Tendering phase

In the construction industry, the tendering process is both time-consuming and fast paced.
Nevertheless, little information is available at this stage and the expectations are always high.
At the very beginning of the process, we believe the following points must be tackled for the bid to become successful:
– Understanding clients’ requirements and the project
– Setting a clear list of documents to issue.
– Attaching dates to all items.
– Constant follow-up through weekly meetings.

1. Quantities take off for structural works
   • Analyzing the structural drawings and specifications and preparing an approximate bill of quantities for individual members.
2. Phasing and sequencing for structural works.
   • Realistic high level phasing is developed in correlation with the planning of the project.
3. Presentations (2D and 3D) of construction phasing based on the planning.
   • Following the basic phasing, as per the clients requirements, a 2D or 3D presentation is produced, showing the site development, including also the temporary works (i.e. tower cranes, hoists, etc) as well as the actual building, along the timeline of the project.
4. Financial evaluations.
   • As the price of the materials is but a component of the total cost, we strive to consider all the elements to find the overall cost for the client.
   • Between the different financial solutions such as purchase, purchase + buy-back, rental or mixed and between different systems and solutions, taking into account the full costs, meaning actual price for the system, manpower, consumables, lost items, accessories and the duration of assembling, dismantling and moving the materials.
   • Taking the best financial decision requires a comprehensive comparison, putting in balance the advantages/disadvantages of the different solutions, considering the global costs, time-frame, geographic location and return policies. As the price of the materials is but a component of the total cost, we strive to consider all the elements in order to find the overall cost for the client.
5. Structure study and proposals for optimizing it with regards to its constructability.
   • Studying the structure in the tendering phase and proposing, wherever possible, an optimization with regards to its constructability, saving thus time, manpower and materials.
   • Defining the methods used for building the structure.
6. Site installation
   • Choice of structural solution (i.e. Precast VS Cast in-situ) – wherever possible.
   • Tower cranes installation and dismantling planning / forecast.
   • Estimation of the tower cranes hook time analysis
   • Phasing for the earthworks.
7. Defining the materials requirements
   Rough estimation/pricing of the temporary works needed to complete the project
   • Choice of lifting equipment: Tower cranes, mobile cranes, manual/electric winch, chainblock, etc.
   • Choice of vertical transportation/access: hoists, Mast climbers, MEWPs, Gantries.
   • Site facilities: offices, hoardings.
   • Choice of formwork (traditional (timber beams and steel wallings, panels, steel frames, climbing, self-climbing, slipform, bridges, tunnels).
   • Choice of scaffolding: tube & fittings, tube-lock, cuplock, ringlock, etc.
   • Scaffold solutions: load bearing, hanging, cantilever, special/custom-built.
   • Access scaffold: Light, medium or heavy-duty working platforms, stairs, temporary walkways, alternative access.
   • Formwork and scaffolding quantities estimation and planning of deliveries.
   • Edge protections.
   • Loading decks (supported or cantilevered).
   • Propping and backpropping requirements for the project.
   • Safety platforms rotation and estimation.
   • Support to excavations, sheet piling.
   • Lifting plans

Design phase

Optimization

1. We can help you with optimizing the structure for the construction phase. If in the structural design the optimization is focused on savings on the structural elements, we go further by considering the costs of the temporary/construction phase in the equation.
   • i.e. Optimized isolated foundations results in a lot of different foundation types. This may save a few dollars for the structure itself, but will add a lot more in the construction phase. This decision made in the design phase will actually require either an extra set of formwork on site, or to dismantle and reassemble the same set several times, depending on the scale of the project, resulting, in the end, in a higher cost.
2. Leave outs in the concrete slabs for the tower cranes, mobile cranes, hoists and their dismantling.
   • Considering the correct leave-outs in the structure can save a lot of headache in the construction phase by avoiding clashes, choosing the correct location having the smallest impact on the structure, etc – photo with rebar going out)
3. Optimizing / enhancing the structure to serve also the construction phase
   • i.e. some minor extra reinforcement in the slab could permit the access with a truck at ground floor level and thus minimizing crane hook time.
4. Defining the construction phases and the rotation of materials based on the project planning
   • The project is analyzed and, in correlation with the planning a realistic phasing will be developed in detail.
5. Defining the construction joints for the walls (horizontal and vertical), SOGs and suspended slabs.
   • Following the phasing of the project, the construction joins will be defined with respect to the planning.

Construction phase

The start of the construction phase involves a lot of effort from all parties. This time can be hectic and correct planning and management of this stage is crucial for the projects successful turnout. This is how we can help you.

