Mumbai University > Civil Engineering > SEM 8 > Construction Management

Marks: 10M

Project:

An activity that has a beginning and an end which is carried out to achieve a particular purpose to set a quality within given time constraints and cost limits.

The various stages/phases through which a construction projects has to pass are as follows:

1. Conceptual/Feasibility /Briefing Phases:

   This is the initial phase in the life cycle of a construction project. It is further divided into:

   a. Conceptual analysis

   b. Technical and economic feasibility study

   c. Environmental impact report.

   The factors that are generally considered for this phase are location availability of energy, transportation, economic and technical viability etc.

2. Engineering Design phase:

   This is further divided into: Preliminary engineering design and Detailed engineering design. In the preliminary phase, various technological alternatives are evaluated and comparative studies are undertaken. In the detail phase, the structure is designed and drawings and specifications are prepared. Agencies involved are Engineers and Architects.

3. Bidding/Negotiating/Tendering phase:

   This stage indicates that the owner is accepting bids from general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers. Plans may or may not be complete while bidding is in process. When this is the case, you may see a dual project stage selection such as Bidding and Planning/Final Planning as some phases of the project may be bidding while other phases are still under design.  

4. Construction:

   In this phase, the plans and specifications are converted into actual physical structure. Here, all the resources are organized and coordinated to complete the project within schedule and budget. Agencies involved are Engineers and contractors.

5. Closeout/Occupancy Phase:

   The objective of this final phase in project delivery is to facilitate and coordinate occupancy and turnover of the facility to the client as well as transferring responsibility for maintaining the facility to facilities management. An agency involved is owner. The structure is utilized for the purpose for which it was built.

6. Maintenance Phase:

   In this phase, the repairs and restoration work is undertaken and it continues throughout the useful life of the structure. Agencies involved are engineers and contractors.

7. Requirement/Replacement Phase:

   In this phase, the structure is put of use and replaced with a similar one after it has exceeded its useful life. An agency involved is owner.