Value Engineering: Let's discuss how we can help lower your project costs!
Construction Phase Submittals
Submittals
Construction submittals are those documents required to be provided by the Contractor usually prior to commencement of work or in some cases prior to permit closeout, usually for informational purposes or to demonstrate compliance with a portion of work. Submittals can be in the form of Shop Drawings, Catalog Cut Sheets, Schedules, Testing Data, Mix Designs, etc. Below are typical examples of site-civil related submittals and when they are required (see project documents for actual requirements):
Proctor
A geotechnical proctor report, prepared by a geotechnical engineer, is the results of the lab testing of a soil or aggregate based material to determine it's maximum dry density. These reports are taken for specific samples of material (for example, the mixed subgrade material to be placed under a road bed). Proctor samples are taken in the field by the geotechnical engineer and then brough back to the lab, where they are run through testing equipment. There are two common proctor tests used in site-civil construction, AASHTO T-99 and AASHTO T-180. It is important to know which standard is specified before ordering a proctor test. Contractors should order at least one proctor test for each representative material type that will be ultimately be tested for densities. TIP: If a material is specified to have a certain tested compaction (e.g. shellrock compacted to min. 98% AASHTO T-180,) then a proctor must be scheduled for that material.
Density Tests
Density tests are the results of field-measured densities of a soil or aggregate material. Density testing is performed in the field (as opposed to a proctor, which is performed in the lab) by a geotechnical engineering/testing firm. Densities are usually required for each representative material type (for example, a new blend of soil) and for each layer or "lift" of compacted placement. The frequency of density testing should follow the project document requirements and be discussed prior to construction. Densities are field-measured using a nuclear testing gauge.
Typical materials required to be tested for densities:
- Compacted Subgrade
- Compacted/Stabilized Subgrade
- Compacted Roadway Baserock
- Pipe trench Backfill
Typical locations of density testing:
- Below a concrete slab/sidewalk
- Below a roadway base
- Road rock below asphalt
- Each lift of backfill around a pipe
Density test reports shall indicate the location, material type and lift/level of placement of each test result. Density tests that fail shall be repeated in the same location until passing results are obtained.
Subgrade Material
Test results of subgrade material shall include the geotechnical testing results for classification, sieve analysis and LBR (if stabilized).
Baserock
Test results of baserock shall include the geotechnical testing results for classification, sieve analysis, LBR and chemical analysis.
Construction Phase Terminology
Addenda
Documents issued prior to the opening of Bids which modify or interpret the Contract Documents by additions, deletions, corrections or clarifications.
Acceptance, Final Acceptance
The formal action by the OWNER accepting the Work as being complete after review by the OWNER or OWNER's Representative of final completion.
Change Order
A written instrument which when signed by the OWNER authorizes an addition, deletion and/or revision in the CONTRACT Documents, or an adjustment in the CONTRACT Price or the CONTRACT Times, issued on or after the Effective Date of the CONTRACT.
Claim
A written demand or assertion by OWNER or CONTRACTOR seeking an adjustment of CONTRACT Price or CONTRACT Times, or both. A demand for money or services by third party is not a Claim.
Construction Manager
The authorized representative of the OWNER for the Project who has the right and authority as assigned to him/her in the CONTRACT Documents.
Contract
The written instrument which is evidence of the agreement between OWNER and CONTRACTOR covering the Work to be performed; other CONTRACT Documents are incorporated in or referenced in the CONTRACT and made a part thereof as provided therein. Note: Contracts can be prepared by the Owner, the Owner's Attorney or the Contractor.
Contract Documents
Includes the CONTRACT, the Request For Bids, the Supplementary Conditions, Instructions to bidders, General Terms & Conditions, Bid Forms, OWNER’s Post Award forms, Specifications, the Drawings, Addenda, the Insurance, SBE Utilization Plan, together with all Written Amendments, Change Orders, Field Orders, and OWNER’s and DESIGN ENGINEER’s written interpretations and clarifications issued on or after the Effective Date of the CONTRACT. Approved Shop Drawings and the reports and drawings of subsurface and physical conditions are not CONTRACT Documents. Only printed or hard copies of the items listed in this paragraph are CONTRACT Documents. Files in electronic media format of text, data, graphics, and the like that may be furnished by DISTRIT to CONTRACTOR are not CONTRACT Documents and such files are furnished only for the convenience of the receiving party.
