Temporary Works – Why Early Collaboration Matters
In construction, some of the biggest challenges come from what’s been overlooked. Temporary works are a prime example. Despite being fundamental to buildability, safety and programme certainty, they can still often be an afterthought, introduced after key design decisions have been made.
Here, Gary Keenan, Sales Manager at MH International explores how early engagement within temporary works can unlock significant value across a project’s lifecycle
With over 60 years’ experience delivering temporary works solutions on a global scale, we have seen first-hand the difference early involvement can make. By contributing at the early design stages, a temporary works specialist can enable a more proactive approach, helping to shape safer, more efficient and better-informed schemes.
Why timing matters
As with every element of construction, timing is crucial. Temporary works are no exception. While it may seem like common sense for temporary works to be included in the initial strategy stage of a project, the reality can be very different, brought in after the permanent design has been approved – or worse, once work is already underway. This late engagement has the potential to cause considerable issues, for a project’s budget, carbon footprint and timeline, as well as the ability to foresee any potential engineering challenges.
In contrast, bringing temporary works into the conversation early on allows teams to anticipate challenges, rather than react to them. It is for this reason that we always advocate taking a proactive approach to temporary works and encourage our customers to do the same.
Collaboration
When temporary and permanent works are designed together, rather than in isolation, the result is a more cohesive and efficient design. By visualising them in conjunction, construction teams can better plan and prepare, with the ability to detect and solve potential clashes, consider design efficiencies and streamline the overall process.
Early collaboration also has clear health and safety benefits. With a clear visualisation of the proposed scheme, contractors can better identify and mitigate any potential hazards and risks.
Technology-led design
Whether it’s a simple scheme design or using 3D modelling software, design should be at the forefront. Using the latest technology, we help our customers to design winning bids, reduce the costs of construction, minimise rework, speed up delivery and improve safety.
By visualising the temporary and permanent together using augmented reality design tools (such as our immersive EVE design solution), teams can better plan and prepare, including being able to foresee any technical challenges or design considerations that must be overcome. Open collaboration is supported through access to AutoCAD and Revit BIM files, along with comprehensive technical data for our range of equipment.
Out on site
Once a project reaches site, this shouldn’t mark the end of the collaboration. From coordinating deliveries and providing monitoring solutions for insight into the behaviour of your structure or building environment, to assessing the completed assembly and providing a handover certificate.
MH International
We are committed to providing engineered, bespoke temporary works solutions across civil infrastructure and building projects. Our expertise spans groundworks support, propping, hydraulic jacking, temporary access and temporary bridging.
With a full-service offering, we’re ready to help at all stages of a project, from design and supply through to on-site delivery and monitoring. Plus, our new Ireland depot (located in Portlaoise) and dedicated Irish support team makes it even easier to benefit from our high-quality of service.