Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to realize that the number of workers changes almost daily, and their required space
differs as well (a welder or a carpenter cutting wood, for example, may need more
space than an average worker). The general contractor “owns” the site, so he or she
must make sure that at all times the following occur:
•
Thesiteissafeforallworkers.
•
Every worker has sufficient and efficient work space.
•
Logistics are not impeded.
•
Storage is located appropriately for the best work and cost efficiency.
•
Overall, the objectives of work space management are safety, work efficiency,
and optimum cost. Compatibility with local laws and regulations is a given.
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
Materials management
is defined as an integrated process for planning and control-
ling all necessary efforts to make certain that the quality and quantity of materials and
equipment are appropriately specified in a timely manner, are obtained at a reasonable
cost, and are available when needed. (Construction Industry Institute Best Practices,
Definitions, 2014).
3
A materials management system includes the major functions
of identifying (project planning and material takeoff), acquiring (vendor inquiry and
evaluation, purchasing, expediting, and transportation), distributing (field material
control and warehousing), and disposing of materials needed for a construction project
(Construction Industry Institute, 1986b, 1988b). Four important objectives of mate-
rials management are as follows (Construction Industry Institute, 1988b):
1.
Ensure that materials meet the specifications and are on hand when and where
they are required.
2.
Obtain the best value for purchased materials.
3.
Provide efficient, low-cost transport, security, and storage of materials at con-
struction sites.
4.
Reduce any surplus to the lowest level possible.
Materials management is an important component of the project schedule. This
function starts early with the planning phase of the project. When developing the mate-
rials plan, the general contractor must consider various factors, such as project size,
scope, and location; cash-flow requirements; schedule and lead times of critical pur-
chases; the owner's philosophy; owner approvals; the number of project participants;
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