REPORT ON A SITE VISIT

Chronologically according to construction process

BWT 110 (ALL 122)

AUTHORS

T.MOTLANTHE 13293088(Group Leader)

 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

1. INTRODUCTION………………………………………..………………… 5
2. BUILDING PROCESS……………………………………………………. 6

2.1 SITE CLEARANCE………………………………………………………..6

1.1.1 THEORY…………………………………………………………… 6

1.1.2 APPLICATION FOR SITE CLEARANCE………………………..6

1.1.3 SITE PLANNING…………………………………………………...6
1.1.4 EVALUATION……………………………………………………….7

2.2 SETTING OUT……………………………………………………………..8

2.2.1 THEORY……………………………………………………………..8
2.2.2 APPLICATION FOR SETTING OUT…………………………......8
2.2.3 EVALUATION…………………………………………………….....9

2.3 FOUNDATIONS……………………………………………………………

2.3.1 THEORY………………………………………………………….....10
2.3.2 APPLICATION FOR FOUNDATION……………………………............11
2.3.3 EVALUATION……………………………………………………..11-12

2.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS

2.4.1 THEORY………………………………………………………………13
2.4.2 APPLICATION FOR DOORS AND WINDOWS…………………..13
2.4.3 EVALUATION…………………………………………………………14

2.5 SUPERSTRUCTURE
2.5.1 THEORY……………………………………………………………....15
2.5.2 APPLICATION FOR SUPERSTRUCTURES……………………...15
2.5.3 EVALUATION………………………………………………………...16

3. CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………17
REFERENCE LIST ……………………………………………………………….18
 3

LIST OF FIGURES
PAGE

FIGURE 1: Site plan……………………………………………………….. [4]

FIGURE 2: Site clearance………………………………………………….[7]

FIGURE 3: Theoretical drawing of setting out……………………………[8]

FIGURE 4: profile boards with Steel Square…………………………….[9]

FIGURE 5: setting out using chalk………………………………………..[10]

FIGURE 6: Complete foundation and foundation wall………………….[12]

FIGURE 7: Theoretical building model for doors and windows………..[13]

FIGURE 8: building up wall provisioning door and window frames…...[14]

FIGURE 9: Established superstructure just above foundation.....…… [15]

FIGURE 10: completed superstructure to all plate of roof…………..…[16]

 4

SITE POSITION AND DETAILS

Stand number: 13293088

Street name and number: MOMBASA
Suburb: KLIPFOTEIN
Developer: J.M THOMO
Building contractor: BAIPEREKI

Figure 1: Site plan

 5

REPORT ON A SITE VISIT

1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of compiling this report is to study the construction building

phase in series through progressive Trades, by observing collecting
information through weekly site visits to equate model construction process
that is standardized nationally and internationally with the Practice on our site.
Location of is situated at Klipfotein view in Johannesburg. Since the report is
in series of trades in consecutive phases it clearly provide an idea how
building processes are done.
 6

2. THE BUILDING PROCESS

2.1 Site Clearance

2.1.1 Theory
Site Clearance is creating a conducive space suitable to begin construction
properly. This includes digging up, removing debris, vegetation, rubbish,
shrubs and trees exceeding 200mm girth. Ground is prepared to be level after
removal of all things in the building boundaries that are specified to be
removed and remain on ground by building plan. (SANSA10400, n.d)

2.1.2 Application for Site Clearance

Clearing site requires knowledge of what will affect the building that is being
constructed from the moment of digging up for foundation trenches, plumbing
and to the finished infrastructure position that is being assembled. Local
Authority underground pipeline map is used to determine where and where
not to dig, the depth is also specified to avoid bursting underground pipes.
Construction sites differ so there is no fixed procedure to site clearance, some
sites require heavy machinery like Bulldozers, front end-loader and others
tipper trucks to remove waste. Top soil is removed as a process of preparing
the digging of trenches of foundations, good quality soil is keep for
landscaping and poor quality can be also kept to fill foundation and levelling
ground. (Chudley, Greeno, 2008, 84)

2.1.3 Site planning

Site planning is done for protecting both the site and the public in which
construction takes place. Barriers, Fences, and lockable entrances possibly
will be requisite to keep the public safe from the site. Ordered security should
be necessary when there is a worry about restricted access or stealing from
the site. Depending on the specific site things like temporary accommodation
and toilets has to be organised. Health and Safety in Employment Regulations
1995 require that every site should have suitable toilet, washing facilities,
supply of drinking water first aid accommodation for wears and mealtimes.
 7

(Chudley, Greeno, 2008:48). Advice for Constructors who don’t possess site
outhouses can hire containers and include them in amount price for the job.
Areas storing construction unwanted material waste should be away from the
street to avoid use and injury of others.

