COURSE CODE: BLD 802

TOPIC: Fundamentals of Site Management

LECTURE NOTE: WEEK 1
LECTURER: DR. O.J. OLADIRAN
1.0. Fundamentals of Site Management

1.1. Site management entails the translation of abstract plans and

documents to physical structure on sites. It involves processes via which
planned building first takes on form as a shell, and then is progressively
turned into something that previously only existed on paper or as a model,
is often laborious but always instructive with the goal to meet project
objectives. The three most important project objective are costs, schedules
and quality. During the building process, the site manager therefore has to
control factors and constraints that influence costs, schedules and quality
such that deviations remain within agreed limits, can be offset as the project
progresses or can be agreed with the client. Site management takes place at
the implementation phase of a project, which is usually preceded by the
planning and tendering phases; though the phases could overlap depending
on the project structure. Site management is team led or coordinated by a
site manager.

The site manager is contractually responsible for monitoring the

construction process, for checking that the wishes of the client are being
professionally and properly implemented (i.e. according to the agreed plans)
by the various contractors.

The site manager also has to ensure that the statutory provisions set down
by building authorities are adhered to.

The site manager is responsible for ensuring safety standards are

maintained in the construction process, and that the site does not pose any
threat to the safety of those working on the project or anyone else.
1.2. Contract Documents

1.2.1. Conditions of contracts - Standard conditions are generally agreed

within the industry. They are best applied as intended but some clients do
tend to vary them. Variations should not be applied without considerable
thought.

1.2.2. Specifications - This sets out the standards that must be worked to.
The requirements of the client in respect of all aspects of the work are
defined. It encompasses the dos and don’ts of the project.

1.2.3. Drawings - A full set of drawings is required to enable the price of the
work to be assessed and to enable the works to be carried out.

1.2.4. Bill of Quantities - A list of the amounts of work to be carried out is

required. Where a Bill of Quantities is not provided, as in works where the
contractor is responsible for the design, then a Bill of Quantities needs to be
provided by the contractor to enable estimating to proceed.

1.2.5. Site investigation reports - the results of any trials or investigations

are made available to help tenderers prepare their bids for the work.

1.2.6. Pre-tender health and safety plan – the contents vary from job to job
but could include: •Nature of the project (location, type of work, client,
programme). • Existing environment (surrounding land use, ground
conditions, services, any factor which may affect health and safety). •
Existing drawings (and past information) of adjacent properties, services and
such items. • The design (information on significant risks which remain). •
Construction materials (health hazards arising from them). • Site-wide
elements (access and egress, traffic/people routes, lay-down areas, welfare
areas). • Overlaps with client's work (risks which may arise when premises
where work is carried out are occupied by the client). • Site rules (emergency
procedures, permits to work, rules laid down by client). • Continuing liaison
(procedures for considering health and safety of the various design
packages, how to deal with unforeseen occurrences during the project).
1.3. Project constraints
All construction projects have constraints that influence the achievement
of the project objectives. These c o n s t r a i n t s should t h e r e f o r e , b e
considered when c h o o s i n g a n appropriate contract strategy.
There are a variety of constraints and these are examples:
• Availability of funds.
• Availability of contractual incentives.
• Method of tendering.
• Project location.
• Target dates of the project.
• Possibility of design changes.
• Availability of resources.
• Seasonal working.
• Number of contractors willing or able to tender.
•Inflation.
•Government policies