Constraints

A constraint is a condition, agency or force that impedes progress

towards an objective or goal.

Constraints should be identified, and described in as much detail as

possible during the early stages of a project, so that awareness of
them and their potential impact can be managed. This includes
understanding the dynamics of the project, and how different
constraints interrelate.

There are a number of different types of constraint that can affect

construction projects.

Design Constraints
Design constraints are factors that limit the range of potential design
solutions. In the early stage of a project only some of these constraints
may be known, while others become apparent as the design
progresses.
These could include (among many others):
Available technology, plant, materials, labour and so on.
The budget.
Specific performance requirements.
Site form, boundaries and conditions.
Neighbouring properties.
Access.
Planning and building regulations restrictions.
Completion date.
It is often argued that design constraints are helpful in the
development of a design, as they limit the number of feasible options
and point towards an obvious solution. In the absence of an constraints
at all, it can be difficult to know where to start, or to justify developing
one particular solution in preference to any others.
Technical Constraints
Technical constraints generally refer to the processes involved in
completing construction activities, and are often based on the
practicality of building methods and standards. For example, in
constructing a foundation, the site must be leveled before excavation
can take place; then formwork can be placed as well as rebar before
concrete is poured. Each task must be completed before the next can
begin; therefore each task acts as a constraint on the next task.

Other technical constrains may relate to-

construction tolerances,
space required for builders work,
available storage or handling areas,
site access routes,
co-ordination of services and so on.
electrical wiring,
ventilation ductwork,
fire services and plumber works with further complication of
broadband alignment,
telephoning system and
security system give rise to technical constraints that demand
coordination and collaboration of multi- parties in terms of design
and construction.

Economic Constraints
Economic constraints relate to the project budget and the allocation of
resources. If the budget is inadequate, or is allocated inappropriately,
then it can have a negative impact on the success of the project in
terms of quality, safety, functionality and performance.
Construction projects are generally a balance between time, cost and
quality. A change in one will impact on the other two.
Economic constraints relate not just to the overall budget, but also to
the cash flow through the supply chain. Clients must have available
funds to pay for works as they proceed, and prompt payments must be
made through the contractual chain. Cash flow is one of the main
causes of bankruptcy in the construction industry, and having to find
new contractors, subcontractors or suppliers part way through a
project can cause very significant delays and additional costs.

Management Constraints

These can include particular shift patterns, overtime requirements,

resource allocation, safety procedures, working practices, and so on.

Legal Constraints
Legal constraints refer to the many regulations that the activities and
practices on a construction project must conform to. These most
commonly relate to employment law, safety requirements, planning
and building regulations requirements, environmental requirements,
and so on. As prohibited by law, certain types of construction work
could not be carried out during Sunday and public holidays. From the
other perspective, when there are new regulations published in India,
which is not infrequent due to the recent construction industry reform
bill, the project have to update the project schedule now and again to
comply with the new regulations. As for the impact of the legal
constraints, from one side, it may affect the schedule and lead to
project delay.

Failure to conform to legal constraints can have a considerable

negative impact on a project, both in terms of delay, financial penalties
and possible criminal proceedings.
Time Constraints
These include key dates on the project schedule or project milestones.
Conforming to these date constraints is often very important in terms
of the overall project completion.
Constraints can specify the earliest date on which a task should be
completed (no earlier than); the date by which a task should be
completed (no later than); and the exact date on which a task must
be completed (on this date).
Phased projects may include multiple start and completion dates, with
penalties if dates are missed.

Environmental Constraint
The public concern and regulations require the environment to be
protected such as air protection, tree preservation, traffic limit, noise
control and so on. In the planning and design stage of the project, the
responsible people need to go to the Environmental Department to
apply for the approval/justification for the project. This takes time and
will affect the project progress. If the approval is not obtained on time,
the whole project will be delayed, or could not be carried out. There are
also other technical constraints arising from air protection, tree
preservation, traffic limit, limit due to excavation permit for works, etc.

Social Constraints

No construction work could proceed in rural area without peoples

involvement. The social factors constitute constraints in the
construction working environment. It is not surprised to learn that
undesirable effects come from a relative small number of key persons
and the constraints are human constraints. These social constraints
may appear minor and insignificant, but is very complicated to deal
with. Sometimes it may arouse big problems for the project and will at
the same time affect the progress of the project .