How to create a good site plan and layout

SITE PLANNING AND SITE LAYOUT

 

Introduction

In order for the construction activity to take place, the contract requires the contractor to furnish construction resources in terms on human resources, materials, machines, information and money. All these have to be carefully controlled.



The main reason for site layout planning is to have the right tools and machines in the most advantageous positions; the materials stored so that they are readily available and that they should not interfere with the general site circulation, and adequate storage and site accommodation.



While it is inappropriate to specify any one approach to site layout, as this would vary according to many site factors, the construction methods adopted and the programme to be followed, some main factors for consultation include:

• Size of site, proposed construction and site space

• Volume of building, or structure, relative to site area

• Amount of work above and below ground level

• Location

• General site topography and environment

• Levelness of the site

• Access and egress/outlet abilities

• Materials and plant to be used

• Contract period and note of progress needed.



Each site management must consider as a separate problem in terms of allocation space for man, materials, and plant. Any planned site layout should be reviewed from time to time and adjusted to suit the changing needs of the changing site activities.



A study of the project drawings together with the BOQ and specifications will enable the contractor’s team at site to make preliminary assessment of the size and complexity of the contract, the plant required and the amount of money.





Planning the Site Layout

Before work starts on site, it is most important that the site layout is planned so that items such as hutments, stationery plant/ equipment/latrines and materials are placed in the most strategic and convenient positions.



These items should be kept clear of the space where the building is to be erected, where that is possible. The items should also be erected in such positions that it will not necessitate their removal and re-erection in other position at site later. Note that extra costs are incurred on a site every time hutments are moved without any corresponding payment as compensation.

Thus, if a contract is to be carried out in an efficient and effective manner, an essential element of this goal is the planning of the site layout.



Good Site Layout

Good site layout is important to improved productivity. The construction site should be arranged in such a way as to make it function as efficiently as possible. With bad layout, time and materials are wasted through double handling. One of the reasons for slow progress and high cost of construction projects is the lack of planning and poor site layout.



The layout of the site will depend on two main factors, namely; the methods and sequence of operations to be employed in carrying out the work; and the space available. Generally, the site will have to accommodate a variety of temporary buildings, materials and supplies, plant and equipment at different times. Particular care should be taken to avoid items blocking access and interfering with the activities at the various stages of a project. It is essential to list all the items and storage areas that will be needed on site, and to locate their composition on the site plan.



Good site layout is most important when the product or materials being used are heavy or big as in woodworking, reinforcing steel assembly, or concrete pre-casting. Without a precise site layout plan, neither the site manager nor other site staff will have clear indication of where stores and offices, items of plant, work areas, and stacks of materials should be located. Then the following may happen:

a) Materials stores wrongly located;

b) Fixed plant and equipment wrongly located;

c) Not enough space allowed for stacking and preparation; and

d) Temporary buildings wrongly located

In order to avoid such problems, it is necessary to prepare a detailed site plan on which every item of accommodation and equipment, as well as work areas and material storage areas are located Table 2 lists some important considerations that one should take into account when deciding on the site layout.