Artificial Surfaces
emphasise enough the importance for a safe contract which aligns well with one that is designed and built.
Key Testing and Certification
Quality monitoring on site is an important aspect of any project manager’s work. Both formal and informal testing should take place to ensure appropriate materials and build methodologies are utilised. Materials testing can be done in conjunction with the contractor, or by the contractor, with the results shared with the project team. Conscientious contractors will have their own testing regime in place and will only use materials from a reputable supplier with associated certifications etc. This is particularly important when using construction materials such as stone. As recycled materials become more popular, it will be important to verify the quality of such materials, avoiding anything
that is contaminated. On occasions, a formal key stage testing programme can be agreed as part of the contract so that an independent test house visits the site at key stages to verify the design solution achieved. Percolation testing of sub-base materials, for example, is not unusual to substantiate drainage designs. Other materials, such as shock pads and synthetic grasses, can also be tested in situ to ensure that they are of the requisite quality to be used in your application.
Ideally, a small sum should be budgeted for key stage testing, with the exact test schedule agreed beforehand, depending upon the project scope. This is also important for refurbishment work where existing materials are utilised as part of the refurbishment process and design. Key stage information can also be used to verify formal certification of a facility post construction. Very often, an objectively
substantiated design solution is achieved by formal testing during the defects period. I would recommend allowing the facility to settle down for a while, and sometimes to over winter, before formal testing takes place; many of the recognised governing bodies of sport have test criteria that need to be met in order for a pitch or facility to be certified to a given level. This is very common in the football arena and in other sports, such as athletics and hockey. I think formal testing is a useful measure of quality, and can also assist with promoting the facility after construction because a pre- determined standard and design solution has been achieved and verified by an independent test facility. In context of the contract value, formal testing is a relatively small investment. If one is not careful, costs for testing can run away with themselves a little, so a schedule of key tests would normally be agreed beforehand. As some readers will know, quality, over time, is impacted by maintenance, but initial build quality and performance outcomes should be measured from the onset so that benchmarking can take place as well throughout the lifespan of the facility. Next, construction techniques.
For a more detailed overview of David’s career to date, please see issue 59 of Pitchcare magazine.
David Rhodes T: 07711 846722 E:
info@tractionsports.co.uk W;
www.tractionsports.co.uk
Stop Press - we advise you to look into the proposed CDM 15 changes as this may impact on any projects that you are planning in the future.
110 I PC APRIL/MAY 2015
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