2013 Session: 238

• Highway Construction and Performance-Based Contracting
  Abstract: Many transportation agencies typically rely on method-based specifications and the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) delivery method to execute various highway construction projects. Recently, a number of studies suggested that performance-based specifications are a viable alternative to method-based specifications. The reported advantages of using performance-based specifications and contracting include improved quality, an enhanced level of innovation in construction methods and materials used during project execution, and a decreased level of owner requirements on site to monitor project details. However, limited guidance in assessing the applicability of performance specifications for a particular project presents an obstacle in their implementation. The objective of this paper is to assess the relative value of performance-based specifications when compared to traditional method-based specifications. The comparisons are performed with the consideration of different project characteristics and evaluation criteria such as first cost, life-cycle costs, and others. A Delphi analysis is used in collecting and analyzing the data. The results show that performance specifications will likely add value if they are considered in conjunction with the appropriate delivery method and project type.
  Authors: Nageeb, Meena; Nejat, Ali; Damnjanovic, Ivan D.; Anderson, Stuart D.; Scott, Sidney; Konrath, Linda
  Authors: Nageeb, Meena; Nejat, Ali; Damnjanovic, Ivan D.; Anderson, Stuart D.; Scott, Sidney; Konrath, Linda
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-1419
• Construction Management Best Practices from Wisconsin Department of Transportation Megaprojects and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Projects
  Abstract: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has developed a number of new techniques, methods, processes and procedures for management of two types of transportation projects: megaprojects and projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). WisDOT felt that the department would greatly benefit from a review of these new practices to evaluate their effectiveness, determine if they had benefits for future use and, if so, investigate how they could be adopted by the department as best practices. This study was undertaken to identify and evaluate the best practices used on these projects and develop an implementation methodology for the most effective best practices. Analysis of these practices resulted in identifying the top best practices by project type and those that WisDOT should focus on for statewide implementation. A complete list of the final 49 best practices selected is provided with an example of the implementation information that was developed for each best practice. Each best practice is identified by the project management emphasis area (Project Management, Financial Reporting, Document Control, and Change Management) so that WisDOT can select a specific best practice based upon the project need or goals. Each best practice is also categorized as meeting primary and secondary objectives so that WisDOT staff can quickly identify a specific best practice to meet a particular project management need. Each listed best practice identifies the relative cost to implement and the types of projects it is most applicable to.
  Authors: Whited, Gary C.; Hanna, Awad S.
  Authors: Whited, Gary C.; Hanna, Awad S.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-2164
• Does Incentive-Disincentive Contracting Mitigate Work Zone Traffic Impacts?
  Abstract: Incentive/disincentive clauses (I/D) are designed to award payments to contractors if they complete work ahead of schedule and to deduct payments if they overrun the completion time. A previously unanswered question is, “Did the costs of the actual work zone impacts that were avoided justify the incentives paid?” This article answers that question affirmatively based on a re-evaluation of full-closure I/D projects in Missouri from 2008 to 2011. The mobility road user costs (RUC) computed included travel delays and vehicle operating costs. These were computed using detour volumes and detour distances in excess of original routes. Road user costs involving safety were computed using Highway Safety Manual methodology. Safety Performance Functions produced annual crash frequencies that were translated into crash cost savings. In considering a median project, the percentage of RUC savings was around 17% of the total contract amount, or $140,123 of $826,567. As is intuitive, urban projects resulted in a 416% greater savings in RUC. Sixteen I/D projects were also compared against all Missouri Department of Transportation projects for the same time period. The results show that I/D projects had a higher on-time completion percentage and a higher number of bids per call than average projects. But I/D projects resulted in 6.47% higher deviation from programmed costs and possibly more number of changes made after the award. Overall, in terms of work zone impact mitigation, I/D contracts seem to be worth their weight in gold.
