Contractors should consider rain and storms as a potential risk in construction project management and always be ready to take appropriate precautions to ensure progress and quality of factory construction during the stormy season, in line with the commitments made to the investor.

Impact of rain and storms on construction works

Harsh weather conditions not only affect progress but also cause many difficulties and risks during construction.

Impacts on Site leveling, excavation, and foundation piles: Heavy, prolonged rain can soften the soil, leading to landslides and subsidence. Contractors must implement additional reinforcement measures, which can increase construction costs.
Outdoor work interruptions: Outdoor works such as wall construction, concrete pouring, painting, etc. will have to stop if it rains heavily.
Delayed transportation of materials: Storms can cause transportation delays as vehicles may have to stop operating.
Challenges in material storage: The storage area needs to have a roof and a good drainage system to keep materials dry and prevent flooding.
Workplace safety hazards: rain makes the ground slippery, creating safety risks for workers, while equipment and machinery are prone to moisture, increasing the risk of electrical hazards.

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Ensuring Construction Safety and Schedule During the Rainy Season

Create appropriate construction schedule during rainy season

Depending on the scale of the factory, the construction period can range from several months to an entire year. Therefore, it is challenging to avoid the rainy season entirely. When creating a construction management plan, it is always necessary to consider the rainy season, the duration of rainfall, and wind intensity in different regions to create an appropriate schedule. In the northern region of Vietnam, storms usually occur in July and August, while the southern region experiences the rainy season from May to November. Contractors should avoid scheduling critical tasks such as foundation excavation and concrete pouring during peak rainy periods in each region. Additionally, they should prepare measures for adverse weather conditions to minimize delays and ensure worker safety during storms.

Adjust work items

In cases where construction is required during the rainy season, contractors need to adjust work items logically and appropriately. During dry weather, the contractor should prioritize accelerating outdoor work items. When it rains, they can focus on indoor activities like plastering, finishing work, and installing electrical systems. Coordinating the management of indoor and outdoor tasks smoothly ensures that the project can be completed on schedule without being interrupted by the weather, optimizing the use of resources and construction time.

Implement Precautionary Measures Against Storm Risks

Contractors should consider storms as a potential risk in factory construction project management and always be ready to take appropriate precautions:

Cover concrete areas: In areas with freshly poured concrete, use tarps to protect against heavy rain that could affect the quality of the work.
During site leveling and foundation digging, if heavy rain occurs, work should be paused and reinforcement measures such as retaining walls and steel sheet piles should be taken to prevent soil erosion and subsidence.
Arrange the site so that materials can be covered with tarps when necessary.
Implement a drainage plan: Use trenches and sand traps to collect and direct water away from the site, and deploy high-capacity pumps to remove water from deep excavation areas.
Schedule material and equipment orders appropriately to avoid overloading the construction site.
Fast-track some specific tasks to meet the schedule and make up for time lost due to the effects of storms.

See more: Major responsibilities of the general contractors for construction projects

See more: How should investors choose a reputable general contractor in Vietnam?