site layout planning

site layout planning starts during the “pre-construction period,” which follows tender acceptance but precedes construction. Periodic reviews and adjustments to the layout are necessary to accommodate evolving site needs, ultimately enhancing progress and profitability.To facilitate construction activities, it is essential for the builder to effectively manage workers, materials, and equipment. This involves ensuring that workers have access to the right machinery in optimal positions, materials are stored conveniently without hindering site operations, and there is adequate space for storage and accommodation.

By analyzing project drawings, bills of quantities, and specifications—preferably at the pre-tender stage—builders can estimate the project’s scope, the necessary equipment, and potential cost-saving measures. Off-site prefabrication, efficient material handling, and specialized equipment can be considered to optimize costs and labor.

Site Investigation

A site investigation, ideally conducted by the site agent, should address key aspects such as:

1. Utilities: Availability and cost of water and power, potential service diversions, and associated timelines and costs.
2. Site Conditions: Soil type, water table level, flooding risks, and proximity to tidal waters or neighboring properties.
3. Labor: Travel distances, local labor availability, wage rates, and proximity to lodging and catering services.

A well-organized site layout offers several advantages:

1. Creates an impression of professionalism and efficiency for both workers and the public.
2. Reduces waste and unnecessary movement of resources.
3. Enhances security for materials, tools, and equipment through effective arrangements of storage and lighting.

Key considerations include:

• Site Activities: Balance simultaneous processes to optimize staff, work areas, and material storage.
• Efficiency: Minimize double handling of materials, reduce walking distances, and secure unfixed materials to prevent loss or damage.
• Movement: Ensure smooth delivery of materials and provide temporary or permanent access roads for heavy vehicles.
• Control: Establish a central hub for supervising men, materials, and activities.

Accommodation and Amenities

Construction (Health and Welfare) Regulations mandate minimum accommodation requirements for workers. Proper planning should ensure:

• Administrative Offices: Durable, weatherproof, and adequately equipped for meetings and communication.
• Worker Amenities: Weather-protected shelters, meal provisions, sanitation facilities, and medical rooms. Proximity to administrative offices helps manage breaks effectively.

Methods for Site Layout

Effective site layouts can be achieved through:

1. Using transparent sheets over site plans to trial various arrangements.
2. Employing scaled cut-outs to experiment with different layouts.

Additional Considerations

1. Access to Site: Provide drainage to prevent water pooling and secure permissions for temporary or permanent access roads.
2. Car Parking: Secure parking near site offices to facilitate supervision and material checks.
3. Site Signboard: Use for advertising and navigation, clearly displaying project details such as client, contractor, and consultants.
4. Storage Areas: Secure materials based on their physical properties, weather protection needs, and potential for theft.
5. Adjoining Properties: Maintain good relations with neighbors, document property conditions, and monitor for potential damage.
6. Site Security: Employ fencing, night patrols, and controlled access points to deter theft and vandalism.

Fencing and Hoardings

• Fencing: Defines site boundaries, deters trespassers, and safeguards public safety.
• Hoardings: Protect the public from construction dust and debris, with permissions obtained as per local regulations.

1 (a) (i) Define the term site layout
(ii) Outline SIX objectives of a good construction site layout.
(7mks)
(b) List FIVE site amenities and state the purpose of each. (5mks)

2 (a) Outline SEVEN rules governing site layout. (7mks)
(b) Outline FOUR factors to be considered in the site layout planning. (8mks)
(c) Sketch a site layout plan of a medium size construction site and show the major
details. (12mks)
3 (a) (i) Give TWO uses of a site identification board on a construction site. (2mks)
(ii) List EIGHT items that would appear on a signboard for a proposed
construction site. (4mks)
(b) Enumerate SIX welfare items that can be provided for workers on a construction
site. (6mks)
(c) State THREE results of improved working conditions on a site. (3mks)
(d) Outline SIX factors on how to achieve maximum efficiency on a well-planned
site. (9mks)

(i) Theft
(ii) Pilfering
(iii) Vandalism
(3mks)
(b) List FIVE security measures to be put in place for the protection of a construction
site. (5mks)
(c) (i) Give TWO purposes of fencing a site.
(ii) State FOUR factors which influence the choice of a fence for a site.
(6mks)
(d) (i) State the purpose of hoarding
(ii) Explain the TWO types of hoardings
(iii) Outline FIVE by-laws that govern the erection of hoardings on construction
sites. (10mks)
5 (a) To achieve maximum efficiency on a construction site, site layout planning must
aim at maintaining desired output of planned activities throughout the working
day.
State FIVE site planning measures that may be taken to achieve this. (5mks)
(b) Outline the provisions that should be complied with when providing
accommodation for watchmen on site as stipulated in the Building Code. (6mks)
(c) Briefly explain factors to be considered when siting the following:
(i) Access roads
(ii) Storage areas
(iii) Site name board
(iv) Car park
(8mks)