Managing Deliveries, Storage and Access: Logistics Planning for the Construction Site

Poor site logistics planning is quickly noticed by all trades on site. It can be as simple as not receiving a delivery when required, to the more drastic case of a congested site with blocked access. It is visible and felt by all trades. The aim of logistics planning is to have the right material placed in the right location at the right time, without blocking the site and its surroundings.

Early consideration of logistics

Often, logistics is left for later. This is usually after the site layout has been frozen and access ways and storage limited. Planning logistics earlier allows the consideration of options for cranes and hoists, storage and access control.

Site Context

Each site has its own particular constraints, and a busy urban site has different constraints compared to a remote rural site. Prior to undertaking any design work, it is prudent to perform a thorough context assessment. This includes a survey of surrounding access routes, weight or height restrictions, nearby sensitive uses and businesses.

Given the site constraints, where do vehicles enter and leave? Is there space for vehicles to turn on site, or do they have to back out? What utility lines or other constraints restrict movement?

Planning Deliveries

One of the most important aspects of effective logistics is planning deliveries in conjunction with the construction schedule. Each trade should know when materials are to be delivered, who is to receive the delivery, and where it is to be placed. Booking systems help avoid many deliveries at the same time.

Smaller, more frequent deliveries may minimise the need for storage, but increase the number of vehicles on the site. Larger, less frequent deliveries require storage, but minimise the number of deliveries. The best approach depends on the site situation and should be reviewed as the situation changes.

Storage and Laydown Areas

Space is only one factor in material storage. Moisture sensitive materials, such as timber and insulation, should be stored off the ground to prevent them from becoming wet. Heavy materials should be stored as close to their placement as possible to minimise handling.

Materials should be stored in a safe and orderly manner. Hazardous materials should be stored in an area separate from other materials and in a manner that is consistent with safety and health guidelines.

Access and Traffic Management

One of the easiest ways to minimise risk is to separate vehicles from pedestrians. One-way vehicle and pedestrian systems and clearly marked walkways assist in reducing conflict. The same is true for the use of barriers and trained banksmen. Signs along the routes direct drivers and inform them of site procedures.

Gates and hoardings should be placed to enable safe access for vehicles and to exclude the public. If it is necessary to make deliveries on the road, the relevant permissions and arrangements should be made in advance with the highway authority.

Vertical Movement

On multi storey projects, the challenge of moving materials up, is as great as moving them to the site gate. Cranes, hoists and goods lifts all have limited capacity and are shared among various trades; therefore their scheduling is critical. A queue for a hoist can slow down an entire floor of work.

Prior planning for movement of materials to floors and providing temporary storage on each floor for materials prevents congestion, and keeps escape routes clear.

Waste and Removal

Just as materials need to be brought to site, waste has to be removed. Skips and segregated bins for waste need to be placed conveniently for the trades and collected easily.

Communication and Coordination

A logistics plan is meaningless if it is not communicated. It should be explained in inductions. Key routes and rules should be displayed. Regular meetings should be held to review the plan and ensure it is accurate.

Suppliers and drivers should be provided with the site address, entry point, working hours and contact number.

Neighbours and the Community

Neighbourly relations are affected by how a site is set up and how good relations are fostered by cooperation and prompt service. The firms at the top have sited logistics experts on site to maintain good community relations.

Adapting as the Job Changes

A project’s first phase proceeds through the others, but how it impacts the job site alters. During the plans’ frequent review, detail the changes instituted for subsequent projects. The best solution may be to completely reorganise how activities on site are planned.

In Summary

Site logistics is about seeing ahead, organisation, and managing trade movements and integrating safety systems. Excellent site logistics provides a framework within which site activities can be planned and executed safely.