Whether you’re in need of an industrial forklift or a concrete mixer for your project, it is important to understand the various types of construction project types. From industrial to heavy civil construction projects, understanding the difference between these categories is key to successfully executing your project. In this article, we’ll be exploring the seven main construction project types and understanding the key differences between them. Interested in finding out more? This short read has got you covered.
The Importance Of Construction Projects
Regardless of the nation, the construction industry plays a huge role in the running of economies. Construction projects build the infrastructure of the world around us, from the roads we drive on to the hospitals we frequent. When it comes to ensuring the economic growth of a country, the construction industry builds the foundation for the growth. Whether it be through employment creation, shelter production or income generation, construction has a substantial impact on the success of an economy.
Additionally, the construction industry also has a profound influence on human development. Construction affects cultural, social, economic and recreational spheres by creating physical spaces for people to come together. From the houses we live in to the schools we are taught in, construction is all around us and impacts every aspect of human civilization.
The Seven Types Of Construction Project Types
Each of the project types that give form to the construction industry come with their own distinctive characteristics and requirements. Knowing what these classifications are and understanding their differences is key to navigating the construction industry. While there may overlap in construction and apparatus, such as using a concrete mixer for laying down cement, there are nuances to each of these project types.
Any construction project needs to be thoroughly understood and planned to ensure successful completion. Here is a complete breakdown of the seven types of construction projects in the construction industry:
Institutional Construction:
Construction projects that fall under this category refer to the erection of any building or infrastructure that is used for communal or public use. From libraries to parliamentary buildings to hospitals, institutional construction projects include a wide range of establishments. Given that institutional structures are intended for the public to use, the construction of these buildings has specific requirements that need to be met.
These structures need to be safe, functional and accessible to all that frequent them. For instance, libraries and hospitals must provide the necessary facilities for those with disabilities, such as ramps and elevators. Additionally, some institutional structures are built with added safety measures for buildings like schools and hospitals to protect learners, staff and patients.
Commercial Construction:
Any building that is constructed for business purposes is made on commercial construction projects. Some buildings that have commercial uses include hotels, office buildings, retail stores, restaurants and shopping malls. Whether it be through capital gain or rent generated income, commercial buildings are intended to create profit.
While their specifications may not be unique or differ much from other construction project types, commercial construction projects need to create buildings that are accessible, energy efficient, aesthetic and have a functional layout. Because commercial structures are created to generate profit, factors such as energy efficiency help to manage the operation costs and environmental impact of these buildings.
Heavy Civil Construction:
Heavy civil construction projects are vital in providing communities with broad infrastructures such as bridges, sewage systems and highways. Projects that fall under this type come with several unique requirements due to their density and scale. Because heavy civil constructions tend to be exceptionally large, they often come with logistical challenges. Some of these challenges include the organising of large construction worker teams as well as obtaining and moving heavy equipment such as a forklift or concrete mixer. Additionally, these projects must also ensure public safety during the operation and construction process for both the workers and community surrounding them.
Residential Construction:
When it comes to building homes or properties for people to live in, these projects fall under the residential construction category. The scale of these projects ranges anywhere from small living spaces to larger, multi-unit properties. Because residential construction projects come in different subtypes, these projects come with special requirements. If you’re building a single-family home or multi-unit residential property, your requirements will differ according to scale, style and location.
One aspect of residential construction that is more heavily considered than in other project types is architectural design. Unlike heavy civil construction projects, for example, design plays a key role in residential construction to ensure functional and aesthetic satisfaction.
Industrial Construction:
Projects that involve the building of structures created for industrial, manufacturing or production purposes are considered an industrial construction project. Examples of industrial constructions include power plants, warehouses, refineries and factories. Because industrial buildings tend to house specialised equipment, the equipment needs to be considered during the construction process. Additionally, these types of buildings must adhere to specific industry regulations and standards, including factors such as environmental protocols and building codes. Safety is also a pivotal component during the construction of these buildings as industrial work involves working with large-scale, dangerous equipment.
