Chapter 8

Site Supervision

Supervision of site works is the responsibility of the contractor and requires continuing presence but the architect or engineer have a lesser responsibility to see that the standard of workmanship defined in their specification is maintained. This is usually achieved by going through the specification with the contractor (it is surprising how often the man on site has not even read it), discussing points of difficulty and contention with him and making such visits to the Site as the pace of construction demands, but, remember, the construction is being monitored not supervised.
8.1 Points to be checked

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e)

Excavation carried out to drawing dimensions, if in excess make sure proper filling is carried out. In trench-fill type construction, check that the machine has not left oversize teeth marks or crumbs at the bottom of the trench. Check that the trench has reasonably vertical sides, i.e. no greater than 1 in 75 slopes. In this type of construction if polythene, clay board or expanded polystyrene are being used on the trench sides, see that the materials have been placed so that the concrete cannot get behind them. It is the contractors responsibility not to kill any of his staff, but if the architect or engineer consider that any excavation sides are unsound or liable to fall with the next heavy rain shower, they would be well advised to give their opinion in writing. The quantity surveyor will have measured planking and strutting but the contractor may take the risk and save that cost. Likewise, see that the contractor is not likely to destroy the adjacent property. Check that the conditions at foundation formation level are compatible with the site investigation data and make any depth or width variations to the foundations if necessary. Also check the standing water level as soon as an excavation is available.
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Site Supervision

(f)

(g)
(h)

(i)
(j)

(k)

(l)
(m) (n)

Establish that there are permanent levelling reference points and grid line positions and ensure that the contractor carries out checks at intervals during construction. The levelling point is no use if it is ground subject to frost heave, swelling, etc. If a clay bottom, check with pocket penetrometer against cohesion in the Site Investigation Report. If gravel or sand check by forking and ramming a crowbar into the surface. If reinforced concrete members are to be constructed, ensure that the formation is blinded and the reinforcing cage given correct bottom and side cover as per the drawings. Do not allow unprotected sides of the excavation unless they are very stable, then shutter the concrete member or, if positively stable, cast the concrete into the excavated face allowing another 40 mm or so cover to the reinforcement. If formwork is employed, then check that it is to line and level and sufficiently robust. The concrete materials, if the concrete is mixed on site, should be stored in clean dry conditions with the cement preferably in a silo, otherwise in a shed. Batching devices should be checked for accuracy, whether by gauge boxes or weight indicator, and aggregates should be given the opportunity to drain before being used. If ready-mixed concrete is used, ensure that it is agitated until placed at site. In either method of concreting, four cubes should be taken at the point of placing and when 24 hours old removed to a storage water tank and kept at about 60F. Generally, if the contractor makes tea as soon as the architect arrives, assume that he wishes to avoid an immediate inspection. Remember that the most rewarding site visit is the one which is unannounced.