CEPROF 425 Prelim Notes

1. INITIATION PHASE
Importance of the Initiation Phase
a. Setting the Foundation for Success:
b. Ensuring Project Viability:
c. Aligning Stakeholder Expectations:
d. Accurate Budgeting and Cost Estimation:
e. Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning:
f. Enhancing Project Transparency:

Project Identification Phase: Unveiling the Blueprint for Success

The project identification phase is the initial step in the construction project cycle where the essential
groundwork is laid to define, conceptualize, and understand the project in its entirety. This phase ensures alignment
with organizational objectives, minimizes uncertainties, and establishes a clear roadmap for successful project
completion by defining the project's purpose, scope, stakeholders, and initial parameters.

2. PLANNING DESIGN PHASE

The planning and design phase of the project construction cycle refers to the initial stages of a construction
project where comprehensive planning, analysis, and design activities are conducted to establish the groundwork for
the project's successful execution. During this phase, project stakeholders work together to define project
objectives, assess feasibility, and develop detailed plans and specifications that guide the subsequent construction
and implementation stages

 SITE INVESTIGATION
Site investigations are conducted to gather information about the physical, geological, and environmental
characteristics of the project site.
a. TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY - Mapping the surface features and contours of the site.
b. Subsurface Exploration - Drilling boreholes, conducting soil tests, and collecting samples to understand the
soil and rock composition beneath the surface.
c. Environmental Assessments - Identifying potential environmental hazards or constraints on the site.
d. Geological Surveys - Studying the geological formations and understanding the seismic and geological risks.

 Geotechnical Analysis
Geotechnical analysis involves the interpretation of site investigation data to assess the soil's engineering
properties and its behavior under different loading conditions
a. Soil Classification - Categorizing soil types based on their particle size and composition.
b. SHEAR STRENGTH ANALYSIS - Determining the soil's resistance to shear forces, critical for foundation design.
c. SETTLEMENT ANALYSIS - Evaluating potential ground settlement under the applied loads
d. BEARING CAPACITY ANALYSIS - Assessing the ability of the soil to support the loads from structures.

 Architectural Design
Focuses on the aesthetics, functionality, and spatial aspects of the project.
a. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN - Developing initial design ideas and sketches.
b. SPACE PLANNING - Organizing interior and exterior spaces to optimize functionality.
c. AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS - Selecting materials, colors, and textures to achieve the desired visual appeal
d. REGULATORY COMPLAINCE - Ensuring the design complies with building codes and zoning regulations.

 Engineering Design
Focuses on the technical aspects of the project, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and adherence to
engineering principles
a. STRUCTURAL DESIGN - Determining the size and configuration of structural elements to support loads.
b. MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, AND PLUMBING DESIGN - Planning and integrating systems for heating,
ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, plumbing, and electrical services.
c. SITE DESIGN - Addressing issues related to grading, drainage, and utilities.
d. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATION - Detailing the materials to be used and the construction
methods to be employed.

Permitting and Approval Process

First Step →Research and Understanding
Identify and understand the specific permits and approvals required for the project based on local
zoning laws, environmental regulations, and building codes.

Second Step →Application Preparation

Develop comprehensive permit applications that include detailed project plans, environmental
impact assessments, and other required documentation. This often involves collaboration between the
project team and regulatory bodies.

Third Step →Submission

Submit the permit applications to the appropriate regulatory agencies. This may involve public
hearings or reviews, depending on the scale and nature of the project.

Fourth Step →Review Process

Break down the entire construction project into smaller activities or tasks. This includes both design
and construction-related tasks.

Fifth Step →Approval

Once the regulatory agencies are satisfied with the project's compliance, they issue the necessary
permits and approvals. This signifies permission to proceed with the construction phase.

Last Step →Conditions and Mitigations

Authorities may impose specific conditions or mitigation measures that the project must adhere to
during construction to address environmental or community concerns.

Construction Scheduling and Sequencing

 Activity Identification
 Task Dependency
 Duration Estimation
 Critical Path Analysis
 Resource Allocation
 Sequencing
 Schedule Development
 Buffer Management

3. PROCUREMENT AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE

BIDDING AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION
During the bidding and contractor selection process, potential contractors submit proposals outlining
their qualifications, proposed approach, schedule, and cost estimates for completing the project.

Steps/Procedure
1. Advertisement: The project owner advertises the project, inviting interested contractors to submit bids. This can
be done through public notices, online platforms, or invitations to prequalified contractors.
2. Prequalification: Interested contractors may need to undergo a prequalification process to ensure they meet
certain criteria, such as experience, financial stability, and relevant certifications.
3. Bid documents: The project owner prepares bid documents outlining the project scope, specifications, schedule,
and any other requirements. These documents are provided to interested contractor for them to prepare their
bids.
4. Site visit: Contractors may visit the project site to assess the condition and better understand the scope of work
before submitting their bids.
5. Bid submission: Contractors submit their bids by the specified deadline, including detail such as pricing proposed
schedule, qualifications, and any additional information required by the bid documents.
6. Bid evaluation: The project owner evaluates the bids based on various factors, including the price, experience,
technical approach, schedule, and past performance. This evaluation may involve reviewing bid documents,
conducting interviews, and checking references.
7. Contractor selection: After evaluating the bids, the project owner selects the contractor deemed most suitable
for the project based on the evaluation criteria. This decision is typically communicated to the selected
contractor, and contract negotiations may begin.
 8. Contractor award: Once contract negotiations are complete and both parties agree on the terms, the project
owner awards the contract to the selected contractor. This formalizes the agreement between the parties and
marks the beginning of the construction phase.

4. Performance and Monitoring Phase

Refers to the stage where project stakeholders closely observe and assess the progress, quality, and
adherence to specifications of the construction activities.

This phase involves

A. Construction progress monitoring and reporting.
Refers to the processes of tracking, measuring, and communicating the advancement of
construction projects. This allows project managers, owners, and other stakeholders to assess how the
project is progressing compared to the original schedule and budget
a. During construction, the project team regularly collects data on the completion status of scheduled
activities. This may involve visual inspections, progress photos, surveys, and updates from
subcontractors.
b. The construction manager analyzes this data to determine the percentage of work completed for
each activity. Activities started but not yet finished are also documented.
c. The manager compares the actual status against the baseline schedule to identify any variances. For
example, excavation may be 5 days behind schedule while framing is 3 days ahead.
d. The manager summarizes the progress data and variances in periodic status reports (e.g. weekly or
monthly). Reports are circulated to the owner, architect, and other stakeholders.
e. Status reports highlight accomplishments, delays, change orders, and other relevant activities. They
recommend actions like reallocating resources or resequencing work to mitigate delays.
f. Progress data is used to update the master schedule. Work completed to-date is locked in, while
future activities are reforecasted based on current performance trends. This keeps the schedule
realistic.
g. Over the course of the project, the regular monitoring and reporting provides an early warning
system for potential problems. It also allows for adjustments to keep the project on track for on-time
and on-budget completion.

B. Quality assurance and testing procedures

Refer to the systematic processes for ensuring the completed work and materials meet the
specified standards of quality for the project.
a. Concrete testing - Concrete cylinders are cast and tested to verify the compressive strength meets
the minimum required strength specification.
b. Rebar inspection - Rebar is visually inspected to ensure the proper size, spacing, and lengths are
installed according to the structural drawings. Proper overlaps and clearances are checked.
c. Structural steel inspection - Structural steel connections are inspected to verify bolt tightness, welds
meet visual acceptance criteria, and beam/column alignments are within tolerance.
d. Masonry inspection - Masonry units and mortar joints are inspected to ensure proper installation.
Mortar compressive strength may be tested via cube samples. Reinforcing is checked for size and
placement.
e. Fireproofing inspection - Fireproofing thickness on structural steel is measured to verify the required
thickness per drawings has been applied.
f. Roof inspection - Roof membrane seams are inspected to ensure proper heat welding. Fastener
spacing, penetrations, and perimeter details are checked against specifications. Flood testing can
identify leaks.
g. Pressure testing - Piping systems are pressure tested to verify they can hold required pressures
without leaks using hydrostatic or pneumatic methods.
h. Equipment testing - Equipment like elevators, generators, pumps, etc. are functionally tested under
start-up conditions to verify proper operations. Performance metrics are verified.
i. Commissioning - Systems are tested to verify performance metrics like airflow, temperature,
pressure, flow rates, etc. meet design specifications under actual operating conditions

