WBS for building construction

Alaa,

In our geographical area the construction industry have a standardized way of organizing data. We follow the CSI / Construction Specifications Institute, I don’t mean literally but at least within the major work divisions. We organize construction estimates, bid/proposal breakdown, payment breakdown, specifications, drawings and schedules using this standard. Everyone knows the standard major divisions. Remember it is a US Standard maybe you have a European Standard.

http://www.constructionnotebook.com/ipin2/CSIDivisions.asp

The major CSI divisions are:
Division 1          General Requirements
Division 2          Site Construction
Division 3          Concrete
Division 4          Masonry
Division 5          Metals
Division 6          Wood and Plastics
Division 7          Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 8          Doors and Windows
Division 9          Finishes
Division 10          Specialties
Division 11          Equipment
Division 12          Furnishings
Division 13          Special Construction
Division 14          Conveying Systems
Division 15          Mechanical
Division 16          Electrical

There is no a Universal WBS for scheduling and even the application of a related standard should be adapted to the particular needs, or at times specific contractual requirements. Usually for my type of works I use the top WBS level for Construction Phases, the next for Construction Areas and finally the CSI Divisions, for my schedules I keep General Conditions as a Construction area instead of a CSI Division. Within Divisions I do not strictly follow the CSI numbering. For small jobs at times I even skip the WBS level for Divisions and use a numbering sequence following the CSI Division Numbering.

In summary my preferred WBS Structure is

PROJECT. PHASE. AREA. CSI-DIVISION

I hope someone joins and provide us with your standard, for scheduling the major titles should do it.

Cordially,

Rafael

PS. As a matter of fact I usually mimic WBS within Primavera SureTrak using Activity Codes; I find this method of organizing easier and more flexible especially when your software does not provide for multiple WBS.

Dear Ala’a

Rafael gave you all the components of the project, now you have to include them in your schedule depending on your project design drawings and method statement.

Each program of work should include the following Major sections:

I. Material Submittals: Civil, Architectural, Mechanical and Electrical.
II. Shop drawings Submittals; Civil, Architectural, Mechanical and Electrical.
III. Procurement. A sub divison for LONG LEAD ITEMS>
IV. Construction. This is what you mentioned in your email.
V. Testing and Commissioning and Handing over.

In the Construction section you will have the following.

- Mobilization
- Site Survey
- Excavation
- Footing
- shuttering
- Reinforcement
- Concreting.
- Vertical Elements
- shuttering
- Reinforcement
- Concreting.
- Tie Beams
- shuttering
- Reinforcement
- Concreting.

- Substruction insulation (if any)
- Substruction insulation protection (if any)
- Fill in layers
- Slab on grade blinding
- Slab on grade insulation
- Slab on grade reinforcement
- Slab on grade concreting.

Super Structure.
- Columns
- shuttering
- Reinforcement
- Concreting.
- Slabs
- shuttering
- Reinforcement
- Concreting.
- External Facade
- Stone
- Block
- Aluminum
- Finishes
- Block Work
- Plastering
- Tiling
- Paints
Mechanical Works
1st fix
2nd fix
3rd fix
Electrical Works
1st fix
2nd fix
3rd fix

If you mention a brief description about your building, we can complete your activities in a short time.

With kind regards,

Samer