Construction projects are frequently at the mercy of weather delays. Not only do these delays take a heavy toll on the morale and optimism of workers, but these weather delays also take a heavy cut into the bottom line of your construction company and the profitability of the entire construction project.
Dealing With Adverse Weather
However, with today’s advancements in CPM scheduling, construction managers are finding it easier than ever to accurately predict potential weather delays with Risk and Construction Delay Analysis reports provided by HSE Contractors.
Schedulers and construction managers use different planning methods to deal with delays. Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages to mitigate lost time from adverse weather. There are several ways to deal with adverse weather for construction projects, but the three main weather planning methods include: use of weekends and non-work days, increase activity, and using a weather calendar.
Weather Planning Methods
Use Of Weekend And Non-Work Days:
Advantages:
- Easy, straightforward, and stays within the five day workweek plan.
- Does not extend or slowdown the work schedule when applied properly.
Disadvantages:
- Weekends may not provide enough time or appropriate periods to finish work in bad seasons.
- Subcontractors may expect overtime for working on weekends.
- Managers and Contractor supervisors will need to work on weekends.
- Municipalities may not provide inspectors on weekends, which could slow down progress.
Increase Activity To Account For Adverse Weather
Advantages:
- Can be done easily and applied with little planning effort.
- Doesn’t require monitoring from Contractors and Managers.
Disadvantages:
- Reduces transparency of project planning.
- Reduces review benefits, since durations are no longer calculated by production rates.
- Planning is based on static baseline schedule, so when schedule shifts weather is not accounted for as it should.
Use Of A Weather Calendar:
Advantages:
- Minimal maintenance required.
- Seasonal planning, accounting for weather to determine what weekend and non-work days will be needed for adverse weather.
- The model and CPM scheduling keep milestones and completion dates accurate.
Disadvantages:
- Float values are affected by calendars.
- f non-work days are distributed evenly over a five-day work week, planning may be overdone since historical data is based on a seven-day work week.
Using A Weather Calendar
While weather calendars do have their disadvantages, the strengths and benefits of using a weather calendar are undeniable. Accurate CPM scheduling must take into account the season, weather conditions, and model an appropriate plan of action before work at a construction project can begin. Having a strong CPM schedule that includes a Risk and Construction Delay Analysis and change order impacts is vital to keep the morale of personnel, and the profitability of a construction project on track and minimize delays and down-time.
HSE Contractors offers a comprehensive solution for construction scheduling and CPM scheduling for our clients. With over 20 years of on-site experience, our expert consultants know the realities of construction projects, and have the knowledge to Developing Comprehensive Critical Path Method (CPM) Schedules. This, along with Risk and Construction Delay Analysis will help keep your construction project on track so you can deliver the projects as expected.
Find out what our CPM Scheduling solutions can do for you!