PCS2 – Construction Cost Engineering
Case Study: Site Visit for a Civil Engineering Project
Project Overview:
A construction company has been contracted to build a new commercial office building in the
city center. The project involves the construction of a 12-storey structure, including parking
spaces, landscaping, and external infrastructure such as road access and utilities. The site is
located in an urban environment with limited space for equipment and staging. The construction
team needs to ensure proper management of space, materials, and the structural design to meet
safety regulations and local building codes.
Case Study Objective:
To evaluate the importance of a site visit during the initial phase of the construction project,
assess any site-specific challenges, and provide recommendations for mitigating risks.
Scenario:
You, as the civil engineer responsible for the project, are tasked with conducting a site visit.
During the visit, you will inspect the land's topography, check for any utilities present, assess
accessibility for heavy machinery, and identify any potential challenges that could affect the
project timeline or budget.
During the site visit, you notice the following:
1. Topographical Challenges
The land has an uneven surface with a slight slope, which could require additional
excavation and grading work.
2. Utilities
Several underground utilities, including water pipes and electricity cables, run across the
site and may need rerouting.
3. Accessibility
The access road leading to the site is narrow and not designed for heavy construction
vehicles, which could cause delays in the delivery of materials.
4. Traffic and Environmental Concerns
The site is located in a busy urban area, raising concerns about traffic disruptions and
environmental impact due to noise and dust.
5. Existing Buildings
There are old, abandoned buildings on one side of the site, which may need to be
demolished before construction begins.
Questions for Case Study:
1. Why is conducting a site visit important in civil engineering projects?
2. What challenges were identified during the site visit, and how could they affect the
project's timeline and cost?
3. What measures should be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the site conditions (e.g.,
topography, utilities, and accessibility)?
4. How can the construction team manage traffic and environmental concerns during the
construction phase?
5. What steps should be taken regarding the abandoned buildings on the site?
