Construction Site Preparation: All The Steps To Follow
Benjamin Hardy, PhD, Jim Roberts, Joe Pulizzi
Any construction project begins with site preparation. Site preparation involves a number of steps. It begins with site evaluation and may end with excavation. At the end of the preparation, we obtain a free space for the project. Generally, site preparation allows the stakeholders to identify and address site complications before construction begins. However, site preparation process depends on the type of project and may involve the intervention of a number of professionals.
Importance of site preparation
The manner in which the site is prepared will have a great impact during the construction phase and usage of the structure. Proper and professional preparation of a construction site has the following benefits;
- Easy access. Site preparation involves choosing the right location for your project. Also, it entails creating accessibility..
- Risk reduction. Site evaluates possible risk and tackles them. Thus, providing a safe working environment for both the teams and the structure. Professional site preparation greatly reduces the risk of project failure.
- Durability and quality. Site preparation ensures that the ground is ready and strong enough to bear the weight of the structure. Information from the site will help the project Engineer choose the best type of foundation for the structure. And this has a direct impact on the durability and quality of the project.
- Respect of building regulations. Site preparation involves the intervention of professionals. That is, architects, civil engineers, surveyors.These professionals are more informed about local building regulations. Thus, they will ensure that the project respects regulations in force.
Site preparation steps.
Construction site preparation may vary slightly with different projects. But in general, these are the essential steps to follow during the preparation of a construction site.
Site survey
The first thing to do during site preparation is to carry out a site survey. Site survey involves the evaluation of the site. This evaluation helps to furnish information and data that will help to design the project. The site survey can be done using different techniques depending on the type of project and the information needed.
Take a building construction project, for example. A surveyor examines the size, slope and orientation of the land. If those conditions are good for the project, the surveyor proceeds to map out the boundaries of the land. In the case of existing structures, the surveyor will mark their positions on the plan. Also, the surveyor may produce the topographic plan of the site. This will help the project manager to know exactly where to position the building.
Site clearing.
Depending on the nature of the site, site cleaning may involve:
- Cutting grass and felling trees;
- Demolition of old structure;
- Removal of underground infrastructure;
- Removal of rubble and top soil removal.
Site clearing provides a banc area, free of obstacle and ready for the project.
Soil testing.
After clearing the site, the next activity that follows is soil testing. The purpose of soil testing is to gather information that will help design the foundation of the structure. Geotechnical Engineers specialize in soil matters and their services will come in at this stage. The Geotechnical Engineer may conduct the following soil test:
- Specific Gravity Test.
- Moisture Content Test
- Proctor’s Compaction Test
- Dry Density Test.
- Atterberg Limits Test.
With respect to the results, the Geotechnical Engineers will propose the type of foundation suitable for the project.
Site plan.
After soil testing, the project architect proceeds to produce a site plan for the project. The architect uses both the site survey results and the soil test results the determine the position of the structure. In other words, the architect produces an implantation plan. The implantation plan indicates the position of the building and that of accompanying structures. Accompanying structures include
- septic tanks;
- soak away pits;
- borehole;
- temporal storage structure;
- water reservoir;
- fencing;
- drive ways;
- parking and more.
Excavation.
Not all project areas need excavation. But, if your site is steep in slope, you may need a bulldozer to level it or excavate according to the project needs. Cut and fill and split leveling are two common excavation methods that the project Engineer can use. Excavation may also be done to remove vegetation and top soil. In this case, the soil may be transported to another area.
There are various types of machinery that are used depending on the type of excavation. Apart from bulldozers, we also have machinery like shovels, trenchers, backhoe loader, boulders, and scooper.
Compaction
Soil compaction reduces settlement, increases soil shear strength and bearing capacity. Compaction is necessary in load bearing areas of the land especially where there has been dumping of soil.
Compacting machines like the sheep foo roller, elephant foot roller, smooth wheel rollers and whobble wheel rollers are used depending on the area.
How long does site preparation take?
Many factors influence site preparation and therefore, time can vary considerably.
These factors include:
obstacles: more obstacles like trees and old buildings will need more clearing time
soil condition: some soils are considered not good enough to support the structure and may have to be stabilized or completely replaced. This process will need more time than the case where the soil is good.
Excavation: Generally, excavation using machinery is fast and last for few days, but can vary slightly depending on the size of the land and depth of excavation
Site preparation for small projects like residential buildings can take from few weeks to two months. While for larger projects, it can take several month and even up to a year.
Who does site preparation?
There are a number of professionals that intervene in site preparation, each with specific tasks. The number of professionals that intervene during site depends on the issues that need to be tackles. Generally, the following professionals intervene.
Surveyors;
Architects;
Civil Engineers;
Drivers of excavation machines;
Environmentalist;
Project manager.
Conclusion
We have seen the importance of construction site preparation and the steps involved in doing a professional site preparation for your project. Having your site prepared will go a greatly reduce risk and ensure the stability and quality of your project. So, consider implementing the above steps in preparing the site for your next project. If you like this article and you want to get related stuff, visit yoconstruct
