Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The standard also emphasises the need for a detailed investigation of the
concrete prior to specification and the use of corrosion control techniques
such as cathodic protection where needed to address durability issues.
12.5 Conditions of contract
The concrete repair industry covers a wide spectrum of market sectors
which includes highways, marine, power, utilities, housing, commercial and
industrial. Each sector has its preferred conditions of contract so there is no
standard for the concrete repair industry.
However, the main ones used in the UK are the JCT, ICE and NEC
conditions although some clients will have their own bespoke conditions.
It is important that the correct version of the chosen suite of contracts
is used to ensure that it is appropriate for the size and type of works being
undertaken. Some contracts will include full or partial design responsibility,
and it is important to establish who is undertaking and who is responsible for
the design before selecting the contract to be used.
Contracts can be let in several different ways, i.e. lump sum, traditional
Bills of Quantities, activity schedules, target cost, cost reimbursable etc,
and the client needs to consider at an early stage which is the most suitable
contract to use.
It is also desirable to keep to the wording of standard contracts as written so
that the emphasis and original intention of the contract is not compromised.
It is not unusual to receive a contract that has an amendment document
(usually written by lawyers) that is thicker than the original contract, and
where the original emphasis and responsibilities of the contract are altered
and heavily biased in favour of the Client. These amendments are often
not cross-referenced properly and result in contradictions and conflicting
clauses.
The standard contracts have generally been drafted so as to clearly lay
out the responsibilities of each party and these should remain as written. It
is particularly prevalent in Design and Build contracts that the Client will try
and pass their responsibilities on to the Contractor!
12.6 Contractor selection
It is extremely important to ensure correct selection of contractors to tender
the work. Depending on the client procurement procedures there may be a
need to advertise the contract and issue pre-qualification questionnaires to
respondents to select a list of suitable contractors.
There is a long list of qualities which can be used to assess the suitability
of contractors:
• Financial
•
Experience of similar work
