An effective EPC project doesn’t just start at the point of construction. Rather, the start comes way before that, at the point of understanding the site itself.
Several instances of delays, budget blowouts, and revisions to designs can be attributed to one single forgotten part in the EPC project cycle, which is the pre-construction site risk assessment phase.
Innovel believes that all successful projects require proper planning. Prior to preparing the drawings or starting on the execution of the design, the site must first be analysed.
Why Site Assessments Matter
Every project site is unique.
The construction of an industrial building might need attention to the soil and the drainage systems. The renovation of an old office might involve the discovery of changes done in the electricity system. An old commercial building undergoing renovation might have some structural constraints which were not included in the original drawings.
These factors impact project planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
At Innovel, we appreciate the value of conducting a site assessment before embarking on any project.
Structural Assessment Comes First
Structural assessment of the existing building is the very first thing to happen during the pre-construction site risk assessment.
In cases of brownfield development, this involves looking at walls, floors, ceilings, columns, and any other structural element in order to determine their capability to withstand the new project.
Even in greenfield sites, site conditions affect the foundation construction process.
Early recognition of these conditions minimises the chances of having to redesign the structure during the construction process.
Existing Utilities Need Careful Review
Commercial projects may include working with the current building services such as electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fire safety, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Sometimes, improper utility mapping results in damage during construction.
However, at Innovel, we carry out an inspection of the existing building services prior to implementation. This enables our engineering team to incorporate the infrastructure without interfering with the critical processes.
Site Access Can Affect Project Timelines
Planning in construction cannot be limited solely to the field of engineering.
The logistics of delivery of materials, movement of machinery, storage facilities, access by cranes, restricted parking space, and timing of operations all affect the process.
In busy commercial locations, such logistics play an equally important role as that of technical drawings.
As at Innovel, we consider the logistics aspect during our site analysis.
Safety Risks Should Never Be Assumed
Every construction site comes with its own safety risks.
Construction work close to operational offices, factories, or public places needs due consideration even before the commencement of the construction activity.
Any possible risks, access routes for emergencies, and temporary barriers, as well as workers’ safety, should all be considered in the assessment phase.
At Innovel, safety planning is always an integral component of our projects.
Design Decisions Improve with Better Site Information
A proper site evaluation also enhances the quality of design.
In whatever capacity, whether dealing with infrastructure development or corporate interior design, accurate information about the site helps engineers and designers create designs that complement the conditions at hand.
This will ensure that there is minimal need for changes during implementation and better integration of the efforts of architects, engineers, and constructors.
This ties in our previous discussion on turnkey office design projects and greenfield/brownfield developments.
Why Turnkey Projects Benefit the Most
Where there are several contractors involved, critical information at the site is not always shared adequately.
However, a turnkey approach helps to mitigate this problem through the use of one team for planning, design, engineering, procurement and construction of the project.
At Innovel, our turnkey construction services begin by conducting a site analysis prior to coming up with the plans for the project.
This helps to enhance coordination in the project while controlling costs and quality.
Looking Ahead
No two project sites are alike. Each project site comes with its own challenges, technically, logistically, and operationally.
Innovel believes that conducting a comprehensive pre-construction site risk assessment is one of the most important things a client can invest in prior to construction activities. This assessment will lay down a good foundation for engineering decisions and eliminate uncertainties in project management.
Good EPC project management is not done by making quick decisions; it is done after proper preparation long before equipment arrives at the project site.
FAQs
- What is a pre-construction site risk assessment?
A comprehensive assessment of a project site in order to identify structural, safety, environmental, and operational risks prior to construction commencement.
- Why is a site risk assessment important?
Site risk assessment is very important because it minimises project delays, additional expenses, and safety concerns.
- Who conducts a pre-construction site assessment?
It is usually performed by experienced engineers, project managers, architects, and technicians before the project implementation.
- What is included in a site assessment?
The assessment usually includes a structural assessment, utility assessment, site access, safety assessment, environmental assessment, and construction assessment.
- Why is a site assessment useful for a turnkey contractor?
A comprehensive site assessment enables the contractor to design, procure and execute the project efficiently.
