09/2018

The flats construction project at Rietfontein is

carried by BBK building contractors as the
main contractor of the project.

Veronica Mulaudzi
Student number: 56972962

FLATS (RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT)
CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT
Work integrated learning (PEC2601)
Table of contents
Topic………………………………………….page number
Synopsis…………………………………………………..2
Keywords………………………………………………….3
Planning stage of the project
 Initial information gathering……………………..4-9
 The people and the environmental factors……9-10
 Preliminary design of a civil engineering
Project………………………………………………..10-11
 Preliminary costing……………………………….11
Construction stage of the project
 Site establishment…………………………………12-13
 Drawings and plan analysis……………………...14-16
 Contract documentation…………………………..16-21
 On-site quality control……………………………..21-25
 Variation orders……………………………………..25-28
 Material testing………………………………………28-35
 Contract management……………………………...35-39
 Project risk and precautions………………….......39-41
 Conclusion……………………………………………41-42
 References and declaration………………………..42-43

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Synopsis
Every Civil Engineering project start with a careful planning as
the projects involves the public at large. The construction of a
project has several stages of completion prior to the actual
finishing point. A project undergoes specified stages to be
achieved fully. During my work integrated learning experience
at Rietfontein, I learned the importance and items involved
during the planning stage and construction stage of the
construction of flats project.
The planning stage of the project involves the gathering of the
initial information, people and environmental factors,
preliminary costing and preliminary design of a civil engineering
project. The planning stage, of which is the second phase of in
the project life cycle, it involves creating of a set of plans to help
guide the team involved through the execution and closure
phases of the project. The plans created during this stage help
in managing time, cost, quality, change, risk and other
unforeseen matters. It helps to manage staff and external
suppliers, to ensure the deliverance of project on time and
within available budget. The project manager make an
educated guess of the staff, resources and equipment needed
to complete the project. The planning stage involves further
development of the project in detail to meet the project’s
objectives.
The construction stage of the project involves site
establishment, ability to read drawings, comprehension of
contract documentation, on-site quality control, variation orders,
material testing and contract management. Construction stage
of the project is also known as fieldwork stage, it is actual
construction of the project. Before construction can commence,
the appropriate municipal must issue a building permit and also
certain building standards and codes should be adhered to.

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Key words and definition
Breach – an infraction or violation, as of a law.
Statutory- prescribed or authorised by statute.
Batching- the quantity of materials prepared or required for one
operation
Porous- permeable by water.

Mentor: Victor (site foremen)

On site mentor
assisting with how to check if the raft foundation blocks are on the same level.

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 Planning stage of flats construction project

a. Initial information gathering

During this stage, the geological information, cadastral information
and information on existing services is gathered. The purpose of
the information gathering is to evaluate the feasibility on the site
chosen for the construction of the new residential development.
Good information gathering prior to construction is of greatest
single money saving action in the planning and construction of
structures (Flats). Existing maps and aerial photos are the primary
tools used for the gathering of information. The information
gathering begins with a paper study of the area where the selected
site is situated. Existing building plans, site plans, geotechnical
information, etc. may be available from OGS D&C or from the
Client facility. The Consultant/Designer shall gather and review
existing drawings, reports and documentation that pertain to the
project area. A list of document deficiencies, if any, in the existing
drawings and data is provided. Although information of site can be
obtained from existing maps, it is necessary to go on a field
reconnaissance to gain information regarding unusual topographic
features, existing buildings around the site and information on
subsurface conditions, the existence of buried services such as
pipelines, electricity cables, all this may need to be relocated or
protected and must be identified and marked on the maps or
plans.

Subsoil
testing for geotechnical report.

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 The geological information is gathered by carrying out a geological
survey. Since the new development for residents (flats) is built on
the surface of the ground from the natural material which occur in
the vicinity, some of which may be processed, it is essential that a
thorough investigation be made of the nature of the in-situ
materials along the selected site in order to determine their
suitability for building purposes. Existing geological information of
the selected site may be obtained from geological reports and
geological maps. The site is visited in order to gather more
information on existing services and also to review project scope
and existing conditions within the project team, client
representatives and division of construction staff.
For BBK building contractors for the construction of flats, a ground
investigation was carried out during July 2018. The investigation
was to establish ground conditions for the construction of a new
residential development in line with the requirements of the
NHBRC. The area investigated is located in the Northern part of
Pretoria, it is rectangular in shape and covers a surface area of
some 1250𝑚2 . The study area is bounded by 19th avenue to the
east and by adjacent residential properties on the remaining sides.
The site had been cleared of all vegetation and structures at the
time of the investigation and the ground surface slopes towards
the north at a gradient of less than 3%.
Three open test pits, excavated by cat 422F backactor operations
supplied by V&S plant hire, were entered and inspected by the
undersigned and profiled in terms of the methods advocated by
Jennings et al (1973). Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples
were taken during the investigation and submitted to SNALAB’s
commercial soils laboratory for soil testing purposes. The detailed
soil profile descriptions, the results of the laboratory soil tests and
a site plan, drawing number M18/4742 showing the location of the
exploratory works, are attached on the end of the report.
The 1:250 000 scale Geological Map 2528 Pretoria and a google
aerial photographs were consulted. A site plan, prepared to a scale
of 1:125 by Servilinx design showing the layout of the proposed
development and existing streets was supplied. The investigation
was carried out in terms of verbal instructions received from Mr
Johan Bouwer of BBK building contractors during May 2018.