Green Construction:
Green construction projects are implemented for the purpose of building structures that prioritise sustainability as well as reducing the effect on the environment. There are a variety of advantages to building green constructions, namely cheaper operational costs, enhanced resident health and reduced environmental impact.
Some examples of concepts that fall under this category include the integration of renewable energy, designs that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly building materials and LEED (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. These concepts and techniques allow for construction projects and sites to become more innovative and environmentally friendly.
Mixed-Use Construction:
Construction projects that are considered mixed-use encompass a variety of factors and requirements that can be found in several other construction project types. Institutional, residential and commercial construction styles are blended together to form multi-functional buildings. These types of buildings can offer shopping, residential and work facilities all in one cohesive unit.
Mixed-use constructions can be broken up into four main subtypes: transit-oriented, horizontal, live-work-play and vertical. Because the construction of these buildings is especially unique, so too are their requirements. Mixed-use construction projects must be eco-friendly, have parking facilities, be accessible and be interrogated with the neighbouring community.
Choosing The Right Concrete Mixer For Your Construction Project
Though not all construction project types require a concrete mixer, a vast majority of them do. Concrete mixers, whether you’re using them professionally or at home, provide a range of benefits for most construction sites, namely mixing and transporting cement efficiently. To choose the right concrete mixer for your construction project, it is important to consider these factors:
Power & Speed: Depending on the requirements of your construction project, you may need a certain level of power and speed to build efficiently. Commercial and heavy civil construction projects, for example, would need concrete mixers that come with a substantial amount of speed and power to match the scale of construction.
Having a concrete mixer that is strong enough and fast enough for your construction site means that your results will be of a higher quality and that the work will be done more efficiently. The residential construction of a single-family home, however, would not require the same level of power and speed for a concrete mixer as the construction is on a much smaller scale.
Location: Location is an especially important factor in choosing the correct cement mixer for your construction site as it will determine whether you need a mixer with a petrol-powered engine or an electricity-powered engine. If your construction site is located on a highway, for example, you may not have access to electrical outlets. This means you’ll have to choose a petrol-powered cement mixer. Additionally, the location of your construction site also affects the distance and travel accounted for in your project. Concrete mixers that double as cement trucks are useful mixing as well as transporting cement mixture onto site.
Size: Concrete mixers come in a range of different sizes, which often correlate with the scale of your construction project. Compact cement mixers are useful for smaller scale construction jobs as they are easy to transport and do not take up much space on construction sites. If you need to produce large amounts of concrete efficiently, however, a cement truck is best suited for the job. Essentially, the scale of your construction project will determine the scale of your cement mixer.
Portability: Concrete mixers can either be stationary mobile units or on-site mobile units. For construction jobs that require you to move from one location to another, a mobile cement mixer is best recommended. Mobile cement mixers allow you to travel with ease as they are both smaller in size and lightweight. If you’re preparing your concrete at one location, however, you may want to consider acquiring a stationary mixer. Without considering the portability of your cement mixer and if it is suited to your construction project, you may lose out on costs.
Durability: Durability is an especially important factor when it comes to choosing a suitable cement mixer for your project as lower quality mixers break down and result in maintenance fees and valuable time being lost. Robust mixers that can withstand wear and tear not only perform more efficiently but are also cost-effective as they last far longer than lower-quality mixers. While poly and plastic drums may be easier to clean and are lighter for carrying, they are also prone to abrasion from concrete. A steel drum, however, offer longer durability and can endure damage without requiring maintenance or replacement.
About BS Power
BS Power is the one-stop shop for all your agricultural, forestry and construction needs. Whether you’re looking for top of the line concrete mixers or you’re on the hunt for a powerful engine, BS Power has got you covered.
At BS Power, we strive to offer our customers the best and most efficient solutions needed for their construction projects. From our trimmers to our brush cutters to our plate compactors, our machines provide high performance and are essential for professional use.
Keen to get your hands on one of our high-quality machines? Look at our online store to find the best equipment suited for your construction project.