| Author | Post |
|---|
gonewtwind Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 137 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Fri Jul 18th, 2008 10:34 pm |
|
I got a practice question about how to handle the scheduling and construction method if the project is located at a site with extreme climate.
Is this a tricky question? Since architects are not responsible for construction method, I shouldn't provide any direction in this aspect. Correct?
The only answer I could think of is to advice the client to have the design, documentation and permitting phase to occur during the season at which extreme climate would occur and try to schedule the construction so that excavation and foundation pouring would occur during the months at which extreme climate would less likely occur.
Would this is a good response?
Thanks.
|
Coach Member

| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 5083 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Architect |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Fri Jul 18th, 2008 11:12 pm |
|
| We dictate construciton methods all the time. Check out a spec book.
|
gonewtwind Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 137 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Fri Jul 18th, 2008 11:19 pm |
|
I'm confused, it seems that the question is asking about construction method on site, in terms of the handling during rainy season or snow blizzard, do architects make recommendations on that?
But you brought a good point, the spec. should have provision on the handling and storage of the particular product and material.
|
Coach Member

| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 5083 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Architect |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Fri Jul 18th, 2008 11:58 pm |
|
gonewtwind wrote: I'm confused, it seems that the question is asking about construction method on site, in terms of the handling during rainy season or snow blizzard, do architects make recommendations on that?
But you brought a good point, the spec. should have provision on the handling and storage of the particular product and material. We not only recommend, we dictate. To answer this question, you can address the start time as you suggested, but also remember that some extreme climates are not seasonal -- think about an oceanfront restaurant or a desert motel. So it's important to address material selection and construction methods. Not a lot of specifics, just acknowledge the need for appropriateness and care, manufacturer recommendations, keeping warranties intact, safety, durability, etc.
|
gonewtwind Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 137 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Sat Jul 19th, 2008 01:43 am |
|
Thanks Coach.
So to answer the question, I would say that I would obtain the construction method from the manufacturer of the product and material and state them in the specification.
But what about scheduling? It should also be delineated in the spec?
|
Coach Member

| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 5083 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | Architect |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Sat Jul 19th, 2008 04:19 am |
|
gonewtwind wrote: Thanks Coach.
So to answer the question, I would say that I would obtain the construction method from the manufacturer of the product and material and state them in the specification. Think broader. Select materials and methods based on standard practices and manufacturer recommendations. But what about scheduling? It should also be delineated in the spec? Schedules are established by contract all the time. From deciding when to go out to bid, to specifying start dates and durations. Also, the specs may call for specific scheduling based on momentary climate conditions -- time of day, temperature, relative humidity... You may also throw out the good ol' consultant wildcard. "I may determine that I will need to hire or contract with a marine structure specialist, or, a cold climate expert. If it's a pre-design question, you may want to say you'll wear a heavy coat.
|
el_capitano Member
| Joined: | Wed May 14th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 79 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Sat Jul 19th, 2008 04:48 am |
|
gonewtwind,
I think what you mentioned in the very beginning was right : the GC is responsible for construction schedule. Architect should stay away from advising the client when and how to start the construction. The only thing the architect should remind the owner is that most jurisdictions require the construction to start within 180 days after the permit is issued.
The sites special issues such as legal, administrative, physical and climatic conditions are mentioned in the supplementary conditions. It is between the owner and the GC, but the architect must be aware of the provisions.
Construction schdule can always be changed by a change order anyway.
Last edited on Sat Jul 19th, 2008 05:46 am by el_capitano
|
gonewtwind Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 137 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Sat Jul 19th, 2008 04:51 am |
|
oh, this makes more sense now, thanks Coach!
|
skyhook Member

| Joined: | Sat Mar 15th, 2008 |
| Location: | CA |
| Posts: | 358 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP | | Describes Me: | support where beam or wall not available |
| Status: |
Online
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Thu Aug 14th, 2008 12:31 am |
|
| if liquidated damages are part of the construction contract, documenting work days lost due to weather is also necessary.
|
swedishduck Member
| Joined: | Tue Aug 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | San Diego |
| Posts: | 126 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
| Mana: |     |
|
Posted: Fri Aug 15th, 2008 10:13 pm |
|
There's two parts to your question of scheduling/construction methods. As for construction methods, your specs deal with this in such cases as concrete must cure for X days, etc. Material and method specific issues.
The construction schedule at large is up to the contractor. If the concrete must be poured in the dry season to avoid delays, that's the contractor's responsibility. You, as the architect, could advise the client of the existence of such issues at the beginning of the project.
|
 Current time is 03:37 am | |
|