawings. Provide technical specifications and guidelines. Ensure compliance with local building codes and standards. 4. Project Manager: Role: The project manager plays a central role in coordinating all aspects of the project, from planning to execution to closure. Key Responsibilities: Developing the project plan, including schedules, budgets, and resource requirements. Monitoring the project's progress and ensuring alignment with the set objectives. Communicating with stakeholders and ensuring smooth coordination between different teams. Managing risks and resolving issues as they arise. C. PROJECT DELIVERY SYSTEMS Project delivery systems define the processes by which construction projects are designed, constructed, and handed over. The delivery system selected can significantly influence the project’s timeline, cost, and quality. 1. Traditional (Design-Bid-Build): Advantages: Well-defined process with clear roles for each participant. Competitive bidding often results in lower costs. Allows the owner to review and approve the design before construction. 3|Page Challenges: Longer project timelines due to the separation of design and construction phases. Potential for conflict between the designer and contractor if issues arise during construction. 2. Design-Build: Integrated Approach: In this system, the contractor and design team work together from the beginning, allowing for better communication and more efficient decision-making. Benefits: Faster project completion since design and construction can occur simultaneously. Single point of responsibility reduces conflicts and miscommunication. Often leads to cost savings due to the integrated approach. Issues: Less owner control over design. The owner must rely on the design-build team for quality and compliance. 3. Construction Management at Risk (CMAR): Key Features: The construction manager acts as a consultant to the owner during the design phase and as the general contractor during the construction phase. Provides a guaranteed maximum price (GMP), ensuring cost control for the owner. Advantages: Better collaboration between the design team and contractor. Early cost and constructability input from the construction manager. 4|Page Challenges: Potential conflicts of interest if not managed properly. 4. Public-Private Partnership (PPP): Application in Large Projects: Commonly used in large infrastructure projects, such as highways, airports, and public utilities, where private entities finance, construct, and operate the project for a defined period. Advantages: Shifts financial risk to the private sector. Encourages innovation and efficiency. Challenges: Complex contract negotiations. Long-term commitments required from the public sector. D. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Organizational Structures: Hierarchical: A top-down approach with clear levels of authority. Most common in traditional construction settings. Matrix: A combination of functional and project-based organization where team members report to both functional managers and project managers. Functional: Departments are organized by function (e.g., engineering, procurement), with each department contributing to the project. 2. Team Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication between all stakeholders is essential for project success. Collaboration tools, regular meetings, and a clear chain of command can help avoid misunderstandings and project delays. 3. Decision-making Processes: 5|Page Decisions should be based on data, technical expertise, and the project’s objectives. In construction, the decision-making process often involves input from multiple stakeholders, including the owner, contractors, and design team. E. CHALLENGES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ORGANIZATION 1. Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Construction projects often involve several stakeholders, including the owner, contractors, government agencies, and the public. Managing their differing expectations and requirements can be challenging, especially if there are conflicting priorities. 2. Resource Allocation and Coordination: Efficient allocation of materials, labor, and equipment is crucial to avoid project delays and cost overruns. Coordinating these resources requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure that the right resources are available at the right time. 6|Page Eastern Samar State University – MAIN College Of Engineering Bachelor Of Science in Civil Engineering ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND EQUIPMENT LEGAL STRUCTURES A. INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL STRUCTURES IN CONSTRUCTION Importance of Legal Structures The legal structure of a construction company significantly impacts its operations, including liability, taxation, financing, and governance. The right structure provides legal protection, enables proper distribution of responsibilities, and ensures compliance with laws and regulations. It also influences how contracts are negotiated and executed, how disputes are handled, and how profits and losses are shared. In construction projects, legal structures ensure clarity in terms of liability, risk allocation, and financial obligations. They also help mitigate conflicts and protect stakeholders’ interests, whether they are owners, contractors, or subcontractors. Proper legal frameworks facilitate smoother project execution and safeguard all parties against unforeseen issues. Legal Framework Governing Construction Projects Construction projects must adhere to specific legal frameworks that vary by country or region. In the Philippines, for example, these frameworks include regulations on public procurement, building codes, environmental protection, and safety standards. These laws ensure that construction is carried out in a manner that protects public health, safety, and welfare. Key legal frameworks for construction in the Philippines include: Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act): Governs the procurement process for public infrastructure projects. 7|Page Philippine Building Code: Regulates construction standards for buildings, ensuring safety and structural integrity. Environmental Laws: Includes laws such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which mandates that construction projects assess and mitigate environmental impacts. B. TYPES OF LEGAL STRUCTURES IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS 1. Sole Proprietorship Advantages: Simple to establish and operate. Full control over decision-making. Profits are taxed as personal income, avoiding corporate tax rates. Disadvantages: Unlimited personal liability—personal assets are at risk if the business incurs debts or legal liabilities. Limited capacity to raise capital. Sole responsibility for losses. 