On site storage solutions

It is estimated that the Earth’s population will have increased to 9 billion by 2050. Of those 9 billion people, 66% will be living in cities. In already densely-populated cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham - this growth will result in a tight squeeze.

While the increasing popularity of urban living is good news for architects, developers and contractors; it still poses a number of problems. In cities that already have limited space, the only solution is to build upwards.

Whether retrofitting or delivering a new development, the distinct lack of space can pose a real issue for everyone throughout the supply chain. Not only do contractors and sub-contractors have to battle with limited space, but the lack of storage can also mean there’s nowhere to store vital equipment and project components.

On-site storage is a vital consideration for any project. Not only for health and safety, but to preserve the materials and tools being used, including bricks, sand, power tools and machinery.

Different types of material will have different storage requirements. For example, bricks should be stored on level ground with excellent drainage. They should be stacked on edge in rows, up to a maximum height of 2.4 m and covered with a polythene sheet in order to protect against efflorescence. Additionally, an area of at least 5 m should be left in order to allow for a forklift.

If they’re being stored on site, it’s recommended for drainage pipes to be stored in an open compound. They should be stacked horizontally with spigots and sockets reversed in alternate layers until they are required - taking up precious space on site.

However, with a lack of space becoming a common challenge on construction sites - manufacturers, are offering alternative solutions, reducing the need for on-site storage, frequently delivering products to sites with limited storage. Able to work with project managers to work out an exact delivery schedule, manufacturers can ensure their products don’t reach the site before they’re needed, meaning they won’t take up precious space. They can even deliver items in a floor-by-floor sequence as and when they’re required.