Oxford Method Research Programme

The original Contract Programme (excluding North Elevation) was 16 weeks
Contract Commencement 10th January 2000
Contract Completion 5th May 2000

Actual Programme including North Elevation was 12 weeks
Contract Commencement 10th January 2000
Practical Completion 14th April 2000

The improvement in programme time was bought about by a number of factors these being :-

• When specifications were drawn up it was envisaged that the Brickwork overcladding would have been carried out in bays. To the East Elevation a total of 4 bays. This was to allow for the users to decant sections of the unit adjacent to the East elevation whilst work was being carried out. In fact the work proved less disruptive to the users i.e. in the way of noise and dust. By leaving the windows in until the end, it was possible for work to be carried out to the whole elevation. This resulted in in a considerable improvement in programme time.
• It was envisaged that the drilling of the existing column bases would be very disruptive i.e. extremely noisy and that this work would need to be done outside of normal working hours over a series of weekends. In fact this operation was performed in one phase during normal working hours with the users. This was due to Theatre staff letting the Contractor know when the Theatre was not in use.
• Excellent working relationships were built up between the Ophthalmic Unit Staff and the Site Foreman of Stepnells, allowing for continuing improvements in progress on the site.
• Work was not severely disrupted by the weather, despite being carried out during winter months.