By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- confidently carry out a site inspection based on the project scope
- accurately check that defects have been corrected following the correct procedures
- correctly verify that invoices and claims are settled according to the right procedures
- prepare the operator’s manual and maintenance plan following the proper steps
- successfully hand over the project or site following the correct procedures
These skills will help you manage construction projects smoothly and ensure everything is completed to the highest standards, setting you up for success in the trade.
Preparing a work program is a fundamental task for Quantity Survey professionals managing construction projects in Kenya. It involves breaking down the entire project scope into manageable activities and scheduling them logically to ensure efficient resource use, cost control, and timely completion. A well-prepared work program not only guides the sequence of construction operations but also serves as a baseline for monitoring progress and managing risks. This chapter explores the critical project activities derived from the project scope, providing a detailed understanding of each phase from preliminary activities through to external works.
Project activities represent the discrete tasks that collectively fulfill the project objectives as defined in the scope of work. For Quantity Surveyors, understanding these activities in detail is essential for accurate cost planning, resource allocation, and progress monitoring. The activities described here reflect typical construction sequences encountered in Kenyan projects such as public schools, county government offices, and hospital expansions.
Preliminary activities set the foundation for all subsequent construction work. These include mobilization, obtaining permits, and initial site setup, which are critical for compliance and smooth project commencement.
Mobilization involves transporting equipment, materials, and workforce to the site and establishing site offices, storage areas, and access routes. For example, in a county hospital expansion, effective mobilization ensures that medical services continue with minimal disruption.
This step includes securing all necessary permits and approvals from bodies such as NEMA, the local county government, and building authorities. Delay in this phase can stall the entire project, impacting cost and timelines.
Accurate site surveys establish boundaries, levels, and key reference points. Quantity Surveyors rely on this data to prepare precise measurements for cost estimation and to avoid disputes over land use.
Provision of temporary water, electricity, and sanitation facilities is critical to sustain construction activities and workforce welfare. For example, a retail business construction site requires a reliable temporary power supply to operate machinery and lighting.
Site clearance involves preparing the construction area by removing obstructions and leveling the ground, which is essential before any structural work can begin.
Clearing trees, shrubs, and debris ensures a clean working environment and prevents interference with construction activities. In agricultural cooperative projects, careful clearance preserves valuable soil where possible.
Where renovation or expansion is involved, demolition of old buildings or structures is necessary. This must be managed carefully to avoid damage to adjacent properties or infrastructure, such as in university campus upgrades.
Removing and storing topsoil separately preserves it for later landscaping or restoration. For example, in hotel construction, topsoil is conserved to ensure quality grounds after project completion.
Leveling the site and compacting soil provides a stable base for foundations and reduces settlement risks. This is particularly important for urban office complexes where ground conditions vary.
Excavation is the process of removing earth to create space for foundations and underground services. It requires careful planning to avoid structural and safety issues.
Excavations may be classified as trench, bulk, or pit excavation depending on the project requirements. For example, a SACCO office building may require trench excavation for utility lines, while a hospital wing may need bulk excavation for foundations.
Methods include manual digging, mechanical excavation using excavators, or blasting in rocky terrains. The choice depends on soil conditions and site constraints.
To prevent collapse during excavation, shoring systems such as timber, steel sheets, or soldier piles are installed. This is critical in Nairobi’s densely built environments to ensure worker safety.
Excavated soil and rock must be managed responsibly, either by reuse onsite for backfilling or removal to designated disposal sites, complying with environmental regulations.
Foundations transfer building loads to the ground safely. Their design and execution significantly influence project costs and durability.
Common foundation types include strip, pad, raft, and pile foundations. For instance, a multi-storey bank headquarters in Nairobi may require pile foundations due to weak soils.
Before foundation work, soil tests determine bearing capacity, influencing foundation design and depth. Quantity Surveyors use these data to estimate material quantities and cost implications.
Precise excavation to the required depth and dimensions is critical. Any deviation can lead to structural issues and increased costs for remedial work.
Pouring and curing concrete must follow strict quality standards to ensure strength. For example, a county government office requires foundations capable of supporting heavy equipment and public use.
