The term “construction” derives from the verb “to construct.” Constructing anything can include building a sandcastle, a pillow fort, or a house of cards. Construction is frequently connected with huge structures such as houses, trains, and power plants in engineering terms.
Construction is the process of fitting together diverse parts to make a structure for a specific site, utilising a detailed design and plan. When building enormous systems, you must have a well-thought-out strategy and be aware of the precise location. The construction is designed and built with that site in mind by architects and engineers.
Construction Types
Almost every construction project may be generally classified into one of three types:
- Buildings and residences
- Works for the public good
- Structures of the industrial type
There are several sub-categories within each of these forms of building. Buildings, for example, can be both residential dwellings and business towers. Renovations to existing structures or new construction are also possible options for construction projects. Roads, trains, water and wastewater distribution and purification systems, dams, and bridges are examples of public works. Refineries, pipelines, electricity utilities, manufacturing plants, and telecommunication infrastructure are all examples of industrial projects.
Phases of a Construction Project
Typically, a building project begins with a conceptual phase. The concept of what you want to construct comes together in this phase. After that, there comes a design step. The design phase includes diverse people, each with their area of expertise, putting together project requirements and drawings. The design team would also choose the materials required and the project timetable and material prices.
Following that is the building phase, which entails machinery, construction supplies, and contractors. Heavy machinery would be needed in larger locations. Hand-held tools (such as shovels, hammers, and saws) and power tools are common on construction sites (like drills, welding torches, and nail guns). Cranes, earth-moving equipment such as bulldozers and excavators, cement mixers, trucks and transporters are examples of heavy machinery.
The materials required are also an important part of the building and vary depending on the job. Sand, gravel, cement, wood, steel, asphalt, pipes, concrete blocks, and other materials can be used. Contractors are the final piece of the jigsaw. Contractors are go-to experts who have the necessary personnel, equipment, supplies, and knowledge for a certain task. A roofing contractor or a contractor who specialises in heating and air conditioning systems are two examples.
Following the building phase, a project enters the commissioning phase, followed by the operation and maintenance phase (O&M phase). Before getting into full operation, mechanical and electrical equipment is evaluated during the commissioning phase. The O&M step ensures that your original concept has a long and stable life cycle, and this stage guarantees that the project is running smoothly.