Site kick-off

1. Detailed quantities take off for structural works.
   • Analyzing the structural drawings and specifications and preparing a detailed bill of quantities for individual members.
2. Phasing and sequencing for structural works.
   • During construction, the phasing developed in the design phase is further detailed in order to get a clear weekly programme for the construction of each area of the project.
3. Presentations (2D and 3D) of the phasing of the construction based on the planning..
   • Following the weekly phasing, as per the clients requirements, a 2D or 3D presentation is produced, showing the site development, including also the temporary works (i.e. tower cranes, hoists, etc) as well as the actual building, along the timeline of the project. This is updated as per the construction progress
4. Financial evaluations (or only updating the ones done in the tender stage) between the different financial solutions such as purchase, purchase + buy-back, rental or mixed.
   • As the price of the materials is but a component of the total cost, we strive to consider all the elements to find the overall cost for the client.
   • Comparisons between the different financial solutions such as purchase, purchase + buy-back, rental or mixed.
     These financial evaluations are made (or updating the ones done in the tender stage) between different systems and solutions, taking into account the full costs, meaning actual price for the system, manpower, consumables, lost items, accessories and the duration of assembling, dismantling and moving the materials.
   • If an evaluation has already been done in the tendering or design stage, when shifting to the construction phase, this is the moment when the actual decision is made. Therefore, a review and update of the financial evaluation must be done.
     If not, then a comprehensive financial evaluation must be done, putting in balance the advantages/disadvantages of the different solutions, considering the global costs, timeframe, geographic location and return policies.
5. Overall detailed estimation/pricing of the temporary works needed to complete the project
   • Detailed estimations with regards to the planning are made for all the temporary works equipments, from scaffolding and formwork to the tower cranes used on the project.
6. Material planning
   • Tower cranes installation and dismantling planning / forecast.
   • Tower crane hook time analysis.
   • Scaffold solutions: load bearing, hanging, cantilever, special/custom-built.
   • Access scaffold: Light, medium or heavy-duty working platforms, stairs, temporary walkways, alternative access.
   • Formwork and scaffolding quantities estimation and delivery planning.
   • Coordination between the different trades regarding the temporary works.
   • Formwork and scaffolding return planning.
   • Defining the construction joints for the walls, SOGs and suspended slabs.
   • Shop drawings planning (site installations, excavations, formwork, scaffolding).
   • Planning of the calculation notes.
   • Trainings on site regarding the materials handling, installation and dismantling.
   • Implementing on site a system for checking scaffolding by a 3rd party, and a striking permit system in order to cast the slabs.
   • Production of method statements list and planning for submission/approval.
   • Detailed phasing for the earthworks, following the project planning.
   • Backpropping calculation notes and shop drawings list and planning.
7. Defining the materials requirements
   • Choice of lifting equipment: Tower cranes, mobile cranes, manual/electric winch, chainblock, etc.
   • Site facilities: offices, hoardings.
   • Choice of vertical transportation/access: hoists, Mast climbers, MEWPs, Gantries.
   • Choice of formwork (traditional, panels, steel frames, climbing, self-climbing, slipform, bridges, tunnels).
   • Choice of scaffolding: tube & fittings, tube-lock, cuplock, ringlock, etc.
   • Edge protections.
   • Propping and backpropping needs.
   • Loading decks (supported or cantilever).
   • Support to excavations, sheet pilling.
   • Defining the construction phases and the rotation of materials based on the project planning.
   • Safety platforms rotation
8. Method Statements
   • Drafting a list and planning for the required method statements related to the temporary works for the whole project duration.

Support during construction

1. Planning and sequencing follow-up updating for structural works.
   • We believe a good planning must go together with a close follow-up will insure any unforeseen delays are mitigated at the earliest time possible.
2. 2D and 3D presentations follow-up and updating of the phasing of the construction based on the planning.
   • The visual presentations comparing the planning to the actual advancement of the project is the best solution that will make the client understand there the project stands at a certain moment.
3. Site management
   • Materials inspections on delivery.
   • Follow up on the system for checking scaffolding by a 3rd party, and a striking permit system in order to cast the slabs.
   • Constant coordination between the different trades regarding the temporary works.
4. Method Statements
   • Issuing and follow-up the method statements for the temporary works related activities until approved by the client and issued to site.
5. Shop drawings and calculation notes
   • Tower cranes / hoists relocation.
   • Tower cranes dismantling plans
   • Production of the shop drawings for phasing, formwork, scaffolding, propping and edge protection following the planning.
   • Producing the shop drawings for the working platforms.
   • Production of shop drawings for site installations (including tower cranes, hoist, laydown areas, site access routes), excavations.
   • Producing of the calculation notes according to the planning.
   • Producing the shop drawings for safety platforms rotation and their follow-up according to the planning.
   • Producing the backpropping calculation notes and shop drawings and follow-up.
   • Detailed lifting plans.

Site completion

1. Usually, at the end of a large construction site there will be endless discussions regarding the state of materials and either these can be accepted or rejected by the supplier. All this can be limited to a minimum, if not entirely removed, by  thoroughly checking of the materials when they are delivered on site.
2. On-site support for materials return, inspection and joint inspection with the supplier’s representative, insuring the correct assessment of the state of materials