THE VALUE OF EARLY COLLABORATION

Timing can make or break a construction project – and nowhere is this more evident than in the planning and integration of temporary works.

Despite their critical role, temporary works can still often be an afterthought, introduced well after key design decisions have already been made. Here, Wayne Fisher, International Business Development Director at MH International explores the value of early engagement within temporary works.

With over 60 years’ experience in the industry, we understand the value of specifying temporary works at the early stages of a project, taking a proactive approach and contributing to a better-informed design.

Timing is everything
Put simply, timing is everything. This is the same across every construction project – and temporary works are no different. While it may seem like common sense for temporary works to be included in the initial strategy stage of a project, the reality can be very different, brought in after the permanent design has been approved or even once work on site has already begun. Unsurprisingly, being involved so late on in the construction sequence has the potential to cause considerable issues, both for a project’s budget, carbon footprint and timeline.

We regularly see first-hand the value that considering and visualising temporary works at the early stage of a project can deliver. It is for this reason that we always advocate taking a proactive approach to temporary works and encourage our customers to do the same.

Collaboration
Perhaps the chief benefit of incorporating temporary works at the initial strategy stage of a project is achieving a better-informed design – both of the temporary scheme and the permanent works. Rather than being provided with the final model and designing the temporary works in and around the planned permanent structure, the permanent and the temporary can be designed together as one. By visualising them in conjunction, construction teams can better plan and prepare, with the ability to detect and solve potential clashes, consider design efficiencies and streamline the overall process.

As well as contributing to the successful delivery of projects (i.e., on time and on budget), incorporating temporary works early on in a project can also have a positive impact on health and safety. With a clear visualisation of the proposed scheme, contractors can better identify and mitigate any potential hazards and risks, which in turn improves efficiency; saves time and costs; and maintains the highest level of safety.

Design
Whether it’s a simple scheme design or using 3D modelling software, design should be at the forefront. Using the latest technology, we help our customers design winning bids, reduce the costs of construction, minimise rework, speed up delivery and improve safety.

By visualising the temporary and permanent together using augmented reality design tools (such as our immersive EVE design solution), teams can better plan and prepare, including being able to foresee any technical challenges or design considerations that must be overcome. With an emphasis on open collaboration, we offer numerous assets, including AutoCAD and Revit BIM files and comprehensive technical data for our range of equipment, allowing for easier kit specifications.

Out on site
Once a project reaches site, this shouldn’t mark the end of the collaboration. If anything, support is even more critical here. From liaising with site teams to ensure the kit is delivered at the right time, in the right sequence, and providing monitoring solutions to provide insight into the behaviour of your structure or building environment, to assessing the completed assembly and providing a handover certificate. Choosing a temporary works supplier who has in-house installation teams can help to further reduce project complexity and alleviate risks and delays.

MH International
We are committed to providing engineered, bespoke temporary works solutions that transform vision into reality. With extensive expertise across civil infrastructure and building sectors, our capabilities encompass groundworks support, propping, jacking, temporary access and temporary bridging.

With a full-service offering, we’re ready to help at all stages of a construction project, from design and supply through to on-site installation and monitoring. Plus, our new Ireland depot (located in Portlaoise) and dedicated Irish support team makes it even easier to benefit from our high-quality of service.

For more information, please visit: link

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE