MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
Priorities for effective groundworks addressed
Declan Armour, managing director of Shanco Contracts, explains the importance of effective groundworks for modular builds, and how to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
The speed and ease of modular construction are two of its major benefits for the healthcare sector. Facilities can be expanded quickly, safely, and efficiently, minimising disruption for patients and staff. However, the success of a modular building project relies on several elements, and one of the most important is the groundworks. Poor planning and inadequate site research can diminish some of the benefits of offsite construction, leading to programme delays and unexpected costs. To avoid these risks and drive efficiencies across the project, there are a number of considerations for facilities and project managers.
Reduced level dig works for a hospital project.
Engage early An experienced groundworks contractor should be involved in a modular build project at the earliest opportunity – ideally the tender stage. This enables any potential challenges which could affect the construction programme and costs, to be identified from the outset. To assist with this process, a
groundworks contractor should be provided with as much information as possible about the site and the building’s design. This means that all eventualities can be considered, and if necessary, incorporated into the budget and the projected duration of the project. For example, limited site access may
affect the type of plant and equipment that could be used for groundworks, which in turn may impact on the overall construction programme. Similarly, constrained sites may present difficulties for work further down the line, limiting space for jobs such as the building
installation or cladding and roofing, as well as the crane and access equipment required to carry them out. Like most large construction projects, modular builds are likely to require alterations to the site’s entry, surrounding roads, and drainage connections. These elements, including the required approvals, should also be considered during the planning stage to avoid costly delays.
Allow sufficient time As with most methods of construction, a modular design will often raise questions for a groundworks contractor, so it is key that enough time is factored into the programme for these issues and information to be processed and addressed. Even the most experienced modular designer may not have the information available to consider every detail in relation to groundworks. such as drainage connections, workable project
phasing, and operations planning. By allowing sufficient time, a groundworker will be able to advise on all these issues, as well as solutions that could generate better efficiencies and minimise disruption.
Establish ground conditions No matter how poor the ground conditions, it should be possible to create a foundation solution that supports the modular structure. However, it is essential to investigate the site at the earliest opportunity to identify any potential problems, and how these can be resolved. The type and condition of the ground
will determine what foundations will be required to support the structure. For example, if the ground consists of clay, this can be problematic for water retention and drainage. This may require additional measures to be put in place to control surface water, such as the installation of attenuation tanks and SUDS designs. Clay may also mean that the ground has
less load-bearing capacity, so specialist piling solutions could be required. Similarly, sandy and loose soils can present comparable challenges in terms of the stability of foundations.
Dealing with poor ground conditions A modular project for a Bolton hospital highlights the potential impact of ground conditions on projects. Working within a highly constrained site next to the main hospital building, we had to Casting reinforced concrete pads and plinths for a new modular palliative care building. overcome several challenges to deliver
44 Health Estate Journal March 2022
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