  Authors: Mackley, Andrew; Sun, Carlos; Edara, Praveen
  Authors: Mackley, Andrew; Sun, Carlos; Edara, Praveen
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-3169
• After 35 Years, Does It Need to Change? Evaluating Fuel Usage Factor for Structures
  Abstract: Contractors may inflate the bid price for a construction project in order to cover the potential increased cost for various bid items. In an attempt to moderate the inflation inserted into bid prices, Departments of Transportation (DOTs) allow for fuel adjustments in the monthly payment to the contractor. The fuel price adjustment is a function of fuel usage factor values for bid items based on a 1974 national survey titled, “Fuel Usage Factors for Highway Construction.” For example, the fuel usage factor for structures is multiplied by the gallons of fuel used per $1,000 worth of work. The research reported in this paper uses a recent national survey by the authors to determine whether states, and their DOTs use this same procedure to calculate a fuel price adjustment, and if so, whether the values for the fuel usage factors are the same. In addition, the paper examines how the price of structural construction has changed over time to establish whether the current fuel usage factor for structures, based on fuel usage per dollars of construction is still applicable. A new index of construction items is developed for both a national and state model (Oregon).
  Authors: Holmgren, Mark; Casavant, Kenneth L.; Jessup, Eric L.; Sage, Jeremy
  Authors: Holmgren, Mark; Casavant, Kenneth L.; Jessup, Eric L.; Sage, Jeremy
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-4227
• Is There a Reasonable Basis for Use of Material-Specific Inflation Rates in Highway Construction Life-Cycle Cost Analysis?
  Abstract: This paper examines the treatment of inflation in life-cycle cost analyses (LCCAs) for transportation infrastructure. In particular, highway projects can be built with different materials and quantities that have varying time patterns of construction and maintenance. This paper also examines the use of material-specific inflation rates in current practice, the availability and accuracy of price forecasts, and the problems associated with estimating the bill of goods to build highways, now and in the future.No states currently employ material-specific inflation rates. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-94 Revised and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance advise that analysts develop estimated future costs in constant dollars, which do not include an inflation component. However, both OMB and FHWA do allow (in some cases) for an adjusted price in the economic analysis if there is a “reasonable basis” for estimating future changes in relative prices. FHWA recommends consulting an economist in such an instance. Several authors, including one who recently submitted a paper to TRB, argue that accurate material-specific forecasting is possible through the use of historical price data and statistical simulation. This paper hypothesizes that estimating future changes in relative prices is not supported by economics best practices and that it is difficult to justify a “reasonable basis” given the numerous variables that contribute to price estimates. It also examines whether inflation forecasting for a specific commodity is able to accurately model price increases for infrastructure material inputs.
  Authors: Brooks, Mike; Skolnik, Jonathan; Copeland, Audrey
  Authors: Brooks, Mike; Skolnik, Jonathan; Copeland, Audrey
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-4324
• Simulation-Based Deterministic and Probabilistic Four-Dimensional Modeling for Planning and Scheduling of Elevated Urban Highway Reconstruction Projects
  Abstract: Elevated urban highway reconstruction projects involve complex geometry and limited space available which lead to spatio-temporal conflicts. Additionally, maintaining acceptable flow of traffic without compromising safety in highway construction zones is another major issue for planners. This research proposes a new methodology by integrating 4D modeling and simulation in the planning and scheduling phases of elevated urban highway reconstruction projects to detect spatio-temporal conflicts. A sequence assessment approach using a deterministic 4D model is presented to define the order in which the segments should be constructed or demolished. The result of this step is a sequence which will be used as the process chain for simulation techniques. Then, a probabilistic 4D model is introduced by linking the 3D model of the project with generated probabilistic schedules from Monte-Carlo and Discrete Event simulations. The proposed approach is capable of identifying scenarios with the highest potential of conflict and calculating the probability associated with each scenario. The feasibility of the proposed methods is explored through two case studies.
