Constructability is a fancy word for - does the design make logical sense. Building design has a different constructability criteria from a bridge.
I typically check for two things: Access, Safety and Redundant Work.
- Access: Is the pipe located underground, next to any other utility? What is the depth that has been specified - is this too deep for an excavation, and is there risk that other structure is affected by the excavation? On above grade pipe / electrical - how will the guys access the installation space? Is there equipment currently impeding access for a ladder? What does someone need to install the pipe? How big is the pipe and is the door wide enough for that pipe?
- Safety: Is there risks of cave-in on underground pipe installation? Is there electrical cable deep enough, or perhaps too deep? Is the electrical cable crossing any roads? If so, will there be risks of exposed electrical cable due to vehicle crossing over and over again? Is there sufficient clearance if it's above grade? If it's inside, will there be risks of anyone hitting their head on the pipe / cable?
- Redundant Work: Sometimes the pipe routing doesn't make sense because it's done by some cad tech just looking at the interference report in Navisworks. Look for pipes that crosses left, and then right again (less elbows = better).
In the beginning of my career, these things felt overwhelming, because I don't know what I don't know. How wide is a truck? How long? How much space does a person need to navigate around something? Once you have been on a construction site long enough, you'll have that feel too :)
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Eka Linwood P.E., M.ASCE
Overland Park KS
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2021 12:30 PM
From: Richard Canada
Subject: Constructibility Design Review
Good Morning
I'm a Civil student and have been tasked with a project to review a 100% construction submittal for constructibility. This is for a simple pipe installation and some electrical. I think it would helpful to have a checklist. Does anyone have a review checklist for construction that they can provide?
Thanks
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Richard Canada
Project Engineer
Balfour Beatty
Hurst TX
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