Design-build project administration: Case studies from water utilities in the U.S. Southwest/Pacific Region

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Water utilities were traditionally required to deliver their projects using the design-bid-build (DBB) method. However, innovative and more efficient project delivery methods such as design-build (DB) are growing in use in this industry. The objective of this study is to benchmark DB project administration practices in the water industry, focusing on the U.S. Southwest/Pacific region. Structured interviews were conducted with four utilities that are experienced with successful DB delivery. One utility was selected to represent each of the four following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, and Nevada. The interview questions were organized into eight different categories: procurement, roles and responsibilities, risk and quality assurance, design, design review, cost and schedule estimates, submittal and submittal review, and communication and information flow. Findings include that all four utilities engage the design-builder before 10% of design completion. This study supports utilities interested in using DB and in identifying practices to improve their DB project performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPipelines 2019
Subtitle of host publicationCondition Assessment, Construction, and Rehabilitation - Proceedings of Sessions of the Pipelines 2019 Conference
EditorsJeffrey W. Heidrick, Mark S. Mihm
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages468-476
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780784482490
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventPipelines 2019 Conference: Condition Assessment, Construction, and Rehabilitation - Nashville, United States
Duration: Jul 21 2019Jul 24 2019

Publication series

NamePipelines 2019: Condition Assessment, Construction, and Rehabilitation - Proceedings of Sessions of the Pipelines 2019 Conference

Conference

ConferencePipelines 2019 Conference: Condition Assessment, Construction, and Rehabilitation
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNashville
Period7/21/197/24/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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