Linear scheduling and procurement tools to manage geotechnical risk in design-build construction projects

Tapia, Ricardo M (2017) Linear scheduling and procurement tools to manage geotechnical risk in design-build construction projects. PhD thesis, Iowa State University, USA.

Abstract

By integrating Linear Scheduling Method (LSM) concepts with risk modeling methods and using state-of-the practice contractual risk management, a framework is proposed to manage geotechnical uncertainty in construction projects. LSM provides an effective tool for graphically depicting a design-build (DB) project’s schedule in terms of both estimated and actual production rates in relation to physical locations on the project. When the LSM tool is combined with risk analysis calculations and geotechnical site information, it provides a vehicle for effectively allocating geotechnical risk, and when used forensically, furnishes a means to visually quantify delays during dispute resolution. The use of alternative methods for quantifying and managing geotechnical risks is explored by incorporating the LSM format and DB procurement along with the implementation of contractual risk management tools, providing a framework for managing the uncertainty of underground conditions in a way that increases the effectiveness of communication and analysis. A forensic approach is also proposed using the LSM format to visualize actual production data drawn from daily work reports in a single chart to accurately depict the events that occurred during construction, thus demonstrating the potential of the LSM format as a communication tool to draw conclusions from information that otherwise would not be apparent using the Critical Path Method (CPM). Additionally, a risk management and planning approach is also explored with the use of LSM combined with stochastic simulations to represent the estimated impact of geotechnical risks and integrating it with the geological interpretation of the site. By integrating LSM, stochastic simulations for schedule risks, and state-of-the-practice contracting methods, the study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing an innovative approach to increase the effectiveness for managing the geotechnical risk in DB projects.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Gransberg, Douglas D
Uncontrolled Keywords: contracting methods; effectiveness; uncertainty; construction project; communication; critical path method; dispute resolution; risk analysis; risk management; scheduling; risk analysis; simulation
Index terms: linear scheduling, contracting method, contractual risk management, construction project, critical path method, body of knowledge, risk analysis, scheduling, effectiveness, risk management, modelling, implementation, resolution, dispute
Subjects: analytical methods, contractual arrangements, knowledge management, operations research, environmental hazards, contract management, production management, dispute resolution, risk assessment, conflict resolution, performance management
Topics: Contract Administration, Time Control, Information Management, Stakeholder Management, Legal Issues, Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Risk Management, Sustainability, Procurement
Descriptive scope: 2 PC

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