Introduction
No matter how perfect your schedule is or how clear your drawings are, if your resources aren’t ready, your project won’t move an inch.
Resource planning is the backbone of project execution. In civil engineering, that means making sure the right people, machines, and materials are available at the right time and place.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to do resource planning the right way—practically, clearly, and in a way that helps your site run like a well-oiled machine.
What Is Resource Planning?
Resource planning is the process of identifying and allocating the:
- Manpower (like engineers, masons, carpenters, laborers)
- Machinery and Equipment (like excavators, batching plants, cranes)
- Materials (like steel, cement, sand, bricks)
This ensures all activities in your construction schedule have the necessary inputs to be executed without delays.
Why It’s Critical in Civil Projects
Without proper resource planning, projects face:
- Labor idle time
- Equipment sitting unused
- Last-minute material shortages
- Cost overruns due to unproductivity
- Site clashes and poor coordination
Proper resource planning avoids these by forecasting needs and ensuring timely mobilization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Construction Resource Planning
Step 1: Analyze the Project Schedule
Start by reviewing the Primavera or MS Project schedule. Break it down into weekly or monthly activity blocks.
Ask:
- What activities are happening each week?
- What’s the manpower and equipment requirement for each?
Tip: Don’t just focus on major milestones—track minor works too.
Step 2: Identify Resource Needs per Activity
For each activity, determine:
- Who is required? (foremen, skilled labor, helpers)
- What is needed? (shuttering material, pumps, trucks)
- What quantity is needed? (cement bags, tons of steel, square meters of plywood)
Use past data or standard productivity rates.
Example: For 100 m³ of concrete:
- 8 skilled workers
- 12 helpers
- 1 concrete pump
- 1 transit mixer
- 40 tons of cement
- 80 tons of aggregate
Step 3: Use a Resource Histogram
Build a resource histogram to visualize needs over time. This helps:
- Avoid peaks and troughs in labor
- Schedule equipment rentals smartly
- Plan material purchases in batches
Tool Tip: Use Excel charts, Primavera resource views, or a Gantt chart overlay.
Step 4: Manpower Planning
Create a manpower deployment plan. Include:
- Quantity per trade
- Duration
- Deployment zones
- Shift planning (if needed)
Plan for realistic productivity. One mason can lay about 1.25–1.5 m³ of brickwork per day. Use such productivity standards.
Always build in buffer labor for sick leave, fatigue, and unplanned work.
Step 5: Equipment Planning
List major equipment by:
- Type (excavator, roller, batching plant)
- Quantity needed per zone
- Duration of requirement
- Operation hours per day
- Owner or rental status
Plan fuel, maintenance, and operator availability.
Case Example: For a 2-km road stretch:
- 1 grader for 5 days
- 2 dumpers for 15 days
- 1 JCB for utilities for 7 days
Step 6: Material Planning
This is a critical component.
- Create a material procurement schedule
- Use look-ahead plans to trigger purchase orders
- Include lead time and approvals
- Ensure storage and testing facilities are ready
Example:
Steel delivery has a 10-day lead time from the manufacturer. Plan to order at least 15 days before you need it onsite.
Tools for Resource Planning
- Primavera (resource loading and leveling)
- MS Excel (manual tracking with templates)
- ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle Aconex for procurement)
- Daily Progress Reports (DPRs) for consumption updates
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overloading labor | Plan based on realistic productivity |
| Ignoring site access | Always check logistics in your plan |
| Equipment mismatch | Cross-check activity requirements |
| Material shortage | Use lead time-based purchase planning |
| Resource clashes | Coordinate across multiple teams |
Real-Life Example: Tunnel Construction in Himachal
During tunnel lining, the team required :
- 20 steel fixers
- 2 crane operators
- 1 gantry
- 1 concrete pump
- Continuous concrete supply
Poor planning caused a half-day delay when cement bags didn’t arrive on time. The team updated their resource plan to include buffer materials and scheduled night unloading to avoid future hiccups.
How to Align Resource Plan with Schedule
Your resource plan must:
- Match the project baseline schedule
- Be updated in weekly look-ahead reviews
- Be coordinated with contractors and suppliers
- Include backup or substitute resources for critical tasks
Keep updating your plan every week as actual progress changes.
Final Thoughts
If the schedule is your roadmap, then resource planning is your fuel and engine. Without it, even the best plans stall on-site.
Successful planners know how to balance availability, productivity, and cost. Learn to use resource planning not just as a document—but as a control tool that keeps your project moving without surprises.