C. System commissioning and handover.

Refers to the process of testing and tuning building systems to ensure they are functioning
properly before the building is occupied.
 D. Warranty and maintenance considerations.
Refer to the steps and processes taken by the contractor and owner to ensure that all installed
equipment, materials, and systems are properly maintained and able to perform as intended during the
warranty period after project completion.

In summary, the performance and monitoring phase in construction involves diligent oversight and management of
progress, quality, commissioning, and maintenance activities to ensure the successful completion and long-term viability
of construction projects

5. PROJECT CLOSURE PHASE

The project closure phase is a crucial part of the construction project cycle, marking the formal
completion and handover of the project. It involves several key activities to ensure that all aspects of the project
are wrapped up efficiently and effectively.
Here are the main components of the project closure phase in a construction project:
A. Final documentation and record keeping
Final documentation and record-keeping during the project closure phase are critical to ensure that all
project-related information is organized, accessible, and can be used for future reference, audits, or
maintenance.

Here is a guide on the final documentation and record-keeping process during the project closure phase:
a. Here is a guide on the final documentation and record-keeping process during the project closure phase:
b. Organize documentation
c. Digital and physical storage
d. Data security and access control
e. Project summary report
f. Handover documentation to the client

B. Contract closeout and financial settlement

Contract closeout and financial settlement are crucial components of the project closure phase in
construction projects. These activities involve the finalization of contractual obligations, settling financial
matters, and ensuring that all parties involved in the project are satisfied with the financial aspects.

Here's a detailed guide on contract closeout and financial settlement in the project closure phase:
a. Contract closeout
i. Review contractual obligations:
ii. Final inspection and acceptance:
iii. Documentation verification
iv. Legal and regulatory compliance
v. Closeout meeting
b. Financial settlement:
i. Final invoice and payment:
ii. Contractual payments
iii. Audit and compliance
iv. Final financial report
v. Client financial settlement
vi. Closure of financial accounts
vii.Legal and contractual compliance

C. Stake holder debriefing and feedback

Stakeholder debriefing and feedback in the project closure phase are essential for gathering insights,
lessons learned, and feedback from various project participants. This process helps improve future projects,
build stronger relationships, and ensure the overall success of the project.

Here's a guide on how to conduct stakeholder debriefing and gather feedback during the project closure
phase:
a. Identify key stakeholders
b. Communication plan
c. Schedule debriefing sessions
d. Prepare debriefing materials
 e. Project review and highlights
f. Lessons learned
g. Feedback collection
h. Client satisfaction

COST OVERRUNS
A situation where the total expenses incurred during a project, both direct (hard costs) and indirect (soft costs),
surpass the initially planned budget. Cost overruns can happen due to a variety of reasons, either stemming from factors
within the organization (internal) or from external influences.

Factors that causes over runs

a. Poor planning
b. Inaccurate estimates
c. Change orders
d. Material price fluctuations

Consequences of cost overruns

Financial losses: overspending on a project can strain budgets and lead to financial losses for the organization.
Project delays: cost overruns often result in delays as teams scramble to secure additional funding or resources to
complete the project.
Reputational damage: failing to deliver a project within budget can tarnish the reputation of the organization, leading to
loss of trust among stakeholders and clients.

Strategies for preventing cost overruns

Detailed planning
Risk assessments
Effective communication