INTRODUCTION On the construction projects that supervisors manage they will encounter different types of contracts, and those contracts will have been formed through various types of project procurement methods. Because of these facts, and because supervisors are likely to hear the names of a variety of different contracting systems in use by those around them, … Read more
Managing production is at the very core of what a supervisor does. The foreman manages at the crew level. The superintendent manages at the job level, but supervisors at all levels have the responsibility to ensure that the project is completed on time, on schedule, safely, and at a high level of quality. Hence, they … Read more
INTRODUCTION One of the keys to the success of any construction company is its ability to control costs. This is a fundamental truism for any construction contractor. It is imperative for the construction supervisor to have a firm understanding of construction costs and their derivation. In addition, the supervisor must have a clear understanding of … Read more
INTRODUCTION In his management of a construction project, the supervisor is responsible for the management of the resources that will be utilized to construct the project. While there are certainly a number of others involved who will provide their input and assistance, the supervisor should understand that the day-by-day management of the set of resources … Read more
INTRODUCTION Safety is a topic of fundamental importance to the construction supervisor. There are numerous reasons for this. Among the most important is that most supervisors feel a moral obligation to keep their workers safe. There are also reasons tied to costs, schedule, production, quality, and company reputation, all of which can be enhanced by … Read more
INTRODUCTION A mong the numerous resources that the supervisor manages—dollars, tools, equipment, job site space, and time, as we have discussed them—the most important, the most valuable, and the most complex resources are the craft workers on the project. No other aspect of management presents as many complexities and challenges as managing the human resources, … Read more
INTRODUCTION T eam building is an important tool for the construction supervisor. In Chapter 2, it was recognized that, whereas craft workers work with the tools of their trade, supervisors primarily work with and through people. Managing and organizing people to perform at a high level and to effectively carry out the tasks assigned by … Read more
In addition to the sustainability issues raised in the previous chapter, which also apply here, the largest issue concerning the sustainability of light gauge steel construction is the high thermal conductivity of the framing members. If a dwelling framed with light gauge steel members is framed, insulated, and Þ nished as if it were framed … Read more
Light gauge steel construction is the noncombustible equivalent of wood light frame construction. The external dimensions of the standard sizes of light gauge members correspond closely to the dimensions of the standard sizes of nominal 2-inch (38-mm) framing lumber. These steel members are used in framing as closely spaced studs, joists, and rafters in … Read more
Columns that combine the strength of structural steel shapes and sitecast concrete have been used in buildings for many years. One type of composite column surrounds a steel wide-ß ange column with sitecast reinforced concrete. Another type consists of a steel pipe that is Þ lled with concrete. In a third type, a wide-ß ange … Read more