Question 1

Part of the electrical power requirements for the HSR will be met from ‘renewable energy' sources. It is proposed to design and install a solar electric generating system (SEGS) - similar to what has recently being proposed for installation at Port Augusta in South Australia.

A key component of a SEGS is the ‘Power Tower' (as shown above), usually constructed in reinforced concrete that will incorporate a solar receiver system (SRS) that will be installed at the top of the reinforced concrete power tower.

A typical SRS can be seen in the papers referenced below. The reinforced concrete power tower and the SRS are likely to be on the critical path for the project

(a) Considerable research has been undertaken on the influence of ‘learning curves' on multi-storey building construction and their impact on floor cycle times. Outline your understanding of what is meant by ‘floor cycle times' as related to the construction of the ‘power tower'. Study the section on ‘Learning Curves' in Module 8, read the references (note there are also other references on the subject) and understand the Assumptions in Appendix 2 below.

From your reading and subsequent understanding, do you consider that there would be opportunities for saving construction time as construction of the power tower proceeds upwards?

(b) Craneage will play an important part in the construction of the power tower and SRS. Outline the type and capacity of the crane/s that would be required for construction of the tower and lifting the SRS into position on top of the tower (Refer Appendix below for details). Prepare a site analysis showing crane positions in plan and elevation for the construction of the power tower and for lifting the SRS into position.

c) Define what is meant by the phrase ‘long lead items'? How can a delay in delivery of ‘long lead items' to the site impact construction schedule and what steps can be taken to try and ensure on program delivery of ‘long lead items'.

(d) Estimate the construction time duration to build the reinforced concrete ‘power tower' assuming that the structural foundations for the tower have already been completed (i.e. the area below ground level).

(e) What do you perceive as the key risks and hazards involved in the construction of the power tower (from the ground upwards)?

Question 2

As part of the development of a regional city, a developer will be appointed to undertake the building of key civic infrastructure as follows:

Stage 1- Retail shopping/Office complex/Hotel with an estimated construction cost of $115 million.

Stage 2 - A regional hospital with an estimated construction costs of $100 million.

Stage 3 -A Leisure centre consisting of two 18-hole golf courses, swimming pools, gymnasiums and squash courts with an estimated construction cost of $30 million.

The development time frame for design and construction is:

- Stage 1: 0-18 months
- Stage 2: 6-24 months
- Stage 3: 0-14 months.

a) Estimate the Client's monthly payments to Contractors' from the start to finish of the contract period (i.e. end of Stage 3) noting that intending contracting companies will require a 20% advanced payment on Stage 1 and 2 works and a 10% advanced payment on Stage 3. (HINT: READ THE MODULE ON ADVANCED PAYMENTS).

Contractors' will accept a 10% Retention on progress payments up to 5% maximum on all three stages.

An S-curve for progress payments for projects with an 18-month and 14 month construction period can be used as a basis for payments in this exercise, the actual figures from this S-curve are reproduced below in Figure 1

b) Plot a graph of total monthly payments ($) vs. time.

Figure 1

Note: For part a) of the question your spreadsheet answer should have the following format:

Attachment:- ASSIGNMENT.rar