Improving highway specifications for constructibility

Project constructibility, the measure of ease with which a facility can be constructed, is keenly affected by the quality of technical specifications. Poor specifications can cause delays, rework, and claims, as well as restrict contractor innovation and flexibility. This paper explores the nature of specification-related obstacles to the construction of highway projects. In accomplishing this objective, many specific problems are identified and relevant problem details are captured in a formalized structure. A structure of problem types is developed, and problems are analyzed with respect to classification frequencies and apparent causal factors. Highway specification constructibility concerns and corresponding solutions are communicated through a series of hierarchy-of-objective-technique (HOT) diagrams. This technique represents a new, powerful, yet rather simple method of structuring objectives, strategies, tactics, and specific solutions to problems. In addition, a procedure is proposed for the periodic updating of standard highway specifications. Major findings indicate that pavement specifications are most problematic, that specification content is the most common general class of problem, and that “gold plating” or excessive specification requirements is the most frequent specific type of problem.