PROBLEM ON SITE CONSTRUCTION 1. Delay in Construction Industry
In the case study of our researches, we found out that the most common and frequent problem in large construction projects is the delay in project delivery or completion. Construction delay refers to the time overrun in completion or delivery of project beyond the data on which parties agreed or project completion data specified. Whether the large construction projects are simple or complex, co mplex, in Malaysia we mostly see the construction delays. It is difficult to analyze the delays, because there are many activities in the construction project. Moreover, many noteworthy causes of delays such as: weather conditions, shortages of resources, shortage of materials and equipment, financial difficulties faced by clients and contractors, poor contract management and much more. Table 1. Causes of delay in construction industry Main Causes of Delay in Construction Industry According to Mohd Azlan bin No
Athman, Project Manager of Kesumas Sdn Bhd
According to our knowledge about the Kesumas Project
1
Poor supervision and management
Finance and payments
2
Unpredictable site conditions
Poor handling of contract
3
Slow decisions
Shortages of materials and equipment
4
Variations by client
Inaccurate estimations
5
Variations of work
Fluctuations in prices
According to Mohd Azlan bin Athman, Project Manager of Kesumas Sdn Bhd, the most important causes of delay in construction industry are poor supervision and management, unpredictable site conditions, slow decisions, variations by client, and variations of work.
Solution of the problem about Delay in Construction Industry
The following points can be applied by all parties in order to minimize and control delays in construction projects: Owner: should give special attention to the following factors:
Pay progress payment to the contractor on time because it impairs the contractor ability to finance the work.
Minimize change orders during construction to avoid delays.
Avoid delay in reviewing and approving of design documents than the anticipated.
Check for resources and capabilities, before awarding the contract to the lowest bidder.
Contractors: should consider the following factors:
Shortage and low productivity of labor: enough number of labors should be assigned and be motivated to improve productivity.
Financial and cash flow problems: contractor should manage his financial resources and plan cash flow by utilizing progress payment.
Planning and scheduling: they are continuing processes during construction and match with the resources and time to develop the work to avoid cost overrun and disputes.
Site management and supervision: administrative and technical staff should be assigned as soon as project is awarded to make arrangements to achieve completion within specified time with the required quality, and estimated cost.
Consultants: should look to the following points:
Reviewing and approving design documents: any delay caused by the consultant engineer in checking, reviewing and approving the design submittals prior to construction phase, could delay the progress of the work;
Inflexibility:
Consultants
should
be
flexible
in
evaluating
contractor
Compromising between the cost and high quality should be considered.
works.
Finally, Architect engineer should focus on the following issues:
Producing design documents on time: A/E should set a schedule to complete design documents on time, other-wise result in a dela y of work completion.
Mistakes and discrepancies in design documents: They are common reasons for redoing designs and drawings and may take a long time to make necessary corrections.
2. Water table typically rises at the site construction
The water table typically rises at the site construction on Prima, Klebang2 project due to the location of site near to the sea. Just as the level in the rivers, ponds and lakes rise, the ground water table rises. As more and more water filters down into the ground, the level of the ground water table rises. Moreover area land of Klebang2 was dumped by the state government of Melaka for housing purpose. High water tables are not a big issue until the dig a hole for a foundation or a trench for utilities. When the works dig down near the level of the table, water will fill the bottom of new excavation. This creates two big problems relating to safety and quality. First, when water enters an excavation it has a tendency to destabilize the sides of the hole and cause cave-ins. Not only does this create more work for the company digging the hole, but it also creates a dangerous condition for any workers down inside. There are typically no workers in the house foundation excavation while digging, but they will eventually arrive to install footing and foundation forms. Cave-ins can also cause damage to occur to form work and drainage systems. If the hole caves in while the foundation is in process, the dirt can crush forms, tools, and pipe. As a mentioned above, each time a cave-in occurs, the dirt will need to be removed to resume work. This can get costly when a backhoe and operator cost. The other problem with water entering your foundation excavation relates to quality. If the excavation is forming up the footings sure the area must be as dry as possible. The issue with water under the footing forms for foundation involves the possible contamination of the concrete
mixture. Water and dirt create mud. If the mud gets mixed in with the concrete as it is placed, it can lead to the weakening of the footings. The other problem with water under the footing forms involves the possibility of settlement after the hole dries out. Some soil types expand when mixed with water. If your footings are poured on top of the expanded wet material, your footings may settle when the water goes away. This can lead to future foundation problems.