  Authors: Doriani, Ahmad; Mawlana, Mohammed; Hammad, Amin
  Authors: Doriani, Ahmad; Mawlana, Mohammed; Hammad, Amin
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-3902
• Traffic Impact Evaluation for Closure of Interstate 405 in California
  Abstract: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) were funding a one billion dollars project to help improve corridors between Orange County and Los Angeles County. As part of this project, Interstate 405 (I-405), between I-10 and US-101, was closed for construction of a new bridge, lane widening, and pavement rehabilitation. I-405, the closure section in particular, was the busiest highway in the nation. Traffic on freeways around the construction site was expected to be heavy due to the closure. This evaluation study was to examine the impacts of the closure on the surrounding freeways. Freeway traffic data were collected from the Regional Integration of Intelligent Transportation System (RIITS) Network during the closure weekend and three normal weekends. A segment-level method was developed to perform a comparison study. Paired t-Test with a 95% confidence level was used to determine the differences of traffic densities between the closure weekend and normal weekends. The results indicate that the detour plan and out-reach activities for the closure were effective. Freeways within the detour plan of the construction site experienced a decrease of traffic during the closure. Freeways outside the detour plan experienced no changes of traffic.
  Authors: Doan, Hung; Jia, Xudong; Cheng, Wen
  Authors: Doan, Hung; Jia, Xudong; Cheng, Wen
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-5081
• How Visualization Technology Can Help Improve Transparency of Department of Transportation Design and Construction Projects
  Abstract: Reconstruction of major urban highway projects is generally a complex engineering process during which detailed engineering plans and specifications are prepared and the construction operations performed according to those plans and specifications. Most of these complex projects take years to design and several more years to construct. With more experience, the state transportation agencies are undertaking more complex projects using a wide variety of delivery mechanisms. Through all this, the common underlying theme has been the need to balance the mobility needs of the driving public and construction needs of the contractor. This is generally accomplished through the development of the detailed Traffic Control Plans (TCP). However, the presentation of TCP is still based on a medium developed centuries ago and relies to most extent on communicating this information in paper format. Since the turn of this century, through the availability of personal computer based, 3-dimensional (3D) modeling tools, scheduling software, and the integration of the two, it has become possible and cost-effective to use the latest visual modeling techniques for developing and presenting this complex engineering information to project stakeholders. The paper presents a case study of the successful use of this technology on a multi-billion dollar project in Dallas, Texas for Texas Department of Transportation.
  Authors: Khwaja, Nabeel; Schmeits, Cameron
  Authors: Khwaja, Nabeel; Schmeits, Cameron
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-5153
• Development of Estimating Tool for Transportation Project Design
  Abstract: The development of an estimating tool to assist New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) managers is described. The tool was developed using Microsoft Access. It enables managers to input project characteristics and then search a data base of historical projects. The estimating tool returns the staffing levels for similar completed projects. The system was also developed to allow newly completed projects to be added to the data base and to allow for the monitoring of design hours expended for projects that are in progress. Regression analysis was also explored as a means of predicting total project design hours. With the assistance of NYSDOT experts important factors that influence required design hours were identified. Estimating tool users can make a regression prediction for the total project hours using historical projects as input data.
  Authors: Williams, Trefor P.; Parker, Neville A.; Klotz, James
  Authors: Williams, Trefor P.; Parker, Neville A.; Klotz, James
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-2111
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• A Project Delivery Selection Matrix for Highway Design and Construction
  Abstract: Determining an appropriate delivery method for highway projects is a complex decision. This paper presents a decision support approach to assist highway agencies in evaluating and selecting the most suitable delivery method for their projects. The approach uses a matrix to consider three fundamental delivery methods currently in use by the highway industry: design-bid-build (DBB), design-build (DB), and construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC). The approach, which is in use by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), includes four primary selection factors (delivery schedule, complexity and innovation, level of design, and initial project risk assessment) and four secondary selection factors (cost, staff experience/availability, level of oversight and control, and competition and contractor experience) in the delivery decision. The research identified these eight selection factors, along with opportunities and challenges for each delivery method, through literature and tested through discussions and workshops with innovative contracting leaders from the CDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the University of Colorado. The approach enables an initial risk assessment to occur early in the project development process and prior to the project delivery decision. The project delivery selection matrix promotes a better understanding of project goals, risks, opportunities, and enhances alignment among project participants. The approach has been successfully tested and implemented through eight projects of varying scope throughout Colorado. This paper presents the project delivery selection matrix along with an illustrative case study to demonstrate the results. The research provides a defensible and repeatable process for highway agencies to select an appropriate delivery method for their projects.
