SITE PREPARATION

Construction Engineering CE 375

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 SEQUENCE

• Site Selection

• Building Orientation

• Design Considerations

• Preliminary Site Investigations

• Setting Out

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SITE SELECTION

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 Site Integration, Landscaping and
Hardscaping, Historical and
Cultural Context
I. Introduction
SITE SELECTION
Solar Orientation, Shading and
Landscaping, Wind Patterns

• The process of selecting the right site of a building is a critical step in the construction
and design of any structure

• The site selection can significantly impact the building's ENERGY EFFICIENCY,
AESTHETICS, and FUNCTIONALITY

• In this section, we will explore the objectives / key requirements involved in building site
selection Accessibility, Space Planning,
Utilities and Services, Zoning and
Land Use, Future Expansion
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 SITE SELECTION
What can the
II. Objectives/ Key Requirements (SZ-FETS-FEMS) appropriate requirement
for housing
A. Suitability for Purpose:
• Ensure that the selected site is suitable for the intended purpose of the project. For
example, if it's a residential development, the site should be APPROPRIATE for
housing
B. Zoning and Regulations
• Understand local ZONING LAWS, BUILDING CODES, AND REGULATIONS that
dictate land use and construction requirements
• Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure the
What is in building
safety of the building What is in Zoning Laws? What are regulations?
codes?
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 SITE SELECTION
C. Site Accessibility
• Consider the accessibility of the site in terms of TRANSPORTATION, UTILITIES, AND
EMERGENCY SERVICES
• A well-connected site reduces logistical challenges during construction and improves
convenience for occupants
What emergency
services are required for
D. Topography and Geology building?

• Assess the TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY of the site to identify potential challenges and
opportunities

• STEEP SLOPES, FLOOD-PRONE AREAS, OR UNSTABLE SOIL can impact construction

feasibility and costs
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 SITE SELECTION
E. Environmental Impact

• Evaluate the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT of the construction on the site, including potential
disruption to local ecosystems

• Sustainable building practices and minimizing environmental impact are increasingly

important
How construction impacts
F. Future Expansion the environment?

• Think about the POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE EXPANSION OR DEVELOPMENT on the site

• Adequate space and zoning allowances for expansion should be considered

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 SITE SELECTION
G. Economic Viability:
• Analyze the cost-effectiveness of the site for the project, including land acquisition,
construction costs, and ongoing operational expenses.
H. Market Demand:
• For businesses or commercial projects, assess the local market demand and competition to
determine if the site is conducive to success.
J. Safety and Security:
• Ensure that the site is in a safe location with a low risk of natural disasters, flooding, or
other hazards.
K. Feasibility Studies:
• Conduct feasibility studies to analyze the financial, technical, and operational viability of the
project on the selected site 8
BUILDING ORIENTATION

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 BUILDING ORIENTATION
North of the equator (90% of
I. OBJECTIVES/ KEY REQUIREMENTS (V-ZEPS-WSS)land) including North America,
A. Solar Orientation Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa

• Proper building orientation can maximize natural lighting and minimize energy
consumption.
• South-facing orientation in the Northern Hemisphere and north-facing in the Southern
Hemisphere is ideal for capturing sunlight and to improve indoor comfort and productivity
South of the equator (10% of Land) including
B. Wind Direction
South America, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica
▪ Understanding prevailing wind patterns is crucial for optimizing natural ventilation and
reducing heating and cooling costs.
▪ Proper orientation can minimize wind exposure in cold climates or maximize airflow in hot
climates by cross-ventilation to improve indoor air quality and reduce the reliance on
mechanical ventilation systems. 10
 BUILDING ORIENTATION

C. Views and Privacy

• Consider the surrounding landscape and views when determining building orientation.

• Provide occupants with pleasant outdoor views and a connection to the natural
environment while enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal.

D. Site Features

• Adapt the building's orientation to take advantage of site features like bodies of water,
hills, or existing vegetation.

• These features can enhance the building's aesthetics and functionality.

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 BUILDING ORIENTATION

E. Site Constraints:

• Identify any site constraints or limitations that may influence building orientation, such as
property boundaries, existing structures, or landscape features.

F. Zoning and Regulations:

• Ensure compliance with local zoning regulations and building codes that may impact the
building's orientation.

