Introduction
The construction sector loses billions of dollars annually as a result of climate-related consequences such as structural collapses, sites becoming seas of mud, high temperatures jeopardizing the workforce, inundation of sites, and equipment failure in strong winds. Many of these circumstances occur in unforeseen situations, making even the most well-managed projects susceptible. Thus, top management in construction always strives to engage construction planners to address such circumstances where the influence may be reduced or minimized appropriately. Not to add that such advance planning enables site management to decrease not just costs but also fatalities.
In 2013, a tower crane in Manhattan, New York, collapsed owing to strong winds, resulting in many deaths and property damage.
Source -structuremag.org
Why Relying on Weather Forecasts is Not a Viable Option?
The remedy is expected to be straightforward, but is frequently demonstrated to be anything but, since many assume that depending on weather forecasts will enable them to prepare for any unfavourable circumstance. Although forecasting has increased in accuracy over the years, it still gives a demographically broad and generic picture that excludes short-term phenomena such as strong winds and turbulences.
Not just that, site circumstances affect the incidence of unique events based on the location and surroundings, which are frequently inaccessible for bulk measurements. (For instance, the wind tunnel effect in urban areas.) As a result, direct measurements must be established on-site in order to provide reliable and precise meteorological data.
Adequate Weather Measurements
There are three fundamental measures that are frequently taken on construction sites to aid in the planning and operational stages of construction activities.
1. Air Temperature (By Thermometers)
Gives a sense of how hot/cold the surrounding air is. Extreme conditions affect both the work force and the material which needs to be addressed in real time to mitigate adverse impacts.
2. Wind Speed and Direction (By Anemometers)
A critical statistic that must be closely monitored on a regular basis, especially in high-rise projects. Provides information on the wind's velocity and direction, which is essential for the safe operation of equipment and material.
3. Rainfall (By Set of Instruments)
Unlike the preceding, construction industry cannot afford the luxury of waiting for the occurrence, as rain affects virtually all outside activity, including distressing of the surrounding environment. Hence the measurements of,
Air Pressure (By Barometers)
Air Temperature (By Thermometers)
Humidity (By Hygrometers)
Wind Strength and Direction (By Anemometers)
World Metrological Organization
Source -wmo.int/en
are collected and transferred to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which offers numerical and precise rainfall forecasts.
Additionally, depending on the type of project, several sorts of measurements are collected that have an effect on the construction process, including,
Parameter | Measured By |
Sunshine Intensity | Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder |
UV Index | Solar Meter |
Visibility | Transmissometer |
Cloud Ceiling | Ceilometer |
Soil Moisture | Tensiometer |
Drop Size Distribution | Disdrometer |
Is Merely having Measurements Sufficient?
Having weather equipment on construction sites alone will not produce the desired outcomes, since the measurements must be beneficial. Placing an anemometer at ground level in a high-rise project will not interpret any valid results that would impact the construction, itself. As a corollary, such equipment must be implemented in accordance with the nature of the project in order to generate feasible outcomes.
(Eg: - It is recommended to have two or more anemometers in high-rise projects, at various heights, to provide comprehensive sets of results.)
Modern Anemometer
Source -scarlettech.com
Not only must these instruments be precise in their interpretation, but they must also meet the requirements of
1. Remote Operability
Given that many of these instruments are typically located in inaccessible areas, remote operability, and connection for transmitting instructions and receiving data is greatly desirable.
2. Continuous/Reliable Power Source
Continuous weather data gathering is critical to avoiding any unintended consequences. As a result, the equipment's power supply must be stable and constant, which is generally accomplished through solar power or a long-lasting battery.
Solar Powered Anemometer
Source – ews-consulting.com
Leading Suppliers for Weather Instruments for Construction Sites
1 2 3
1. Wireless Vantage Pro2™ with Standard Radiation Shield
Source – davisinstruments.com
2. RK900-01 Automatic Weather Station Meteorological Monitoring Station
Source – rikasensor.com
3. Magellan MX Portable
Source – columbiaweather.com
Additional Benefits of Utilizing Weather Instruments in Constructions
1. Saving Project Disputes
Continuous weather interruptions result in activity delays, which frequently result in penalties. Many contractors find the difficulties in reporting these adverse weather conditions as they lack the necessary data to back their claim. As these measuring tools provides reliable and accurate data which can be stored as continuous function throughout the construction period, provides the opportunity for the contractor to present reasonable claims on delays of the project.
2. Ability of Prediction
When a project spans several years, the continuous accumulation of weather data enables the project manager to forecast certain climatic behaviours using existing data, allowing for the pre-planning of specific operations, therefore saving time and money.
3. Increasing the Resilience
As gathered data demonstrates the local variation of external influencing variables on buildings, planners acquire the capacity to create more robust structures that are more adaptable to local conditions.
Local Weather Extreme | Adaptive Design |
Heat Waves | Urban greenery, High rise rooms, large openings, Trombe walls |
Droughts and Flooding | Planting trees in surrounding, rainwater harvesting tanks on top |
Coastal Flooding | Structures on raised pillars, Buoyant tanks |
Cyclones and Strong Winds | Roofs with multiple slopes, Having central shafts, |
High Cold | Insulation of elements, Trombe walls, green roof, Glazed windows |
In conclusion, insight on weather patterns and climatic changes prove to be highly significant in construction activities to reduce the losses. However, for short term projects it may not be economically viable to implement, but much essential in large scale projects as they tend to span for several years of time.
References
www.ny-engineers.com
www.constructionexec.com
www.constructionexec.com
www.theconstructor.org
www.nationalgeographic.org
www.weatherstations.co.uk
www.public.wmo.int
www.ews-consulting.com
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