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 Site soils and Geology
- The site for the new OB investments residential development is
covered by colluvial sandy soils that are underlain by residual
soils and weathered diabase bedrock belonging to a post
Transvaal intrusion. No rock outcrops were observed during the
investigation in the immediate vicinity of the site and a
generalised description of the soil profile that may be
encountered across the site, is as follows:
0, 0 – 0, 4: Dry, khaki brown, dense, fissured, clayey
Sand containing roots; colluvium
0, 4 – 0, 8: Moist, dark yellow blotched khaki, very
Stiff, shattered, sandy clay; colluvium
0, 8 – 1, 0: Abundant coarse, hard, nodular ferricrete,
Clast supported in a matrix of moist, dark yellow,
Sandy clay, pebble marker. Overall consistency is
Medium dense,
1, 0 – 1, 6: Moist, dark yellow speckled black, stiff,
Sandy clay, residual diabase.
1, 6 – 2, 8: Moist, dark olive speckled black, dense
Relict jointed, coarse sand, residual diabase.

Slow excavation but no refusal of the backator was experienced

in any test pit from below 2, 8 m. moderate seepage of ground
water was encountered in two test pits from below 2, 7 m during
the investigation which was carried out during the early part of
the dry season.
Geotechnical considerations

- Expansive soils
The colluvial and residual sandy clay which blankets the site are
potentially medium in the degree of expansiveness, based on
the results of the laboratory tests and according to the Van Der
Merwe (1964) method. A total surface heave in the range 15
mm to 30 mm is predicted across the site, should the moisture
condition of the soils change from a dry to a saturated state.

- Compressible and collapsible soils

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 The upper sandy horizon that extend down to some 0, 5 m
below surface, is considered to be potentially compressible,
based on a visual appraisal of the soil structure, that is a loose
consistency and a voided texture. The soil was unfortunately
too friable in order to take undisturbed soil samples.

- Excavation characteristics
No problem should be experienced in excavating the
transported and residual diabase soils across the site down to a
depth of at least 2, 8 m below surface using conventional earth-
moving machines. The sidewalls of deep excavations can be
expected to be stable during construction in dry season,
isolated unstable conditions may occur during construction in
the wet season, caused by the fissured nature of the clay
horizon.

- Ground water and soil chemistry

Ground water seepage was encountered from below 2, 7 m in
two test pits and the design of basement structures should take
cognisance of this phenomenon. Proper damp-proofing
precautions should however be taken underneath structures
and proper surface drainage methods should be employed. The
site soils are expected to be potentially neutral to mildly
chemically aggressive with regards to underground ferrous
metal pipes (PH values ranging from 6, 79 to 7, 61 and
electrical conductivity values ranging from 0, 024 to 0, 149 S/m)
and the use of non-ferrous metal pipes or plastic pipes are
recommended for wet services, the foundation soils should be
treated with an environmentally friendly insecticides to combat
termites. The results of the chemical tests are conducted on the
ground water have shown the water to be within the allowable
limits for buried concrete and steel in terms of chemical attack.

- Foundations
The entire property tentatively classifies as a site class “C/S/H2”
according to the guidelines of the National Home Builders
Registration Council’s Standards and Guidelines of 1999 and in
view of the potentially expansive nature of the upper soil which
blankets the site, one of the following foundation system may be
considered for proposed rigid, masonry residential structures:
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  Soil raft
 Remove all or part of the expansive horizon to
1m beyond the perimeter of the structure and
replace with inert backfill compacted to 93% Mod
AASHTO density at- 1%to2% of optimum
moisture content.
 Normal construction with lightly reinforced strip
footings and light reinforcement in masonry if
residual movements are less than 7, 5 mm or
construction type appropriate to residual
movement.
 Site drainage and plumbing/service precautions
to be taken.
 Split construction
 Combination of reinforced brickwork/blockwork
and full movement joints.
 Suspended floors or fabric reinforced ground
slabs acting independently from the structure
 Site drainage and plumbing/service precautions
to be taken.
 Piled construction
 Piled foundations with suspended floors slabs
with or without ground beams
 Site drainage and plumbing/service precautions
to be taken.
 Stiffened or cellular raft
 Stiffened or cellular raft of articulated lightly
reinforced masonry
 Site drainage and plumbing/service precautions
to be taken.
The design and construction of raft foundations (whether soil or
concrete) is used and should be done in accordance and under
supervision of a Civil or Structural engineer.

b. The people and the environmental factors

Civil engineering projects are often criticized for causing damage
to the environment. Thereof it is important to plan well the

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 development so that it blend with in with the environment. Some
damage to the environment are unavoidable, however, it is vitally
important that the long term effects are kept to minimum.
Before the commencement of any construction it is important to do
an environmental assessment (EA). The EA is the assessment of
the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of
projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed
action. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is used when
applied to projects by individuals or companies as BBK building
contractors. Environmental impact assessment are governed by
rules of administrative procedures regarding public participation
and documentation of decision making, and may be subjected to
judicial review.
The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision maker’s
consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not
to proceed with the project. EIAs are unique in that they do not
require adherence to a predetermined environmental outcome, but
rather they require a decision makers to account for environmental
values in their decision and to justify these decision in light of
detailed environmental studies and public comment on the
potential environmental impacts. The environmental assessment
study establish all the impacts either positive or negative of the
new development for the residents in Rietfontein. It consists of
technical evaluation, economic impact and social results that the
project bring. It is of outermost importance to make the community
aware of the construction to take plane and all the neighbouring
public.

c. Preliminary design of a civil engineering project

Depending on the nature of the project, the preliminary design
studies and standards, and the definitive project brief may be
accompanied by a range of supporting reports, tests and studies
that underpin the outcomes of the project activities. The design
standards and the development of design studies are determined.
Information relating to the project is further developed and refined
through research, analysis, tests and if appropriate, additional
design studies. It is critical that sufficient information is gathered to

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 allow a full constraints analysis to be performed so that detailed
design options are not developed with inherent flows which might
be costly to rectify or progress through later design and statutory
process stages.
The preliminary design considers key quantitative aspects of the
project in sufficient detail to inform a final and reasoned decision to
proceed. In case of the building projects it is not unusual for design
input to be required in the form of various footprints of a facility or
block plan options to identify the preferred option. Such design
information consists merely of illustrative drawings or sketches to
allow decision to be made. As part of the preliminary design
studies, an examination of site options is carried out to establish
the best location to site the facility from the perspective of land
use, cost and planning considerations.
The preliminary design of a civil engineering project is carried out
to help determine the basic layout of the drawings. The use of
mapping and geographic information system (GIS) is useful in this
stage of a project. The design brief defines all the requirements for
a project including performance standards, design criteria, quality
and design standards. It is the foundation on which design will be
developed and is the benchmark for measuring future design
development. It also includes a detailed outline of the preferred
option, supported with design studies where appropriate, and with
reason for the choice.