2. Partnership Types: General Partnership: All partners share responsibility for management, liability, and profits. Each partner has unlimited liability. Limited Partnership: Includes both general partners (with management roles and unlimited liability) and limited partners (with liability limited to their investment). Responsibilities of Partners: 8|Page General partners are responsible for the day-to-day operations and are liable for the debts and legal obligations of the firm. Limited partners typically provide capital and share in profits but do not participate in management. 3. Corporation Structure: A corporation is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders. It can own property, enter contracts, and incur liabilities independent of its owners. Liability: Shareholders have limited liability, meaning they are only liable up to the amount of their investment. Tax Considerations: Corporations are taxed separately from their owners. This can lead to double taxation—profits are taxed at the corporate level, and dividends are taxed at the personal level. 4. Limited Liability Company (LLC) Hybrid Structure: Combines the benefits of a corporation and a partnership. Owners, known as members, have limited liability, but profits and losses are passed through to their personal income without corporate taxation. Key Features: Flexibility in management structure. Limited liability protection for members. Pass-through taxation, where profits are taxed only at the individual level. C. CONTRACTS AND LEGAL AGREEMENTS Contracts are essential in construction projects as they define the terms and conditions under which work is to be performed, including the scope, costs, timelines, and responsibilities of all parties. Different types of contracts are used depending on the project’s needs and risk allocation preferences. 9|Page 1. Types of Contracts: Lump Sum: A fixed price for the entire project is agreed upon before construction begins. The contractor assumes most of the financial risk, making it essential for them to control costs efficiently. Unit Price: Payment is based on actual quantities of work, priced per unit. This method is commonly used when the scope is uncertain. Cost Plus: The owner reimburses the contractor for actual costs incurred, plus a fee for overhead and profit. It is beneficial in cases where the project scope is not well-defined at the outset. Time & Materials: Payment is based on the contractor’s actual time spent and materials used. It provides flexibility but requires close monitoring to prevent cost overruns. 2. Contractual Obligations: Owner: Provides financing, approves designs, and ensures the project meets their objectives. Contractor: Responsible for executing the work according to the contract, plans, and specifications, and ensuring adherence to legal and safety standards. Subcontractors: Perform specific tasks under the general contractor’s supervision, ensuring their portion of the project aligns with the overall requirements. 3. Key Legal Terms: Liability: Refers to legal responsibility for damages or losses. In construction, parties must be clear about their liability, particularly in cases of accidents or defects. Indemnity: A clause that shifts risk from one party to another, often ensuring that one party is compensated for any losses or damages caused by the other. Force Majeure: Protects parties from liability if unforeseen events (e.g., 10 | P a g e natural disasters) prevent them from fulfilling their contractual obligations. Termination Clauses: Define the conditions under which a contract may be terminated, either by mutual consent, breach of contract, or other circumstances. D. CONSTRUCTION LAW Overview of Philippine Construction Law: RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act): Regulates the procurement process for public works and infrastructure projects, ensuring transparency, competition, and fairness. Philippine Building Code: Provides regulations for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings to ensure public safety and health. Occupational Safety Laws: Laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) regulate working conditions and safety protocols to minimize risks in construction. Environmental Laws: Require compliance with environmental standards, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system, to prevent harm to natural resources during construction activities. E. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms Disputes in construction projects are common due to the complexity of the work, and it's important to have mechanisms in place to resolve conflicts without halting progress. Arbitration: A formal process where a neutral third party (the arbitrator) listens to both sides and makes a binding decision. It is less formal than court litigation but provides a final resolution. Mediation: A voluntary process where a mediator helps both parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution. It is non-binding but often leads to quicker, 11 | P a g e less adversarial settlements. Litigation: When disputes cannot be resolved through other means, the parties may turn to the courts. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive but results in a legally binding decision. Importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Construction Projects: ADR methods, such as arbitration and mediation, are favored in construction because they are typically faster, less expensive, and more flexible than litigation. They also help maintain business relationships by reducing adversarial interactions and encouraging collaboration to find solutions. 12 | P a g e Eastern Samar State University – MAIN College Of Engineering Bachelor Of Science in Civil Engineering ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT REQUIREMENTS A. OVERVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT REQUIREMENTS Definition and Importance in Successful Project Delivery Construction project requirements refer to the essential elements, processes, and resources needed to successfully deliver a construction project. These requirements encompass all phases of the project, from initial planning and design to construction and final handover. They ensure that the project meets its scope, stays within budget, and is completed on time, while adhering to quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Importance: Ensures proper alignment of resources and tasks with project goals. Helps manage stakeholder expectations by defining clear objectives. Guides the project through legal and regulatory compliance. Facilitates efficient coordination between different teams and phases of the project. Minimizes risks and delays by addressing potential issues before construction begins. B. PLANNING, PRECONSTRUCTION, AND EXECUTION PHASES Each phase of a construction project involves specific requirements that must be met for successful delivery: 1. Planning Phase: This phase involves defining the project’s scope, objectives, and deliverables. It includes the development of the project proposal, feasibility studies, and 13 | P a g e preliminary budgeting. Key outputs: Feasibility reports, project proposal, initial cost estimates. 