What is Pre-Construction
Ensuring the economic viability of any project begins with pre-construction activities designed to determine the scope, schedule, and estimated cost of the project. One of the challenges for pre-construction planning begins with collecting information before jobsite infrastructure like power and network equipment are in place.
Populating building information models and pre-construction software with the information necessary to define the project, identify potential issues, plan scheduling, scope, and cost estimation requires access to an internet connection on the jobsite to form a complete analysis of the project’s needs.
Preconstruction includes defining the Scope, Schedule, and Estimated Cost of the Project
What Jobsite Characteristics Influence Construction Costs?
The physical characteristics of the building site have an impact on construction costs. Collecting and cataloging this information can only be done on the jobsite and requires a robust internet connection to empower pre-construction software and BIM tools.
Site conditions such as poor soil, wetlands, contaminated materials, conflicting utilities (buried pipe, cables, overhead lines, etc.), environmentally sensitive areas, ground water, river or stream crossings, heavy traffic, buried storage tanks, archaeological sites, or an endangered species habitat can increase the project cost during construction if these variables are not vetted during estimation.
For example, a sharply sloping lot will require extra expense to level and reinforce the building surface. Rocky ground may require demolition before a foundation can be laid. For project owners, getting a preliminary report on the jobsite before construction begins is critical. The field teams collecting this information will need access to a reliable network even before the first trailer drops.
What kinds of projects are impacted?
Projects including infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, etc.), data centers in rural areas, renewable energy projects, and marine or offshore construction are often built on remote sites and require jobsite internet solutions for managing pre-construction. For example, in a recent bridge replacement project undertaken by an ENR Top 50 general contractor, marine surveys required exchanging data between tugs, barges, and teams on the shore – all before construction even began. ConstructEdge was brought in to build a network where there was no existing infrastructure. This was essential in supporting pre-construction activity to define the project scope and prepare preliminary cost estimates.
How to get internet on the jobsite.
Getting internet to jobsites with an address served by traditional ISPs isn’t a problem. It’s when existing infrastructure isn’t in place that alternative solutions are required. Construction jobsite networks require a combination of access points, routers, and hybrid mesh networks to extend connectivity throughout the field of work. For IT teams, project managers, and owners, the following are important components to consider:
Temporary Internet Solutions: Temporary or rapid deployment solutions for quick turnaround when a job site needs bandwidth before the main circuit can be installed or the length of the job is short.
Custom Internet Solutions: When existing infrastructure is unavailable or insufficient to meet the needs of the project, a custom solution may be necessary to meet technology and budget needs.
Custom Connectivity Kits: When you need to extend connectivity across the field of work, using custom connectivity kits with solar power, microwave line-of-sight, and secure access points.
Asset Management: Who will manage networking equipment, track inventory and handle logistics?
Trailer Connectivity: Who will set up and manage trailer technology including networking equipment & general office technology needs (printers, servers, etc.)?
Conclusion
The need for internet connectivity on the jobsite begins with collecting data used in pre-construction feasibility and cost analysis. This is important because the physical characteristics of the jobsite such as soil condition, topography, environmental considerations, and conflicts with existing utilities impact construction cost. Much of this data can only be collected on the jobsite by teams in the field who rely on cloud-based technology to catalog data.
For remote, hard-to-reach, or unique jobsites where traditional ISPs are unavailable, alternate network solutions are required. These include temporary cellular networks and custom connectivity solutions to extend connectivity throughout the field of work. This is important because clear communication will ensure that the construction project flows smoothly and is done correctly, on time, and on budget.