The floors
details of the plan.

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 d. The preliminary costing
The preliminary costs of a construction project include the erection
of scaffolding up to the installation of site services. The project is
priced using a bill of quantities of which is a detailed description of
the items needed for the successful completion of a project. The
preliminary costs are generally divided among initial costs,
recurring costs and final costs.

Construction stage of construction of flats

project

Construction of raft
foundation.

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 a) Site establishment
It is important for the contractor to mobilise and move onto site as
soon as possible after the site is handed over by the promoter. If
the contractor does not do this, the promoter might terminate the
contract due to the contractor’s breach. Site establishment is a
very important element in the performance of any contract. If the
site establishment is well planned and executed, the contractor
can greatly increase productivity and efficiency. A well organised
site which is neat, tidy and clean look professional and reduce
waste, accidents and lost time in searching for items that are
needed. The promoter usually make available a piece of land for
the contractor to use as his site camp, sometimes this is an area
within the site itself, and other times, it is located very close to the
site.
The first consideration when establishing a site are arrangements
of site accommodation, such as offices, storage sheds,
mechanical services yards, training area and access routes.
Other aspects such as the location of services such as water,
electricity and telephones can also pay an important part in the
site layout. It is of most important to consider the owners or
tenants of the areas next door to the site. Loud noise from a
machine can disturb the neighbours if it will be running for long
period. In such a case, the machine should be shielded in order to
reduce any possible disturbance to a minimum. Access to the site
and movement around the site must be well planned. This entails
the planning for access by heavy trucks to deliver major plants,
materials and equipment as well as by light vehicles to drop off
personnel. Parking space is also needed for site management
and for the promoter and his representatives.
Access to different parts of site is also important as different types
of equipment will be required in different areas, for example;
during the BBK building contractors construction, there was a
phase when the scaffolding had to be moved to the other side for
bricklaying. The site offices should be as far as possible
watertight, dust sound proof and of a solid construction. And
should be designed to be transportable and can be moved from
one site to the next, saving in the expenses of lifting them out for

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 each new project. Toilets and bathrooms must be provided in
sufficient quantity for all staff and workers including those
employed by sub-contractors, storage tools are always needed to
keep tools, equipment and materials.
The following are other factors to consider for site establishment:
 Local suppliers
 Security
 Local labour availability
 Disposal site for excess soil and rubbish

b) Drawings and plan analysis

From the plan, the new residential development constructed at

Rietfontein is a two floor residential building. The building consist of a

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 ground floor and first floor. Each apartment of the building has a
garage and a kitchen designed to be on the ground floor. Two
bedrooms and bathroom are designed to be situated at the first floor.
For the access from the kitchen to the first floor to reach the
bedrooms and the bathrooms the stairs were designed. All
dimensions of the plan are in mm and these dimensions are
confirmed on site prior to the commencement of any work. No
measurement should be sealed directly from the drawing and
electrical and plumbing works are to be performed by registered
artisians.
The following applies from the drawings of the
building plan

- Foundations:
a. 230 mm walls: 600 * 250 mm concrete strip foundation
b. 115 mm walls: 450 * 250 mm concrete strip foundation
c. Minimum strength: 20 MPa concrete strip foundation
d. Foundation walls: minimum strength of 7MPa, class 2
e. Top of foundation is not less than 300 mm below NGL

- Floors:
a. Foundation trenches and filling to be treated with anti-poison
and conform to SABS 024.
b. 75 mm surface bed (15 MPa after 28 days, 19 mm stone) on
well compacted and watered backfill layers of not more than
150 mm.
c. DPM underneath surface bed (USB green)
d. 25 mm screed

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 e. FFL to be at least 150 mm above finished ground level

- Walls:
a. 230 mm and 115 mm brickwalls (minim strength 7 MPa)
b. Stretcher course, class 3 mortar (5MPa)
c. DPC underneat6h all wall and windowsills
d. Brickforce every four courses, each course for foundation
walls and each course for four courses above openings in
wall plane
e. Interior: 15 mm plaster and paint or as indicated
f. Exterior: 15 mm plaster and or as indicated.

- Roofs:
a. Concrete roof ties at specified angles
b. 38 mm * 38 mm sa-pine roof battens at 340 mm centres
c. 152 mm * 38 mm grade 6 sa-pine trusses to comply with
SABS at 750 mm centres minimum
d. 114 mm * 38 mm wall plates
e. Two strings 4 mm diameter. Galvanised roof ties built six
layers into walls with 10 mm steel rod end fixed around truss
end points
f. Ceiling height as per NBR part C table 2

All doors containing glass plates=6 mm safely glass with

eye level markers.

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 Two female Civil Engineers in
The making analysing the drawings of the plan on site.

C) Contract documentation

- Contract document conditions

Main contractor of the project – BBK building contractors

Some of Sub-contractors – Talisman
Zamori engineering services
Umubi digging
Triple drie reinforcing

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 Different
subcontractors are appointed to perform different tasks such as installation
of electricity by Zamori engineering services.