2. Preconstruction Phase: In this phase, detailed designs, technical specifications, and contract documents are created. Permits and approvals are obtained, and contractors and suppliers are selected. Key outputs: Finalized project plans, permits, detailed cost estimates, selection of contractors. 3. Execution Phase: This is where the physical construction occurs. All human resources, materials, and equipment are mobilized, and the project is monitored for progress, cost control, and quality assurance. Key activities: Resource allocation, construction monitoring, safety compliance, progress reporting. C. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION Proper documentation is critical throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that the project progresses as planned and remains within scope, budget, and timelines. 1. Project Proposal: Scope: Defines the work that will be performed and the boundaries of the project. Objectives: Establishes what the project aims to achieve in terms of deliverables, timeline, and quality. Budget Estimates: Provides a preliminary cost estimate, including labor, materials, equipment, and overheads. 2. Technical Specifications: These are detailed descriptions of the materials, workmanship, and standards to be 14 | P a g e followed in the project. Specifications ensure consistency and quality in the construction process. 3. Drawings and Plans: Architectural Drawings: Define the layout, design, and appearance of the building. Structural Drawings: Provide detailed information on the structural components such as beams, columns, and foundations. Mechanical and Electrical Drawings: Outline the systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical wiring, and other mechanical works. Bill of Quantities (BOQ): A detailed document that lists the materials, labor, and equipment needed for the project, along with cost estimates. The BOQ helps track costs and monitor budget adherence throughout the project. D. PERMITS AND APPROVALS Construction projects must comply with local, regional, and national regulations. Proper permits and approvals are required before construction can begin. Building Permits: Issued by the local government to confirm that the project meets building codes and zoning regulations. Zoning Approvals: Ensure that the land is suitable for the intended construction and complies with local zoning laws. Environmental Clearances: Required for projects that could impact the environment, such as large-scale infrastructure developments. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs) and Regulatory Agencies: LGUs and regulatory agencies enforce building codes, environmental laws, and safety regulations. They are involved in the inspection and approval processes at various stages of the project. E. HUMAN RESOURCES 15 | P a g e The success of a construction project depends heavily on having the right team of professionals and skilled labor on site. 1. Skilled Labor Requirements: Projects require a variety of skilled laborers such as carpenters, electricians, masons, plumbers, and welders. Each must be trained and experienced in their respective trades. 2. Contractor Qualifications and Licensing: Contractors must be licensed and accredited by the appropriate governing body to ensure they have the capability and knowledge to execute the project according to legal and safety standards. 3. Project Management Team: The team typically includes engineers, architects, safety officers, and other key personnel responsible for overseeing construction activities, managing resources, ensuring compliance, and handling site safety. F. MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND RESOURCES The procurement, storage, and management of materials and equipment are vital components of construction project success. 1. Procurement Process: Involves sourcing and purchasing materials and equipment required for construction. Proper procurement ensures that high-quality resources are available at the right time to avoid project delays. 2. Material and Equipment Specifications: Specifications outline the quality and type of materials to be used, ensuring that they meet the project’s requirements and standards. 16 | P a g e 3. Storage and Handling on Site: Proper storage and handling prevent damage or deterioration of materials, which could lead to cost overruns and quality issues. G. Safety and Quality Requirements Safety and quality are paramount in construction projects. Non-compliance with safety and quality standards can lead to accidents, delays, or even legal issues. 1. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Standards: HSE standards ensure the safety of workers and the public, as well as environmental protection. These standards must be followed at all stages of the project to prevent accidents and reduce environmental impact. 2. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Processes: QA/QC processes involve regular inspections, testing of materials, and monitoring of construction activities to ensure compliance with specifications and standards. 3. Site Safety Inspections and Safety Training: Safety officers are responsible for conducting regular site inspections, ensuring workers are following safety protocols, and providing necessary training to prevent accidents. H. Monitoring and Control Systems Monitoring and controlling the progress of the construction project is critical to ensure that it remains on schedule and within budget. 1. Progress Reporting and Scheduling: Tools like Gantt charts and the Critical Path Method (CPM) are used to track progress against the project schedule. These methods help identify potential delays and allow for timely corrective action. 17 | P a g e 2. Cost Control and Budget Management: Monitoring expenditures against the approved budget is crucial for avoiding cost overruns. Cost control systems help ensure that the project stays within its financial constraints. 3. Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies: Risk management involves identifying potential risks (such as delays, cost increases, or accidents) and developing strategies to mitigate these risks. Having contingency plans in place allows for quick response to unforeseen events that could disrupt the project. 18 | P a g e
