Throughout planning and design, it is essential to consider whether proposed alternatives can be built and whether they can be built efficiently. The term constructability is used for this evaluation, which is a continuing process, perhaps more active during the design stage to be described later in this chapter. DeWitt (1999) describes constructability analysis (also called constructability review) as
. . . a process that utilizes experienced construction personnel with extensive construction knowledge early in the design stages of projects to ensure that the projects are buildable, while also being cost effective, bidable, and maintainable.
During the planning and feasibility study stage, even though the development to that point is mainly conceptual, each alternative will be studied for such things as ease of construction, impact on the project schedule, effects that different materials might have on procurement and installation, safety considerations and various coordination issues among personnel, equipment and materials. The design professional may perform this analysis with its own forces, or it may engage a consultant with special knowledge of construction procedures. If a construction manager is a part of the project team, constructability will be a major responsibility. We shall have occasion to consider constructability again in our discussion of the design stage.
