General Considerations ~ items of builders plant ranging from small
hand held power tools to larger pieces of plant such as mechanical
excavators and tower cranes can be considered for use for one or
more of the following reasons:-1. Increased production.- Reduction in overall construction costs.
- Carry out activities which cannot be carried out by the
traditional manual methods in the context of economics. - Eliminate heavy manual work thus reducing fatigue and as a
consequence increasing productivity. - Replacing labour where there is a shortage of personnel with
the necessary skills. - Maintain the high standards required particularly in the
context of structural engineering works.
Economic Considerations ~ the introduction of plant does not
always result in economic savings since extra temporary site works
such as roadworks, hardstandings, foundations and anchorages may
have to be provided at a cost which is in excess of the savings
made by using the plant. The site layout and circulation may have
to be planned around plant positions and movements rather than
around personnel and material movements and accommodation. To
be economic plant must be fully utilised and not left standing idle
since plant, whether hired or owned, will have to be paid for even
if it is non-productive. Full utilisation of plant is usually considered
to be in the region of 85% of on site time, thus making an
allowance for routine, daily and planned maintenance which needs
to be carried out to avoid as far as practicable plant breakdowns
which could disrupt the construction programme. Many pieces of
plant work in conjunction with other items of plant such as
excavators and their attendant haulage vehicles therefore a
correct balance of such plant items must be obtained to achieve
an economic result.Maintenance Considerations ~ on large contracts where a number
of plant items are to be used it may be advantageous to employ a
skilled mechanic to be on site to carry out all the necessary daily,
preventive and planned maintenance tasks together with any
running repairs which could be carried out on site.Builders Plant