Contractors need to be able to provide communication on site, get the best

spot to supervise all the operations of the building project. Accessibility in to
and from site needs to be provisioned for easy delivery. Site needs to, cleaned
this allows for minimal theft, efficiency and avoids unnecessary injuries.

2.1.4 Evaluation

Figure 2: site clearance

Since the site was at a built up area there was no need for heavy machinery
that assist for site clearance, only a small trees where cut down removing
shrubs and unwanted plants. Paths for tipper trucks are developed for easy
access and mobility within site. Topsoil removed was all used for anticipated
filling no soil for landscaping, which then added extra cost as we see it
because when landscaping phase arrives there will be a need to buy it.
 8

Clearance didn’t require specialized technics since the site is simply

dimensioned and no large trees had to be removed

2.2 Setting Out

2.2.1 Theory
Setting out arises with plans and ends with the various elements of a specific
plan properly positioned on site that a building is to be built on after site
clearing. It is important so that a Constructor build precisely to plan as pointers
are physically placed out in front of them as pegs or drawn chalk on ground
(Haupfleisch, 2014, 413). Setting out ensures that the building is positioned
correctly and within legal boundary set by local authority.

2.2.2 Application for Setting out

During setting out of a building, dimension and drawing from building blueprint
is represented on the ground which is done using chalk, pegs or profile
boards.

Figure 3: Theoretical drawing of setting out

Building drawing plans are transferred to ground with measurements specified

on the drawings. Setup pegs from each side of the line where the external will
rise from. Connecting corners require certain knowledge and skill, corners are
drawn down in mind knowing that a corner has to form a 90 degree angle
when to lines that are drawn meet. Technic to check the proper corner is the
3-4-5 rule also known as Pythagoras theorem, and diagonals with is having
measuring object running from one end to the other across a complete
drawing made or a steel square which is used as a ruler. Every corner is
measured so that error can be minimum. (Preez, Robertson, Smith: 2009, 28)

Using profile boards setting out is advantageous since simultaneously it

measures the wall to be constructed at a later stage. Profile boards are setup
out the building lines making them more convenient especially for
unexperienced labour. See profile boards below.
 9

Figure 4: profile boards with Steel Square

2.2.3 Evaluation

The setting out was carried out by the Foreman but usually as per rule book
this process is carried out by the land surveyor with minimal error. The
foreman observed with supervision, paying attention to detail as this step is
vital to the stability of the product. Experienced labours set out dimensions
using chalk first in order to minimise length and corner mistakes. This first step
using chalk is used to accurately estimate where profile boards will be set,
before this step the corners where then checked if they comply with the rules
of a corner, adjustments were made where it was required to be adjusted.
 10

Figure 5: setting out using chalk

This process was completed approximately 30 min per 4𝑚2 single room,
however with most setting out processes done properly time was waste with
some processes from an experienced contractor as profile boards can be set
up without drawing with chalk first to ground.
 11

2.3 Foundations

2.3.1 Theory
Foundation wants attention and research of that specific construction site
since foundations are affected by geographical position; dry or wet are,
drainage in that area and many other factors to be determined. Foundation
requires proper measurements of lengths, depth and correct concrete mix with
reinforcement if necessary. Since there is no standard construction site
foundations are dug to depth that will allow level foundation. (Hauptfleisch:
2014, 19) Place where the foundation has to be dug deep that other sides due
to sloping ground it has to be stepped in courses.

2.3.2 Application for Foundation

Firstly with information about soil conditions and other construction site
implications a contractor and his/her team choose which type of foundation
has to be implemented on site considering stability it will prove to the
structure.

Type of foundation is chosen so trenches are dug up according to the setting

out on site from the drawing with proper measurements for depth and length.
Establish your footings crossways inside the trench. Make sure proper spaces
in the formwork and allows space you need to place your foundation of choice
commonly strip footing foundation. Make provision for size and shape of
foundation to be laid. (Hauptfleisch: 2014, 20) Mix of concrete form is made to
meet specification of designer’s needs.
• Tip dry cement into the mixer
• Put water very slowly and merge constantly
• Stir mixture comprehensively just enough water to cement mix to be mild
Pour concrete mix into form trowel well to level, don’t not pour the whole of
your mix to avoid excess material removal.