The contract document is a document that mention conditions of

contract that is the terms that collectively describe the rights and
obligations of contracting parties (the promoter and the main
contractor) and the agreed procedures for the administration of
their contract. Typically the contract conditions address the
following:
 The parties’ main responsibilities, for instance, the
promoter provide the site and the right of access
there to while the contractor provides the works in
accordance with the requirements established in the
contract.
 The timing of the works that is the start date, time for
completion, period for defects liability.
 Testing and remedying of defects
 Payment, the manner in which the works are to be
assessed and clarified, time for payment and interest
overdue amounts.
 Title (ownership) to object, materials within the site.
 Risks and insurance
 Termination
 Resolution of disputes

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The most important task in administrating a contract is to ensure
effective communication with the promoter and her representatives.
Each form of contract stipulates requirements for communication
between the parties of the contract. These usually need to be
communicated in a form which can be read, copied and recorded. The
contract data associated with a contract also state to whom
communications are to be addressed and where certain communications
are to be sent.
Construction works are unique in that each activity needs to be
sequenced in order for the project to be successfully completed. Efficient
programming can be a significant time and cost saving to both the
promoter and the contractor. At the start of the contract, the contractor is
required to prepare a programme and have it agreed to by the promoter
and her representative. The programme indicate the duration and logic
of the sequencing of activities for the project. The programme is an
important tool for managing time to ensure that the works are completed
in accordance with contract requirements. Some forms of contracts
require that the contractor submit a claim for an extension of time to the
promoter within a specified time period of becoming aware of an event
that may give rise to such an extension such as abnormal rainfall, and
failure to do so may result in the forfeiting of the right to an extension.
As in contract document, the contractor is responsible for the works from
the date that possession of the site is given by the promoter or her
representative until such time that the works are completed or are
capable of being used by the client. The form of contract have a process
of declaring a contract completion, it require the promoter’s
representative to issue a single completion certificate. If the contractor is
very efficient, and there are no problems on site, then the contractor may
complete the project early but the contractor needs to ascertain that by
completing a contract earlier does not cost him more.
Provision for penalties or delay damage are contained in the
construction contract. These penalties are imposed where the promoter
has specific deadlines or other requirements and will experience a loss
of revenue, loss of use of the premises if the project is delivered late or
have to pay additional supervision and administration costs relating to
the late completion. The contract specify the value of the penalties per
day, per week or per month, or the extent of the penalties should specific
requirements not be achieved. Penalties are deducted from interim

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payment certificates as soon as they occur and can be objectively
quantified. The contract document also specifies the manner in which
disputes will be resolved on the contract. A dispute can arise in the
contract when both the contractor and the promoter think that they are
right, and they both think that the other party is wrong. The other
reasons for dispute are money or time for completion. Where a party to
the contract is dissatisfied with the decision of an adjudicator or fails to
settle the dispute through adjudication, the dispute is referred for final
resolution to arbitration or litigation. Forms of contract permits the parties
of the contract to terminate the contract should the other party be in
material breach of the contract, such as the promoter has failed to pay
the contractor or the contractor is not performing the work in accordance
with the provision of the contract.
Above are some of the reasons where the promoter may terminate the
contract due to the contractor failing to:
 Execute the work
 Comply with a reasonable period with a valid a contract
instruction issued
 Continue work on site without reasonable cause for more
than ten (10) working days
 Provide evidence of insurance where responsible
Contract documents make provision for monthly interim payments based
on the value of the work executed and any amounts to be added or
subtracted in terms of the contract. Form of contract contain specific
procedures for payment. The contractor is required to make application
for a payment certificate to the engineer at the end of each month,
setting out the amounts which the contractor believes she is entitled to.
The engineer then verifies statements and issues interim payments
certificate within 28 days of receipt of the contractor’s statement and
supporting documents. The final payment occurs only after the defects
liability period has lapsed. Each form of contract contains procedures for
final payment. The contractor provides engineer with draft final
statement within 56 days of receiving performance certificate. And the
engineer verifies statement. The contractor issues to the engineer final
statement and the discharge within 28 days of the issuing of the draft
final statement. Engineer issues employer final payment certificate within
56 days of receipt of draft final statement.

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Section 20 (1) of the value added tax Act of 1991, (Act 89 of 1991),
requires that a supplier who is registered as a VAT vendor issue to the
receipt a tax invoice within 21 days of the date of a supply whether
requested or not. The conditions of contract can be standardised so that
the same conditions of contract can be used on different projects, in
which case they are referred to as standard forms of contract.
- Construction of a project to contract specification
Every construction works contract makes provision for a start date,
an access date, a completion date and a defects date. At the start
of a contract, the contractor needs to deliver certain items that are
required in terms of the contract. These items include the
following:
 Proof of insurance that the contractor is required to
have
 Provision of the performance bond
 Provision of the preliminary contractual programme
These contractual requirements are needed by the employer to justify
providing the contractor with access to the site. The contractor must
comply with these requirements timeously, otherwise he will be in
breach of contract and may have the contract terminated due to the lack
of performance. Before the work on site can start, the contractor make
certain preparations. These preparations include careful planning of
resources and materials of work in order to ensure that the manner in
which the work is performed on site is in line with the thinking at tender
stage. This process is known as pre-contract planning stage of the
contract and will result in a set of allowable rates or lump sum amounts
for activities that have been calculated, in order to guide the productivity
requirement on site. The contractor uses productivity rates from past
projects of a similar nature to determine productivity hours. Allowable
rates or lump sum are the cost or time period that a contractor can allow
for a task at hand, covering labour, equipment, transport, supervision
and planned profit. These allowable can help the contractor to plan work
more efficiently and make the most cutting costs of production and
thereby maximising profits. The cost allowable are calculated by dividing
the direct project cost for the item of work by the total quantity of work to
be done on that item. Each item of work will contain at least one of the
following components:

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  Labour
 Equipment’s
 Materials
 Transport
The benefit of doing the analysis before the work starts on the contract is
that the contractor is immediately provided with clear allowable amount
for expenditure on each component of the work. Another important
aspects to be determined when considering allowable rates is the time
that should be allowed to be taken to complete a task. Time allowable
should then be tabulated against each item that will be costed, so that
each activity can be measured against allowable final estimates of
measured quantities.
From the quantities identified in the contract document and taken off the
drawings, the contractor identify the gross quantity of each type of
material that is required to construct the works, how many people will be
required to finish the works in time, the plant required to carry out each
activity and also have a good idea of the profit that might be made on
the project. This provide good indicators as to how many people are
required on site, and how much equipment is needed. Work
programmes are also essential for the efficient performance of the job,
the programme is the tool that is used to determine the sequence in
which the work needs to be done in order to be completed on time. They
are essential tool for job planning and cost control and may be used to
demonstrate claims foe delays and extra payments.

D) On-site quality control

- Quality
Quality is conformance with the requirements specified. In
the case of this construction industry the requirements are
the specifications and contract drawings. The contractor
use these two documents during the constriction process
to assist with the achievement of the quality on a project.
As a house built with face bricks will have different
outcome from the one built with stock bricks. The

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 specifications for laying face bricks differ from that of
laying stock bricks that will be plastered afterward. Stock
bricks do not need to be laid to the high level of tolerance
that face bricks are, since they will anyway be covered
with plaster. The bedding joints do not have to be as
regular or as neatly executed as those executed for face
brick on site for BBK building contractors. When the walls
have been built the result is a quality job since they
comply with the specifications, however there is a
difference in the look, maintenance and performance of
the finished product.
The contractor’s failure to comply with the specifications
will result in the cost of all the corrective actions to take
place, this is known as Price of Non-Conformance
(PONC). The reason why a mistake is made is most often
because of not checking the drawing to confirm the
requirements or not reading the project specifications
properly. It is essential to avoid re-doing work because
this is direct cost to the contractor. From the start of the
construction project, the BBK labourers on site, starting
from the casting of foundation, they were making sure to
use the drawings and confirm from specification before
moving to another activity following after. The foramen
make sure the workers use the drawings for specifications.
Some of the specifications adhered to during the
construction is that the 500 mm of trench was excavated
for the specified Foundation (Raft foundation) as specified
on the plan and the length of foundation as specified on
the drawings is 56390 mm and the width is 6460 mm.
The cost of re-work extends to the following:
 Demolition of the work that does not comply
with specifications.
 Re-construction of the work done.7

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  Wasted material resulting from the work that
had to be demolished.
 Delay to work that was programmed to continue
directly after completion of the work that had to
be demolished.
 Overheads on site and at the head office that
are incurred due to the delay.
 Importantly, the loss of confidence that the
promoter has that the contractor is competent
to perform the work.
During construction on site, I learned that it is far better to take
slightly longer to do the job right the first time than to rush the
work and have to demolish and rebuild.

- On-site quality control

Quality control is an essential part of the construction process by

proper planning and careful work any construction project can be
completed correctly without having to re-do any of the work that is
required. This control over the work on site is the one known as
on-site quality control.
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 The contractor ensure that the quality of work is being done from
the start by the work is complete, it complies with the specifications
and there will be no call to re-do any of the sections he has
completed. The contractor construct the quality plan which is a
document specifying the processes, procedures and associated
resources which will be applied by whom and when to meet
requirements of a specific project or contract. A quality plan
indicate how the required activities will be carried out.
Such as the excavations for a foundation for building quality
plan ensures that:
 The excavation have been done to the dimensions given
on the drawings that is 500 mm trench.
 The sides of trenches are vertical and the bottom of the
trenches level.
 The inspection of footings by the building inspector from
NHBRC are carried out before the concrete is cast on the
foundation.
The quality plan also specify the individuals who will be responsible for
carrying out inspections. The quality plan establish and document the
quality procedure which is to be implemented on site to deal with each
main activity that may be undertaken and that is:
 Setting out
 Site establishment
 Site administration
 Health and safety
 Human resources
 Financial controls and payment certificates
 Production in respect of each construction activity
 Quality monitoring and testing
 Liaison with the promoter and the professional team
 Temporary work design
Quality control (QC) in a construction business is the control of quality
within the various project that are being undertaken. The contractor
devise a way in which it can improve the quality of its work.
The following is what the contractor follow in order to ensure
continual on-site quality control:

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  The contractor’s senior management must be committed
to improve the quality of the work that the contractor does,
otherwise the employees will not believe that it is
important to improve the quality of the work that they
perform.
 The team should be dedicated to run and monitor the
quality improvement process.
 The contractor should be consistent in the work he
produces. The contractor set up systems and standard
methods of approaching the work that they do in order to
produce a consistent quality.
 The contractor should measure the price of non-
conformance (PONC). Each time a mistake is made, the
contractor should keep a record of the cost of rectifying
the works.
 The contractor should measure the cost of quality.
 The contractor must learn by the mistakes made on
current projects and set up systems to ensure that the
same mistakes are not repeated.

e. Variation orders

- Production planning and resourcing

Poor planning leads to project surprises, staff frustration and
unforeseen costs in resourcing (materials and production). This
can have a negative impact on cash-flows and result in penalties
being applied to the contract should the contract not be completed
on time. All of this erodes a contractor’s profitability. Proper
planning and resourcing improves project efficient and profitability,
avoids penalties, motivates staff and demonstrate to the promoter
the competence of the contractor.
The starting point done in production planning and resourcing is
the activity list was developed so that variation orders of resources
can be easily identified. The list describes what has to be done on
the project by splitting the entire project into easily described bits
of work or activities. Each activity is generally a continuous activity
of one group of workers.
List of activities for construction of flats on site

