The Big PictureMain contractors managing a project from ‘foundations to fi t out’ have a

hugely complex task keeping control over sub-contractors and suppliers. When

it comes to setting out, contractors will often delegate responsibility for this

task to their sub-contractors. By doing so they may be leaving themselves open

to problems.

By handing responsibility for setting out to sub-contractors (who may in turn

further sub contract) there is a very real possibility of a failure in quality control

and the inevitable problems as a consequence. Errors caused by inconsistent

suppliers or inaccuracies caused by communication issues can be hugely ex-

pensive to rectify. By employing a single provider of setting out services a fo-

cused overview of the whole project is maintained. A single setting out service

provider will look after the ‘big picture’ as well as the detail.

The setting out service provider should be a centre point for information, ena-

bling the smooth hand over from one sub-contractor to another so they can take

over seamlessly. Providing and checking relevant information from the design

team or client, monitoring works right through to fi nal project sign off.

In deciding whether or not to place the setting out in a sub-contract ask yourself

the following question:

Are any of the sub-contract works so large that they alone will require a full time setting out and site engineering presence?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ then consider putting the setting out with the sub-con-

tract, but bear in mind the sub-contractors staff are only interested in their

work, not your project as a whole, so you will need to oversee the setting out in

some capacity in order to provide continuity. If the answer is ‘No’, then engage

your own site engineering and setting out team.

Quality Assurance

for setting out,are you in danger

of cutting corners?The risks of failing to implement effective setting

out survey practice can create serious problems further down the line. This fl yer explains the pitfalls

and explains how to avoid coming unstuck.

ENGINEERING SURVEY AND SETTING OUT SERVICES

For large projects

Kemp have the capability to set up

a fully computerised offi ce on site

that provides total setting out and

survey support to your staff. It can be

resourced to meet the site program

and can be run by one of the senior

engineering surveyors.

On small projects

Kemp are able to visit site as and when required. Mobile teams are

experienced professionals equipped with latest survey equipment, software

and communications technology.

At Kemp we pride ourselves on our ability to provide not only a quality assured

standard of accurate data, but a full multi-dimensional setting out service.

A service second to none.

Kemp - a proven pedigree

Kemp were established in 1988 and are quality assured to ISO9001:2000 and

are recognised as Investors in People as well as being regulated by the Royal

Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Major projects have included Drakes Circus Shopping Centre in Plymouth,

Newquay Airport, A30 Gossmoor, Treliske Hospital in Truro, Cornwall University

near Falmouth and the Eden Project. Our dedication to continuous improvement

and investment through both our staff and technology has kept us at the top of

the league and the fi rst choice of the industries leading professionals for survey

support to projects in the South West.

For information about all Kemp divisions visit;

www.kempengineeringsurvey.co.ukor telephone;

Redruth 01209 214687

Plymouth 01752 262555

Exeter 01392 829888

Do the sum of the sub-contractors require a full time setting out and site engineering presence?

If the answer to this is yes, then again engage your own site engineering

and setting out team, otherwise you will be faced with different setting out

engineers, working to different agendas and possibly working part-time, which

will undoubtedly add to the cost of the project. If the answer is no, compare the

cost of a visiting setting out service relative to a resident site engineer. There

will be a cut off when you are paying more for the part-time service than the full-

time presence. It is worth remembering also that good site engineers can do far

more than set out, deputy site manager, assistant QS, deputy foreman, planner,

QA records etc. Look beyond the direct cost of the engineering surveyor.

Main contractors engineering surveyor - the role

• Check original survey control, and offset clear of the works

• Carry out an OGL survey to verify ground levels

• Checking of construction issue drawings and querying confl icts in data

• Liaison with design team, sub-contractors & suppliers on data requirements

• Location and survey of exposed services

• Set up deformation monitoring systems as necessary

• Set out non subcontract items such as piling mats, hoarding lines, site

• offi ce locations, tower crane locations etc.

• Carry out earthworks surveys and compute volumes

• Check sub-contractors setting out for compliance with drawings

• Carry out as built surveys and maintain as built records

• Maintain survey control for sub-contract handovers

• Carry out dimension surveys for off site manufacturers

• Provide internal control for partition and fi t out contractors

• Assist sub-contractors with setting out queries

• Assist site management team with supervision, call offs, inductions etc.

When it comes to quality and continuity Kemp Chartered Land and Engineering

Surveyors offer a survey maintenance package that ticks all the right boxes when

it comes to meeting the requirements of a main contractor’s QA procedures

and duty to be pro-active in meeting the projects demands for setting out and

dimensional control.

A Kemp package meeting basic QA requirements for setting out and dimensional control, might consists of:

A monthly site visit where all visible features are surveyed and photographed.

The survey is processed and cross referenced to the photographs. A transparent

plot is produced and delivered to site at scales suitable for overlay to site

drawings. Site staff are then able to overlay the transparencies to check for

anomalies. Alternatively the completed survey can be issued in a CAD format

by email that again allows the site staff to check for anomalies. If site staff do

not have the time to carry out the analysis then Kemp can also carry out this

element of the works and issue a report of their fi ndings.

ENGINEERING

For large projects

element of the works and issue a report of their fi ndings.