2.3.3 Evaluation

Digging of trenches done with great measure of depth and length proposed,
the trenches dug are then checked and cleaned for bio-degradable substance
like underground roots that would possible deteriorate disturbing the setting of
foundations
 12

Figure 6: Complete foundation and foundation wall

Foundation concrete mix that was poured into the setup of foundations
properly however the quantitative measures of the mix was measured with a
wheelbarrow which in some cases creates a problem of too dry or wet
concrete mix.
 13

2.4. Doors and Windows

2.4.1 Theory

Windows are design in such a way that they will allow light and air in and
outside the building proposed. The number of recommend windows including
their sizes and type is often written on the drawing specifications.
(Hauptfleisch, 2014:155) Overall it’s a light, ventilation and aesthetic function
of a window.

2.4.2 Application for Windows and Doors

It is vital to know that frames spaces are measured for installation while
building the masonry wall part of the superstructure as shown in fig (xxxxxx
). Standard size of a window is 821mm X 2032 if design does not require
specialized doors. (SANSA10400, n.d) Frames need to be anchored well to
wall and floor for the bottom of the door which inevitably a DPC is inserted
where any masonry meets the Frame. (Haupfleisch, 2014:155) It is then during
any frame installation imperative that the frames are constantly checked if
plumb, square or level. Insulation is recommended to have an energy efficient
house which maximise the durability of the components. (Chudley, Greeno,
2008: 374)

Figure 7: Theoretical building model for doors and windows

 14

2.4.3 Evaluation

Window and Door Frames were erected after the foundation was dried up,
cured and a foundation wall built-up afterwards. After the foundation wall was
built-up to the level of the surface floor Door frames were then measured,
positioned and then anchored to adjacent walls and bottom floor, plumb not to
tilt when continuing with the masonry trade.

Figure 8: building up wall provisioning door and window frames

 15

2.5 Superstructures

2.5.1 Theory
Everything built above the foundation is set to be called Superstructure, which
is mostly the part that is observable a building is complete including doors and
windows. Superstructure function to transfer loads from the roof to foundation
which eventually the foundation distribute it to the ground. (J.Meredith:1998)
Superstructure which in this building phase is the wall requires great
bricklaying and structural skills.

2.5.2 Application for Superstructure (wall)

Construction of superstructure masonry requires a bricklayer to start a brick

course. Mortar to bind bricks of ratio 3:1 is recommended to efficiently work
with it. Mix batches at the rate in which the building is being built, not to dry
the mortar. A DPC to be inserted 15mm above the foundation which will
prevent the water to run up the wall. Pay attention to damp-proofing. Checking
perpends while bricklaying ensures vertical line up. Common bonding in South
Africa which is stretcher bond consist of two half brick skins used externally
and internally. Reinforcing brickwork is done by incorporating metal
reinforcement within the joints. On top of windows insert a lintel that will
support the position.

Figure 9: Established superstructure just above foundation

 16

2.5.3 Evaluation of Superstructure

Figure 10: completed superstructure to all plate of roof

Brickwork is established on corners building in steps of 3 courses, this

ensures or minimise mistake of brickwork not being plumb. It was done cross
ways the corner of which it was good that it give the builders a chance to
review corners if they are forming a 90 degrees angle. Noted that from the 5th
brick course utilization of a string line is used in other to maintain level.
 17

3 CONCLUSION

This report was compiled in such an easy system of building process to

provide a clear and precise educational content for any person interested
building construction. The visits on site observing the trades being built is
insight that building to national standards is not always possible due to
specific site and adjusting standards to best suit continuation of building.
Since the contractor was fairly building according to building standards there
was no failure of built components but however we would have improved the
cost of construction by buying material prior use where there is sale, ask the
supplier to keep material for us until when asked to deliver.
 18

REFERENCE LIST

Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. 2002. Building Construction Handbook, 4th ed.

Oxon: Routledge.
Hauptfleisch, A.C. (Ed.). 2014. Basic Construction Technology. Pretoria:
Construction Economics Associates

Meredith. J. 1998. Journal of Operational Management: Building

operations management theory through case and field
Research. 441–454

South African National Standards. Site clearance [Online]. Available at:

http://sans10400.co.za/site-clearing/ [Accessed: 18 March 2016].

Thomo J.M, FEB. 2016. Personal Interview. 15 March, Johannesburg.