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  set out foundation
 clear and grab site
 excavate footings
 cast footings
 reinforcement casting
 sub-floor brickwork
 fill under floor
 cast surface bed
 superstructure brickwork
 beam fill
 roof covering
 plastering
 first-fix plumber
 first-fix electrician
 glazing
 painting first coat
 painting finishing coat
 hand doors
 floor finishes
 electrician second-fix
 plumber second-fix
 ceiling
 clean
 snag
 handover
The first activity performed on site for construction stage is that, the site
was cleared. After clearing the site, the foundation was set, raft
foundation was selected. The 500 mm trench was dug for the foundation
and then the concrete (G4) was poured in the trench and compacted in
four specified layers. Before the finalisation of the foundation, the
NHBRC representative had to come on site for inspection on whether
the compaction is within specifications so that she can hand the
certificate to permit the continuation with casting the foundation. Once
the certificate was issued, the foundation was set. The foundation was
levelled by removing some excess concrete around the foundation. After
levelling the foundation, some water and the terminex was sprayed on
the footing, this was to reduce dust and to prevent the growing of plants
on the foundation. Then the foundation was covered with a plastic cover.
The levelling planks was used to level all the sides of the blocks of the

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raft footing and the planks were also used to prevent the excavated
materials from falling back into the trenches. The plastic cover prevents
the moisture content from evaporating and prevents the plants from
growing on the foundation.
A bar chart is developed to list all the activities that are planned to be
completed by a particular time. The bar chart assist in identifying the
following:
 Resourcing – the bar chart can be used to resource the
project. The resources associated with each activity can be
identified that is labour, materials, equipment and
subcontractor.
 Material ordering – the contractor identify from the bar chart
when the materials are required for a project and order them
when needed. The supplier’s lead time and delivery time is
taken into account when the item is ordered so that it can be
delivered at the right time. This reduces storage costs and
minimises damage to the materials and possible loss due to
shrinkage or spoling.
Some of the materials ordered on site
f. Cement
g. Face-bricks
h. Reinforcing steel (Y12 and R8)
i. Building sand
j. Plastering sand
k. planks
l. damp proof course
m. mash wire
n. pre-mixed concrete
o. pre-casted slabs

 Equipment and plant- The contractor also identify from the

bar chart when the equipment and plant must be available
on site and when can it be removed from the site.
Allowable is made for the time it takes to move the
equipment from one site to the other site or for the
company to deliver the equipment.
Some of the equipment and plant hired
Front-end loader

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 Compaction roller
Ditch witch
Scoop
Scaffolding

Front end loader

hired on site.

f. material testing
Contractors are contractually bound to produce work that complies with
the specifications. Specifications can be standardised by clients or by
national standardisation bodies such as South African Bureau of
Standards. South African national standards, which are published by
standards South Africa (a division of the South African Bureau of
Standards) establish commonly encountered requirements for a wide
range of construction works and materials that are incorporated into
construction works. South African national standards are frequently
referred to by their identification number in scopes of works.
The following national standards are referred to in building works
1) SANS 2001, construction works – this standards
provides generic technical descriptions of the
standard of materials and workmanship that used in
the works that are executed.

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 2) SANS 1921, construction and management
requirements for works contracts – these standards
establish generic requirements relating to how the
construction is executed and how construction is
managed.
These standards are made contract specific through specifications data
and construction drawings. The specification data and construction
drawings state which type of units are required, whether or not they are
to comply with the requirements of South African national standards and
what the precise materials are. South African national standards also
specify requirements for construction materials. Describe tests methods
and procedures and provide guidance on how to correctly perform
various construction activities.
The tests, depending on their nature, are concluded on site by the
contractor itself or an accredited service provider. Sometimes, the
contractor is required to take or make samples of materials incorporated
into the construction works and forward them to accredited laboratories
for testing.

Construction materials:
Cement – a cement is a binder, or adhesive material. Cement in
hardened concrete, mortar or plaster forms a matrix which binds
aggregates (sand or stone).

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 Common cement are required by law to comply with the
requirements of SANS 50197 -1 EN 191-7, while the masonry
cements have to comply with the requirements of SANS 50413-1
EN 413-1. Masonry cements are designed for use in mortar and
plaster but are not always suitable for use in concrete or plaster.
Portland cement is a hydraulic cement (Clinker) as it sets and
develops strength after being mixed with water at normal
temperatures and pressure and even under water. Extenders
(materials which have cementing properties when used with
Portland cement) in the form of ground granulated blast-furnace
slag, Fly Ash, Pozzalano Silica Fume, burnt shale or limestone
may be added to the Portland cements. These extenders change
the chemical properties of cement. Common cements may either
be pure Portland cement or a mixture of Portland cement and
extenders.

The cement designation (type) and strength grade are by law

required to be shown on the cement packets. The markings on a
common cement bag used for the construction are as follows:
*32, 5 R
32, 5 refers to the 28 day comprehensive strength of the cement.
The R after the standard strength class indicate high early strength
(R). The R cements have a very much higher two-day strength
than N cements.

Aggregates (sand and stone) – both the course aggregate

(stone) and fine aggregate (sand) must comply with the relevant
requirements of SANS 1085, Aggregate from natural sources –
aggregates for concrete. The course aggregate usually has a
nominal size of 13 mm or 19 mm. The aggregates -used for the
construction of the flats are 19 mm. fine aggregates (sand) for
mortar and plaster is either required to comply with the
requirements of SANS 1090, aggregates from natural sources-fine
aggregate for plaster and mortar, for mortar sand (natural or
manufactured) and plaster respectively. Some of the requirements
for sand are as follows:
 Not contain any organic material (material produced by
animal or plant activities)
 Not contain any particles which are retained on a sieve of
nominal aperture size 5 mm
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  Mortar: when 2,5 kg of cement is mixed to 12,5 kg of air-
dry sand, the mixture shall not require more than 3,0 litre
of water to be added to reach a consistency suitable for
laying of masonry units
 Plaster: when 2,5 kg of cement is mixed with 12,5 kg of
dry sand, no more than 2,7 litre of water is required to
bring the mix to a plastering consistency

Water - the water used for construction must be fit for drinking.

Concrete mixes
- Concrete is specified in terms of its grade, that is an identifying
number which is numerically equal to the characteristic strength of
such (concrete at 28 days) expressed in Megapascals (MPa). For
example, a grade 20 concrete, is a concrete that has an average
28-day comprehensive strength in excess of 20 MPa.