Contract Price
The total compensation, subject to authorized adjustments, payable by OWNER to CONTRACTOR for satisfactory completion of the work in accordance with the CONTRACTOR for satisfactory completion of the Work in accordance with the CONTRACT Documents as stated in the CONTRACT.
Contract Times
The number of days or the dates stated in the CONTRACT to complete the work.
Drawings
That part of the CONTRACT Documents which graphically shows the scope, extent, and character of the Work to be performed by CONTRACTOR. Shop Drawings and other CONTRACTOR submittals are not Drawings as so defined.
Design Engineer
The individual or legal entity named as such in the CONTRACT Documents who designed the project and has the right and authority assigned to DESIGN ENGINEER in the CONTRACT Documents. The term “Design ENGINEER” means DESIGN ENGINEER or its representative.
Field Order
A written order issued by OWNER which orders minor variations in the Work, and which does not involve a change in the CONTRACT Price or the CONTRACT Times.
Liquidated Damages
The damages the OWNER might incur if the Project is not completed within the time specified.
Milestone
A principal event specified in the CONTRACT Documents relating to an intermediate completion date or time prior to Substantial Completion of all the Work.
Notice to Proceed
A written notice given by OWNER to CONTRACTOR authorizing CONTRACTOR to proceed with the work and establishing the date of commencement of the CONTRACT Times.
Partial Utilization
Use by OWNER of a substantially completed part of the Work for the purpose for which it is intended (or related purpose) prior to Substantial Completion of all the work
Project
The total construction of which the Work to be performed under the CONTRACT Documents may be the whole, or a part as may be indicated elsewhere in the CONTRACT Documents.
Request for information (RFI)
A written request, from the Contractor to the Engineer, that asks for additional information or to clarify some aspect of the project, such as procedures, equipment, materials specification details or drawing details.
Samples
Physical examples of materials, equipment, or workmanship that are representative of some portion of the Work and which establish the standards by which such portion of the work will be judged.
Schedule of Values
A document furnished by the CONTRACTOR to the OWNER reflecting a reasonable allowance of costs associated with the various parts of the work totaling the entire bid amount, and used as a basis for reviewing the CONTRACTOR’S Applications for Payment. Shall not be used as the basis for change orders.
Shop Drawings
All drawings, diagrams, illustrations, schedules, and other data or information which are specifically prepared or assembled by or for CONTRACTOR and submitted by Contractor to illustrate some portion of the Work.
Specifications
That part of the CONTRACT Documents consisting of written technical descriptions of materials, equipment, systems, standards, and workmanship as applied to the Work and certain administrative details applicable thereto.
Subcontractor
An individual or legal entity having a direct CONTRACT with CONTRACTOR or with any other Subcontractor for the performance of a part of the Work at the Site.
Substantial Completion
The time at which the Work (or a specified part thereof) has progressed to the point where, in the opinion of OWNER, the Work (or a specified part thereof) is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the CONTRACT Documents, so that the Work (or a specified part thereof) can be utilized for the purposes for which it is intended and shall begin the warranty period. The terms “substantially complete” and “substantially completed” as applied to all or part of the Work refer to Substantial Completion thereof.
Shop Drawings and Testing
Typical Shop Drawing Requirements
Below is a list of the typical shop drawings, to be prepared/provided by the CONTRACTOR that may be included in the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: (NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY).
Asphalt
- Stabilized Subgrade Mix Design - prepared by a Geotechnical Engineer - the mix ratio of the stabilizing material required to pruduce the required stabilized subgrade.
- Baserock
- Asphat Mix Design
Concrete (Sitework)
- Concrete Mix Design
- Rebar
- Curing Material
- Jointing Plan
- Compressive Strength/Cylinder Test Results
Culverts
- Culvert Material
- Culvert Joints
- Joint Material
Baserock
- Chemical and sieve analysis
- Proctor (required per density testing)
- Density Test Results for Compaction
Backfill for Pipe Trenches
- Sieve Analysis and Classification
- Proctor (required per density testing)
- Density Test Results for Compaction
Drainage Structures and Material
- Fabrication Drawings from Manufacturer
- Cut Sheets for Grates
- Gravel for Exfiltration Trenches
- Filter Fabric for Exfiltration Trenches
- Inspection of Joints and Connections
Drainage Pipe Material
- Pipe Material
- Joint Details
- Filter Fabric Used to Wrap Pipe Joints
Utilities
- Approved Materials List from Utilities or Equivalent Shop Drawings
- On-site Materials Inspection
- Pressure Testing
- Lamping