Walling involves constructing vertical enclosures that define spaces and provide structural support.
Materials include concrete blocks, bricks, stone, and timber. Concrete blocks are prevalent in Kenyan public schools due to their cost-effectiveness and durability.
Techniques vary from load-bearing walls to cavity walls that improve insulation. Proper bonding and alignment are essential to prevent cracks and ensure stability.
Reinforced concrete lintels support openings such as doors and windows. Correct placement prevents structural failure and is a key consideration in design.
Preparing walls for finishes involves plastering and smoothing surfaces, which impacts the quality of subsequent decoration and durability.
Concrete works cover all activities involving concrete from mixing to curing, forming the backbone of structural elements.
This involves selecting proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and additives to achieve desired strength and durability. For example, a hotel lobby floor requires a high-strength mix to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Formwork shapes and supports fresh concrete until it hardens. Quality formwork ensures correct dimensions and surface finish.
Steel reinforcement bars are positioned within formwork to resist tensile forces. Accurate placement according to structural drawings is critical.
Proper curing maintains moisture in concrete to reach design strength. Quantity Surveyors monitor curing schedules to avoid early drying, which can cause cracks.
Roofing protects the building from weather and contributes to aesthetics and energy efficiency.
Common systems include pitched roofs with tiles or metal sheets, and flat reinforced concrete roofs. For example, a retail mall in Mombasa may use metal roofing for durability against coastal weather.
These include trusses, rafters, purlins, and battens that support roofing materials. Proper design ensures load distribution and resistance to wind uplift.
Applying waterproof membranes and insulation materials prevents leaks and improves energy efficiency, important in hospitals to maintain sterile environments.
Roof installation requires skilled labor and safety precautions to prevent accidents, especially on high-rise buildings in Nairobi’s CBD.
Finishing works complete the construction by enhancing aesthetics, functionality, and protection of surfaces.
These include plastering, painting, tiling, and ceiling installation. Quality finishes in university classrooms contribute to a conducive learning environment.
External finishes involve rendering, painting, and cladding that protect the structure from weather and improve appearance.
Flooring varies from ceramic tiles to polished concrete and timber, chosen based on usage and budget. For example, hospital corridors require durable, easy-to-clean surfaces.
Installation of doors, windows, cabinetry, and sanitary fittings completes the functional aspects of the building.
External works include landscaping, drainage, paving, and utility connections that integrate the building with its environment.
Landscaping enhances site aesthetics and controls erosion. A cooperative office complex uses landscaping to create pleasant outdoor spaces for staff.
Proper design and installation of surface and subsurface drains prevent waterlogging and structural damage.
Construction of access roads, parking areas, and footpaths ensures safe and convenient movement. County government offices require well-planned access for vehicles and pedestrians.
Connecting water, electricity, sewerage, and telecommunications is essential for building functionality and compliance with regulations.
Explain the key considerations a Quantity Surveyor should have when planning preliminary activities for a construction project in Kenya. (10 marks)
Describe the different types of excavation methods and their suitability for various Kenyan soil conditions. (12 marks)
Discuss the importance of proper curing in concrete works and its impact on the overall durability of a building. (8 marks)
Identify five types of roofing systems commonly used in Kenyan construction and explain one advantage of each. (10 marks)
Outline the essential components of external works and their significance in project completion. (10 marks)
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Create a free accountThis chapter focused on preparing a work program by first identifying project activities derived from the project scope, including preliminary tasks, site clearance, excavations, foundations, walling, concrete works, roofing, finishes, and external works. It emphasized the importance of accurate time estimation for each activity to ensure efficient scheduling. The allocation of resources was discussed in relation to the project scope to optimize the use of labor, materials, and equipment. The work breakdown sequential arrangement structure (WBS) was introduced as a tool to organize and sequence activities logically. Understanding start and finish times was covered, detailing earliest and latest start and finish times for effective scheduling. The chapter also explored critical activities determined by precedence relationships that influence the project timeline. Float times, including total float and free float, were explained as measures of scheduling flexibility. Finally, project duration was established based on calculated start and finish times, providing a comprehensive framework for managing construction projects.
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