The contractor may be made responsible for procuring or

producing a concrete having a specified grade (strength). Usually,
at least three concrete cube are taken from each day’s casting and
from at least every 50 𝑚3 of concrete of eacxh grade placed.
These cubes are crushed at 28 days to determine the 28-day cube
strength of the concrete. Concrete that does not achieve the
required grade is broken and replaced, unless the structural
engineer confirms the acceptability of the under-strength concrete.

The BBK building contractor construction used the prescribed mix-

concrete. This is a concrete for which mix proportions have been
specified. Here, the contractor ensure that the constituent
materials are properly measured and mixed in accordance with
prescribed requirements. In prescribed mix-concrete, cement is
measured in terms of its mass in kilograms (Kg), and sand and
stone aggregate are measured volumetrically in buckets or
wheelbarrows of known volumes or in suitable measuring boxes. A
standard wheelbarrow for concrete has a capacity of between 60
litres and 70 litres with no projection of material above the rim of
the wheelbarrow.

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 Only sufficient water should be added to produce a workable mix.
The quantities of water specified in prescribed-mix concrete are for
guidance only as the actual quantity required depend on a number
of factors including the moisture content and quality of the sand
and the type of cement used.

Cement should not be measured by volume. A bag of common

cement, depending on the quantity of extenders, has a mass of 50
kg and a volume of approximately 33 litres when packed under air
pressure at the factory. Cement, fluff up (bulk) when poured into a
container with the results that 50 kg of cement cannot readily be
contained in a box of 33 litres. The volume of bag of loose (bulked)
cement, depending upon its compaction can be up to 20% more
than when in the bag. For this reason it is always preferable to use
whole bag of cement when volume batching.

The concrete mix proportions for use with 19 mm and 13 mm

aggregate are specified in SANS 2001-CC2.

No-fines concrete – no fines concrete is a concrete

made from stone aggregate, common cement and water. It is
porous and is used in sub-surface drains, weep holes or drainage
layers.
The mix proportions of no-fines concrete are as
follows:

Nominal size Common Stone Stone

of stone cement (Kg) aggregate (l) aggregate
aggregate (Wheelbarrow)
(mm)
13 50 270 4
19 50 300 5
38 50 380 6

*No more than 20 l of water for 50 Kg of cement is used.

Plaster mixes: the plaster is mixed in accordance with SANS 2001-

EMI, cement plaster.

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 Reinforcement – concrete may be reinforced by means of bar
reinforcement or fabric reinforcement. Bars need to be handled on
site and it is for this reason that useful to know the mass of bar
reinforcement. The reinforcement bar are used to reinforce the
foundation and some reinforcement used in bricks work. Main
bars, distribution bars and stirrups were used for reinforcing the
foundation and the brickforce wire was used for brick work.

Foundation
reinforcement.

Reinforcement used

1. Corner bars : diameter – Y12

Quantity – 16
Length – 1200 mm
Code - 37

150

2. distribution bars : diameter – Y12

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 Quantity -103
Length – 6350 mm
Code – 20
3. main bars: diameter – Y12
Quantity – 95
Length – 11900 mm
Code – 20
4. stirrups: diameter – R08
Quantity – 260
Length – 1300
Code – 72
5. hangers: diameter – Y12
Quantity – 740
Length – 700
Code – 33
6. sheets – 193 mesh wires

Stirrups used
for the reinforcement.

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 * The bending schedule of reinforcement is attached at the end of
the report.

G) Contract management

- Contract scheduling and management

The contract management is the administration of the affairs of a
contractor’s business. It is the management of the contractor’s
affairs on a particular construction site. This is the nerve centre of
operations and if it is not functioning effectively, it will hamper
production output and quality will suffer.
 Record keeping – construction is a complex business to
operate and there are many different activities that need
to be managed at any one time. And it is not possible to
remember what happened at what time, and who did it,
and why. Record keeping it is essential to ensure that
events are recalled at a later stage. Several main types of
records that are kept include the following;
Site diary
Drawing register
Written notices, correspondence and site
instructions
Site photographs
Contractual documents
Occupational health and safety documents
It is essential to ensure that these records are properly filed so that they
can be easily found when needed.
 Filing – the key to keeping all the documents is by
efficient filing system. There are no fixed rules and filing
systems vary from person to person. The contractor may
file everything in date order or by subject type order. This
make it easy for the contractor to find the documents
needed at that time. The contractual documents are
sensitive and confidential, and would possibly be kept in
the site agent’s office in a locked filing cabinet to keep

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 prying eyes away. Payment certificates would be kept by
the cost controller or the site agent, and a copy of the
invoice will possibly be made available to the accounts
department so that they can reconcile them with the bank
statement when the client pays.
 Mail system – it is important to ensure that mail is
controlled between the contractor and the promoter’s
representative, this is not the only mail that need to be
attended to. There is correspondence between the site
and the head office, with suppliers and sub-contractors,
with statutory bodies such as the department of labour,
with the bank and many stakeholders. In addition, there
will also be correspondence between the site personnel,
informing each other of required materials, delays or other
materials. An efficient mail system is introduced on site to
ensure that the message gets to the correct person as
soon as possible and with as much clarity as possible.
 Meetings – during the construction of the project, the site
meetings are essential communication tool that ensure
that everyone on the team understands all aspects of the
job and can perform effectively as a team, issues are
quickly straightened out and decisions taken on options
available. It is essential that these meetings are properly
managed and controlled. A carefully drafted agenda
assist in keeping the meeting to the point and short in
duration. The minutes of the meeting are properly kept
and promptly written up, as they also form part of the
record of events and decisions for the contract. Minutes
are also used by those who attend the meeting in order to
prompt them in the actions assigned to them.

