SITE PREPARATION-A

Site Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Started

Introduction :

A pivotal part of any construction project lies in site preparation. Regardless of the site being a natural or developed one, it undergoes several transformations to accommodate the proposed development. This involves clearing, surveying, evaluating, and setting up the site to embrace the upcoming construction. Let's delve into the two main cases of site preparation- for a natural site and for a partially/ fully developed one.

Site preparation is the general procedure of preparing the site under consideration for the proposed construction work. This involves the various steps to get the site ready to take up the construction. Be it a natural site or a developed site, it has to undergo changes to welcome the project proposal. It is always ideal to clear and survey the site before proceeding with the design proposal. And after the proposal, the site is further set up to take the construction process. Let’s consider Case 1 which is a natural site and another Case 2 which is a partially or fully developed site and learn how to do the preparation process.

Case 1-NATURAL SITE

Step 1-Clearing the site

The common character of a natural site is the natural vegetation like trees, bushes, weeds and outgrowths etc. The ground is bound to be uneven and irregular. Hence along with the client, one has to decide on which trees have to be retained (Large and well grown trees in huge developments can be retained. However in small developments the inherent trees will have to be uprooted as they may hinder the construction.)The weeds and bushy outgrowths will have to be cleared. After this, the rough surface will have to be graded. So the earth will have to moved and levelled. Although, the major contours on site could be retained as a site feature.

What are the details to be shown in a site plan to serve its purpose?

The site plan is used for fetching the following data. Hence it is important to incorporate the same in the site plan.

Step 2-Site Evaluation

thorough inspection of the site is mandatory thus documenting the raw data of the site. It will be helpful to test the soil for their Safe Bearing Capacity otherwise called SBC. If needed, in large developments a Geotechnical Survey can be devised to understand the different types of soil within the site and their impact on the proposed construction.

Step 3-Site survey

The cleared up site is surveyed by a registered surveyor to arrive at the site drawings with proper site measurements. In case of the presence of natural features like water bodies, the same should be documented in the site measurement drawing. It is after this stage, the prepared drawing is shared with the designer for their design proposal. On the receipt of Good for Construction Drawings (GFC), one can proceed with the upcoming stages.

Step 4-Developing the Site Plan

With the help of the Site Plan in design proposal, the various facilities within the precinct are marked out which shall include the to be built structures, site drainage and septic lines with manholes, storm water drain lines, rain water harvesting systems, bore well and water sourcing facilities, etc.

Step 5-Site approach and temporary store

Raising site boundary to avoid spreading of construction dust and noise will be required. When doing so the entry and exit for construction material delivery, construction machineries and manpower has to be provided. This will aid smooth flow of traffic for men and materials along with the machineries. Also a closed area for storing the construction materials will have to be erected along with basic rest room facilities.

Step 6-Installing the site drainage system

At the time of excavation, there will be a need for dewatering of ground water. The site may need some type of embankments or fences to stop the soil from being washed to the roads at the time of rains. This must be installed before the actual construction starts.

Step 7-Grading and Compacting

The earth in the site can be moved and compacted in order to facilitate the upcoming development. Cut and fill methods for site with contours may have to be executed in line with proposed design solution.

Case 2-PARTIALLY/FULLY DEVELOPED SITE

Step 1-Existing Site & building Survey

The existing permanent and temporary structures are documented along with the site measurements. After which a demolition plan will be proposed after due discussion with the stake holders.

Step 2-Demolition plan and intimations

Due intimation has to be given to the Planning authorities. The exiting electrical and sewage lines will have to be disconnected by the respective authorities before the actual demolition.

Step 3-Building demolition and carting away of debris

The demolition is carried over with manpower and machinery, as per proposal with appropriate safety measures. The debris thus obtained has to carted away to leave a clear site. Along with this the unnecessary vegetation can also be cleared and carted away. Onwards, one can proceed with Step-2 Site Evaluation as in a Natural Site development. The remaining steps are the same as in Case 1.

In conclusion Understanding and implementing these steps of site preparation ensures a smooth construction process, saving time, effort, and resources. It underscores the saying, a good start is half the work done.