0137033451 pp1

Copyright ©2011, 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]

Construction Methods and Management, 8th ed.S. W. Nunnally

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION



THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

• The construction industry is one of the largest industries in the United States, historically accounting for about 10% of the nation’s gross national product and employing some 10 million workers.

• It is widely recognized that construction as a discipline is a combination of art and science.




• Construction Contractors– Companies and individuals engaged in the

business of construction are commonly referred to as construction contractors because they operate under a contract arrangement with the owner.




• Construction Industry Divisions– The major divisions

of the construction industry consist of building construction (also called “vertical construction”) and heavy construction (also called “horizontal construction”). FIGURE 1-2. Distribution of U.S. new

construction volume. (Source: Bureau of the Census)




FIGURE 1-3. Modern building construction project.




FIGURE 1-4. Heavy construction project—Kennedy Space Center launch complex. (U.S. Air Force photograph)



THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

• Project Development and Contract Procedures– The major steps in the construction

contracting process include bid solicitation, bid preparation, bid submission, contract award, and contract administration.




• For major projects, steps in the project development process include the following:– Recognizing the need for the project.– Determining the technical and financial

feasibility of the project.– Preparing detailed plans, specifications,

and cost estimates for the project.– Obtaining approval from regulatory

agencies.




• How Construction Is Accomplished– Construction employing an owner

construction force.– Owner management of construction.– Construction by a general contractor.– Construction using a design/build (turnkey)

contract.– Construction utilizing a construction

management contract.




FIGURE 1-5. Construction employing owner construction forces.

FIGURE 1-6. Owner-managed construction. [Either (a) or (b) or both may be employed.]




FIGURE 1-7. Construction by a general contractor.




FIGURE 1-8. Construction employing a design/build firm.




FIGURE 1-9. Construction utilizing a construction management contract.



CODES AND REGULATIONS

• Projects constructed in most areas of the United States must comply with a number of governmental regulations. – These include building codes, zoning

regulations, environmental regulations, and contractor licensing laws, among others.



CODES AND REGULATIONS

• Building Codes

• Zoning, Environmental, and Other Regulations



STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

• Construction Productivity• Reducing Construction Costs

– Good work planning.– Carefully selecting and training workers and managers.– Efficiently scheduling labor, materials, and equipment.– Properly organizing work.– Using laborsaving techniques, such as prefabrication and

preassembly.– Minimizing rework through timely quality control.– Preventing accidents through good safety procedures.



CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

• Elements of Construction Management

• Quality Management

• Safety and Health

• Organization for Construction

• Reasons for Construction Company Failure

• Use of Computers



CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

FIGURE 1-10. Representative construction company organization chart.



CONSTRUCTION TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

• Construction Trends

• Problems and Prospects

0137033451 pp1

Documents