- Environmental awareness, health and safety issue

 Workplace accidents – a workplace accident is an
unplanned event with undesirable outcomes typically
relating to loss of production at one end of the spectrum and
loss of life at the other. In order to avoid these undesirable
outcomes it is necessary to plan for possible risky situations
to avoid or eradicate the risk. The most common injuries on
site are finger, hand or foot injuries. Many injuries can easily
be avoided by using suitable personal protective equipment.
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 During the construction process every personnel on site had
to wear personal protective equipment, that is gloves, hard
hat and boots with steel toe caps. The contractor made sure
that every worker has protective equipment as his duty is to
ensure that workers are not exposed to unsafe working
environments. The owner of construction business is liable
for any injuries or fatalities that occur on site and she needs
to put suitable safety induction training in place, provide
suitable protective equipment, and plan the works in such a
way that workers are not exposed to undue risks.

A female Civil Engineer in the

making on site during construction wearing protective equipment and a reflector.

 Health problems related to the workplace

The working environment on a construction site at
Rietfontein is nearly always noisy due to casting of the
concrete and compaction from the roller, dusty and dirty,

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 and this can cause long term health problems for workers
who are exposed to noise for a long period of time, or end
up breathing in the fine particles of dust and other debris
that is thrown into the air by construction operations. Noise
is also a problem to neighbouring areas next to the site.
People exposed to very noisy operations for a very long time
can suffer permanently impaired hearing or even total
hearing loss. To avoid such The contractor provide suitable
hearing protection in the form of ear plugs and ear muffs to
workers during noisy periods and the contractor always
ensure that these ear muffs are used.
Legal requirements for health and safety
Health and safety requirements are stipulated in the
occupational health and safety Act (Act 85 of 1993).
Compensation for injury, disease or death of a worker is
governed by the compensation for occupational health and
diseases Act (Act 130 of 1993). Both of these laws
administered by the department of labour. The occupational
and health Act based on the principles that dangers in the
workplace are addressed by communication and
cooperation between the worker and the employer. The
worker and the employer must share the responsibility for
health and safety in the workplace.
A contractor provide and maintain as far as reasonably
practicable, a working environment that is safe and without
risk to the health of his employees in order to do this, the
contractor needs to;
Identify the hazards (source of or exposure to
danger)
Evaluate the associated risks (the probability that
damage or injury will occur)
Establish the steps that need to be taken to
prevent exposure of employees to identified
hazard or where preventions not practicable,
minimise exposure.
The contractor also make every employee aware of the identified
hazards and train every employee in the steps that need to be followed

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to prevent and minimise exposure to the hazard. Contractors who
employ 20 or more workers must appoint health and safety
representative to monitor health and safety conditions. A representative
is a full time worker and is familiar with the workplace.
Representatives are required to:
Review the effectiveness of health and safety measures
Monitor, investigate and report on health and safety
matters
Accompany inspectors during inspections
Make representations to the contractor regarding any
complaints regarding health and safety matters
The contractor prepare health and safety (H&S) plan for the project to
ensure a working environment for workers and the public, plans that
does not threaten their health and safety. When it comes to visitors to
the construction site, in terms of the construction regulations, they are
informed of the hazards and they are issued with the necessary
protective equipment, unless when they merely visit the site office and
do not come into contact with construction activities.
Health and safety inspectors
Health and safety inspectors appointed by the minister of labour may
enter any workplace at all reasonable times, without prior notice, and
question any person. They are empowered to request anything and
examine documents and remove any evidence of a breach of the
requirements of the act and its associated regulations. They may prohibit
a contract from continuing any work which, in their opinion threatens or
is likely to threaten the health and safety of any person working on site
and block off unsafe workplace areas.
Penalties
Section 38 of the occupational health and safety Act contemplates the
following minimum penalties;
Committing a reckless act in the workplace – a fine of
R50 000 and one year imprisonment
Omission by contractor which lead to a disability injury – a
fine R100 000 and one year imprisonment
Omission by contractor that leads to one fatally – a fine of
R100 000 and two year prison sentence

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 h) Project risk and precautions
A risk is a chance of something happening that will have an impact upon
a project’s objective.
Every person is involved in risk management on a daily basis. Decisions
have to be made whether or not to cross a road, overtake another car or
do deposit money in a particular bank. Construction projects are full of
uncertainties. Risk needs to be managed in a systematic manner in
order to improve the likelihood of projects being completed on time and
within the tendered price. The indication of a risk ensure that a
contractor is not caught by surprises. Management of the risks ensures
that the impact of the risk is reduced. Risk management is all about
making informed decisions, minimising potential damage or loss and
controlling uncertainties. Once a contractor is aware of the risks that a
particular project or activity involves, informed decisions can be taken
regarding different courses of action.
Precautions taken on site:
 Make sure to wear safety boots and a construction hard hat
on site
 Ensure that all the hired plants have enough diesel
 It is better to use the steel board to put the bricks and
plaster during brickwork than using planks.

Conclusion: completion of the works occurs when the works reach a

state of readiness for occupation of the whole works although some
minor works may be outstanding. Completion of the contract occurs
when obligations have been discharged.
Completion of the works triggers the release of performance bonds and
the reduction in retention monies. The completion date for a contract is
usually linked to the completion of the works, failure to do so may result
in penalties (or liquidated damages). Consequently, it is the contractor’s
interests to complete the works as soon as possible.
Posts works completion checklist

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A post works completion list should include all items that need to be
finalised before the end of the defects liability or correction period. Items
to be checked include the following:
1. Site related issues
2. Site administration
3. Contractual
4. Financial
5. Feedback to estimating section
6. Double check that all files are completed with respect to.

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References:
 PEC2601 study guide, compiled by UNISA
 TPE2601 study guide, compiled by UNISA
 MCL1501 study guide, compiled by UNISA
 Preliminaries in construction contracts, by Khaled EL Nahel, 2014
 Contract management guidelines – section 3, by Cidb

“I Selina Tshililo Veronica Mulaudzi declare that this is my own

work and that all the sources quoted have been appropriately
acknowledged."

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