A common challenge faced by precast producers is transporting the product and accessing the job site. Compounding the issue is the need to place a crane for erection. Skilled and experienced precast producers are able to maneuver these issues even in the tightest of locations.
The perfect site access would include an all-weather, stabilized, firm, level, and unobstructed roadway that permits suitable access so trucks and cranes can move under their own power to various points of erection. However, clients don’t always agree on the site locations that precasters prefer. This is where precasters work to develop solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
Common assumptions clients make regarding jobsite access include:
“We’ve had all kinds of deliveries and nobody else has gotten stuck.”
This is one of the most common client replies precasters producers hear. Although other equipment such as ready mix and block delivery trucks may have accessed a site effectively, erectors producer trucks are most likely the heaviest pieces of equipment to access the job site. Cranes may also be able to get into position, but their counterweight delivery and loads may not be able to get to them.
“Don’t worry, we’ll have the site contractor here and he’ll get you in and out even if he has to pull you where you need to go.”
Although the end result may work, this type of solution can take a toll on precaster equipment and should be avoided. The same applies to suggestions of “re-dressing” the access between roads which usually ends up in a muddy mess. It is much more efficient and cost-effective to bring in the materials needed to solidify the access at the beginning.
“We don’t have any money in the budget for temporary roads, crane pads, or stabilization.”
It may seem counter-intuitive, but the cost of stabilization is often cheaper than the alternative which is the cost of returned loads, demobilization, remobilization, and delivery. Erectors are unable to deliver the materials needed on site without proper access so completing it upfront is the smart choice.
“I’ll wet it down and roll it. It’ll be fine.”
The typical semi load of precast weighs 40-45 tons and most projects require about 10-15 loads. Wetting down soils, especially those that are mostly sand, and rolling will simply not hold up to the weight and number of loads needed for average sized projects.
“It is what it is.”
Although this may be the easiest response, it doesn’t solve the access problem. Time and money are often tight on projects. Precasters are more than willing to work with clients to find solutions that fit the needs of all involved parties.
Previously mentioned, was the perfect access conditions that precasters desire when delivering components to a job site:
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All-weather: Weather shouldn’t wash out stabilizing materials and they shouldn’t crumble under dry conditions.
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Stabilized, Firm, Level: Stabilization materials need to have a thick depth and not be a simple overlay on the surface. They need to be compacted and able to be maintained throughout the project.
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Unobstructed: The access road needs to be free from wires, trees, equipment, and anything else that could obstruct the trucks and cranes. The access road should also be easily identifiable as a road and not just a pathway.
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Equipment can move under their own power: The access should allow all equipment to move freely on its own and not need to be pulled into place.
Precasters understand these requirements may present difficulties on certain sites and are happy to work with clients to create a plan that meets the situation. Open communication from the onset is key to ensuring all parties get what they need to deliver a successful job. One added benefit to a stable accessway is that all other subcontractors and delivery vehicles will also enjoy having stable, safe, and easy access to the site!
