Did you know that inadequate planning in the early stages of a structural project can lead to costly rework and delays? Meticulous planning at each project stage can save significant time and resources. In this article, we explore how structural consultants can support clients from developers to architectural consultants throughout each critical stage, starting with the often-overlooked concept stage.

Main Project Stages

Concept Stage

Schematic Stage

Detail Design Stage

Tender Stage

Issue for Construction (IFC) Stage

Note: Municipality and authority approvals are not mentioned here, as the structural role varies by country.

1. Concept Stage

The concept stage is crucial but often underestimated by many consultants. Investing effort in this phase streamlines subsequent stages and optimizes resources.

Key Actions in the Concept Stage

Understand Client Requirements:

Gather all relevant information to ensure a clear understanding of project needs.

Inform clients about necessary documents to prevent workflow disruptions.

Propose Multiple Structural Options:

Present various structural system choices with pros and cons.

Secure client agreement on the selected system to prevent costly changes later.

Consider Budget Constraints:

Establish the structural budget early to align with architectural plans.

Example: A client requested a 25-meter clear span for an office building. We proposed multiple options but, considering budget constraints, clarified cost implications. This led to a revised 15-meter span that balanced functionality and budget.

Continuously monitor the budget throughout the project to avoid rework.

Define Design Criteria:

Confirm materials, design codes, and any special requirements.

Ensure familiarity with local building codes, as they may override international standards.

Example: Seismic design coefficients in the Saudi Building Code (SBC) may differ from ASCE regulations.

Conduct Basic Analysis:

Perform preliminary structural analyses to validate recommendations efficiently without detailed calculations.

Coordinate with Geotechnical and Wind Tunnel Consultants:

Provide borehole locations and depths.

Share preliminary structural dynamics for early wind tunnel analysis.

Identify Potential Cost Savings & Construction Challenges:

Flag potential cost reductions and construction difficulties early.

Collaborate with the architectural team and clients to implement cost-effective solutions.

2. Schematic Stage

Once the structural layout is finalized, this stage focuses on analysis models and coordination with other disciplines. The key challenge is balancing interdisciplinary requirements while refining structural dimensions. Multiple meetings with wind tunnel teams, geotechnical consultants, MEP engineers, and landscape designers ensure an efficient design. By the end of this stage, the construction budget should be reassessed to maintain cost control.

3. Detail Design Stage

The detail design stage involves:

Developing detailed drawings, including reinforcement details, for pricing.

Minimal coordination with other disciplines to focus on the structural details.

Finalizing project costs, ensuring they remain within budget constraints.

4. Tender Stage

During this stage:

Contractors price the project package.

Consultants address design queries from bidders.

Clarifications and adjustments are made to ensure a complete and transparent IFC package.

5. Issue for Construction (IFC) Stage

At this final stage:

A fully coordinated structural package is delivered, incorporating any additional contractor requirements.

Consultants remain engaged, responding to site queries to ensure the project is built as designed.

Conclusion

A well-structured approach at each project stage significantly enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and minimizes rework. Structural consultants play a pivotal role, especially during the concept stage, by ensuring informed decisions that shape the project's success.

Our consultancy prioritizes proactive planning and continuous support, extending beyond IFC submission to assist site teams. By meticulously guiding our clients through every phase, we facilitate seamless project execution and optimal outcomes.