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 BUILDING ORIENTATION

G. Energy Modeling: Energy Efficiency/ Thermal Comfort

• Use energy modeling software to simulate the building's performance under different
orientation scenarios and select the most energy-efficient option.

• Maximize passive solar heating and cooling opportunities to reduce energy consumption
and lower utility costs.

• Enhance occupant comfort by minimizing exposure to extreme temperatures and

reducing the need for heating and cooling.

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 BUILDING ORIENTATION

H. Passive Design Features:

• Incorporate passive design features such as properly sized windows, shading devices,
and thermal mass to maximize energy efficiency.

• Support sustainable building practices by reducing the carbon footprint and

environmental impact of the building.

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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

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 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

I. Introduction

• Building design is a complex process that involves the integration of various factors to
create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable structures.

• Considerations during building design encompass a wide range of aspects, including

architectural, structural, environmental, and practical elements.

• Here are some key building design considerations:

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 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

II. Objectives / Key Requirements (PU-BSS-SAN-MIT-BBM-BC)

1. Purpose and Functionality:

• Understand the primary purpose of the building and its intended functions. Design should
align with these requirements, whether it's a residence, office, hospital, school, or
industrial facility.

2. User Needs and Experience:

• Consider the needs, preferences, and comfort of the building's occupants or users.
Design spaces that promote well-being, productivity, and safety.
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 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
4. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:
• Incorporate sustainable design principles to reduce environmental impact. Focus
on energy efficiency, renewable materials, and green building practices.
5. Building Codes and Regulations:
• Ensure compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations, and other legal
requirements. These codes often dictate minimum standards for safety and
accessibility.
6. Safety and Security:
• Implement safety features such as fire escapes, alarms, sprinkler systems, and
security measures to protect occupants and property. 18
 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
7. Structural Integrity:
• Design a structurally sound building that can withstand environmental forces,
including wind, earthquakes, and snow loads.
9. Aesthetics and Design Style:
• Develop an architectural style and aesthetic that aligns with the project's goals and
the surrounding environment.
10. Natural Light and Ventilation: -
• Maximize natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Provide adequate
ventilation to improve indoor air quality.
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 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
11. Interior Layout and Space Planning: -
• Efficiently organize interior spaces to accommodate the intended functions while
considering flow, flexibility, and user experience.
12. Material Selection: -
• Choose construction materials based on durability, cost-effectiveness, and
sustainability. Consider factors like insulation, finishes, and maintenance
requirements.
13. Technology Integration: -
• Incorporate smart building technologies, automation systems, and sustainable
energy solutions for improved efficiency and user comfort. 20
 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
15. Budget and Cost Control: -
• Design within budget constraints while considering long-term operational costs
and potential for cost savings through sustainable practices.
17. Building Systems: -
• Plan for efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), plumbing,
electrical, and communication systems that meet the building's needs.
18. Maintenance and Durability: -
• Design for ease of maintenance and select materials that resist wear and
degradation over time.
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 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
19. Building Resilience: -
• Consider resilience measures to enhance the building's ability to withstand
extreme events, such as climate change-related challenges or natural disasters.
20. Collaboration and Stakeholder Input: -
• Involve architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders in the design process
to ensure a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach.

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PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION

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 PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION
I. Objectives / Key Components of Preliminary Site Investigation:(SAGE-RSC-ISL-GURIPR)
A. Site Surveys / Data Collection:
• Gather information about the site's PHYSICAL, GEOLOGICAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL
characteristics.
• Acquire data needed for designing and planning the construction project.
B. Site Suitability:
• Determine whether the site is suitable for the intended purpose of the project, whether it's
residential, commercial, industrial, or infrastructure development.
C. Regulatory Compliance:
• Determine whether the project complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and
environmental regulations.
• Understand any legal restrictions or permits required. 24
 PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION
I. Objectives / Key Components of Preliminary Site Investigation:
D. Cost Estimation:
• Develop preliminary cost estimates based on site conditions and potential challenges.
• This helps in budgeting and securing project financing.
E. Risk Assessment:
• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the site.
• Evaluate the feasibility of the proposed project in light of these risks.
F. Resource Availability:
• Evaluate the availability of essential resources like water, electricity, gas, and
telecommunications infrastructure to support the project's needs. 25
 PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION
I. Objectives / Key Components of Preliminary Site Investigation:
G. Environmental Impact:
• Examine the potential environmental impact of the project on the site and its surroundings,
considering factors such as wetlands, protected species, or contamination risks.
H. Geological and Soil Conditions:
• Conduct a preliminary assessment of soil quality, composition, bearing capacity, and
geological stability to inform foundation design and construction methods.
J. Infrastructure and Utilities:
• Determine if existing infrastructure and utilities (sewer, water, electricity, gas) can adequately
support the project's requirements.
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 PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION
I. Objectives / Key Components of Preliminary Site Investigation:
K. Safety and Security:
• Evaluate the site's safety by considering factors like flood risks, seismic activity, and other
potential hazards that could affect construction and occupant safety.
L. Legal and Ownership Considerations:
• Verify property ownership, land titles, and any legal restrictions, easements, or
encumbrances related to the site.
M. Infrastructure Development:
• Assess the potential impact of future infrastructure developments, such as road expansions
or public transportation projects, on the site. 27
 PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION
I. Objectives / Key Components of Preliminary Site Investigation:
N. Geotechnical Investigation:
• Soil Testing: Analyze soil composition, bearing capacity, and suitability for foundations.
• Subsurface Exploration: Determine the depth of bedrock, water table, and potential soil
issues.
O. Utility Mapping:
• Locate and map existing underground utilities (water, sewer, gas, electricity).
• Prevent accidental damage during excavation and construction.
P. Access and Transportation:
• Assess the site's accessibility for construction equipment and materials.
• Consider transportation routes for workers and materials.

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 PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION
I. Objectives / Key Components of Preliminary Site Investigation:
Q. Preliminary Design:
• Develop initial design concepts based on site conditions and constraints.
• Create a design that maximizes the site's potential and addresses limitations.

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SETTING OUT

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 SETTING OUT
I. Introduction:

• Setting out is a crucial process in construction that involves transferring the design details
from architectural or engineering plans onto the actual construction site.

• Accurate setting out ensures that structures are built to the correct dimensions, alignments,
and locations, contributing to the success of the construction project.

• In this section, we will explore the methods, and key steps of setting out in construction.

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 SETTING OUT
II. Methods of Setting Out: (T-LDG)

A. Traditional Surveying:

• Total Stations: Precise optical and electronic instruments that measure angles and
distances.

• Theodolites: Instruments used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles.

• Chain or tape measures: Used for linear measurements.

B. GPS Technology:

• Global Positioning System (GPS) technology provides highly accurate location data.

• Often used for large-scale projects and outdoor construction.

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 SETTING OUT

II. Methods of Setting Out:

C. Laser Levels:

• Laser levels project a visible beam of light to establish a level reference line or point.

• Useful for establishing level surfaces and vertical alignments.

D. Digital Tools:

• Digital mapping software and Building Information Modeling (BIM) can assist in setting out
by overlaying digital designs onto the physical site.

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 SETTING OUT
III. Key Steps: (ET-QDM)

A. Establishing Control Points:

• Create reference points, benchmarks, and control lines on the site to provide accurate
measurements for construction.

• Use GPS, total stations, or other surveying equipment for precision.

B. Transferring Design Dimensions:

• Transfer design dimensions, including building footprints, column locations, and key
infrastructure points, onto the ground using markers or stakes.

• Ensure that these measurements align with the project's design drawings.
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 SETTING OUT
C. Quality Control:
• Regularly monitor and verify that the construction work matches the design and
alignment specified in the setting out process.
• Address any discrepancies promptly to maintain project accuracy.
D. Documentation:
• Maintain detailed records of setting out measurements, including photographs and
notes.
• These records serve as evidence of compliance and facilitate quality control.
E. Monitoring and Adjustments:
• Continuously monitor and adjust the setting out as construction progresses,
accommodating changes or unforeseen challenges that may arise.
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 CONCLUSION

• Site selection, Building orientation, Design considerations, Preliminary site investigation and
setting out are indispensable phases in the construction process.

• A thorough site investigation ensures that construction plans are tailored to site conditions
and environmental considerations.

• Setting out guarantees that these plans are executed accurately on the ground, laying the
foundation for a successful construction project.

• These critical steps require coordination between engineers, surveyors, and construction
teams to ensure efficiency, safety, and adherence to design specifications.
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THANK YOU

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