  Authors: Tran, Daniel Q.; Harper, Christofer M.; Molenaar, Keith R.; Haddad, Nabil F.; Scholfield, Mark M.
  Authors: Tran, Daniel Q.; Harper, Christofer M.; Molenaar, Keith R.; Haddad, Nabil F.; Scholfield, Mark M.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-2260
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Fatigue in Highway Construction Workers: Risks and Countermeasures in Rapid Renewal Project Schedules
  Abstract: This paper describes findings from a field study conducted during the first phase of a 3-year project, sponsored by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) Renewal Program, which investigated the problem of worker and manager fatigue on highway construction sites that use rapid renewal practices. The field study included interviews with 20 subject matter experts with contractors and state Departments of Transportation, and a survey of 47 employees measuring work and sleep schedules, attitudes about fatigue, fatigue levels, and fatigue countermeasures employed. Worker and manager fatigue was found to be a problem on highway construction sites, and to be exacerbated by accelerated construction practices such as night work and weekend closures. This problem was widely acknowledged by both management and labor. Methods for dealing with fatigue were found to be informal, and there was wide variability in attitudes about fatigue. Fatigue countermeasures relevant to highway construction have been studied in other contexts and are already practiced in other industries. Thus, a set of specific fatigue countermeasures could be developed, targeted at the rapid renewal environment and comprised of management interventions (e.g., fatigue training, work scheduling aids, incident reporting and review) and individual interventions (e.g., sleep hygiene, napping, use of caffeine). An integrated fatigue risk management program for rapid renewal projects would include: 1) work scheduling and work practice guidance based on the science of fatigue; 2) organizational practice guidance; 3) fatigue management reference materials; 4) training materials for managers and workers; 5) outreach materials for raising awareness.
  Authors: Jackson, J. Elizabeth; Sanquist, Tom; Campbell, John L.; Lee, Eul-Bum; Van Dongen, Hans
  Authors: Jackson, J. Elizabeth; Sanquist, Tom; Campbell, John L.; Lee, Eul-Bum; Van Dongen, Hans
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-4394
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Development of Estimating Tool for Transportation Project Design
  Authors: Williams, Trefor
  Authors: Williams, Trefor
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-2111
• A Project Delivery Selection Matrix for Highway Design and Construction
  Authors: Tran, Daniel
  Authors: Tran, Daniel
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-2260
• Does Incentive-Disincentive Contracting Mitigate Work Zone Traffic Impacts?
  Authors: Sun, Carlos
  Authors: Sun, Carlos
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-3169
• After 35 Years, Does It Need to Change? Evaluating Fuel Usage Factor for Structures
  Authors: Casavant, Kenneth
  Authors: Casavant, Kenneth
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-4227
• How Visualization Technology Can Help Improve Transparency of Department of Transportation Design and Construction Projects
  Authors: Schmeits, Cameron
  Authors: Schmeits, Cameron
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-5153
• Is There a Reasonable Basis for Use of Material-Specific Inflation Rates in Highway Construction Life-Cycle Cost Analysis?
  Authors: Brooks, Mike
  Authors: Brooks, Mike
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Construction
  Session: 238
  Paper Number: 13-4324