Stewart, W S and Tatum, C B (1988) Segmental placement of Renton outfall: Construction innovation. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 114(3), pp. 390-407. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
The installation of the outfall pipeline for the Renton Effluent Transfer System presented challenges and resulted in construction innovation. Introduction of new equipment (a deepwater minisubmarine and a remotely controlled bolt-up tool) and modification of the method of construction enabled the contractor to place large-diameter pipe in water depths unattainable using existing construction methods. This paper describes the construction project, reviews the technology for the installation of offshore pipelines, and analyzes the process leading to product and process innovation. It compares this process with a model of innovation on the construction project and develops conclusions and practical applications based on this example of construction innovation. These conclusions emphasize the role of the owner and the importance of technical challenge. This paper is part of an ongoing investigation of mechanisms for innovation in construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | construction innovation, construction project, construction method, placement, investigation, owner, pipeline |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, production management, management, infrastructure and transport systems, building construction, sociology |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Site Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Stakeholder Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here