Research Project: Accelerated Construction Decision-Making Process for Bridges

Sam Salem, Ph.D., P.E., CPC

Head, Infrastructure Systems and Construction Program

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Cincinnati PO Box 210071

Cincinnati, OH 45221 (513) 556-3759

osalem@uc.edu

1. Facilitate removal of barriers to accelerated construction and encourage development of strategies for

accelerated construction policies and decisions.

2. Facilitate understanding among highway administrators, engineers, and private industry of their

individual responsibilities and impacts of their decisions.

3. Inform highway industry leaders of the value of accelerating construction and provide decision makers

with a decision justification tool.

4. Recommend strategies and policies to overcome the barriers to implementation.

Project Abstract: In 1997, nationwide bridge expenditures related to system preservation and construction of new highway bridges were US$61 billion and US$10 billion, respectively. Because the need for upgrades and repair usually exceeds the funds available, decision makers must determine the best use of limited funds available. In a mature infrastructure system, upgrade, repair, or replacement requires either restriction or closure of those parts of the system. The Ohio DOT has started several initiatives aimed at reducing problems associated with reconstruction of roadways. Some important findings of the initiatives identify bridges as a significant source of delays in the reconstruction process of roadways. Studies have also revealed that some of the barriers to minimizing down time are not technological and include: business, safety, political, environmental and personal factors. Implementation of accelerated construction initiatives should change from the traditional planning and construction approach to a systems approach that considers all possible impacts and contributing factors during the planning stage.

I. Determining the non-technical factors affection accelerated bridge construction

    a. Literature search and communication with special task forces

    b. DOT interviews

    c. Survey of 50 DOTs

    d. Observe Ohio DOT construction projects

II. Develop the Decision Model

    a. Preliminary model which will provide a decision guideline

III. Validate decision model

    a. Interview key bridge experts

    b. Apply model to one or two Ohio bridge projects

    c. Recommend policy changes and write final report

Milestones, Dates: Project Duration: 12 months

Start Date: August 1, 2004; End Date: July 31, 2005

Year 1 Budget: $143,058

Matching Funds & %: $73,895 52%

Student Involvement: Graduate Students (one and a half, full time)

Potential Benefits of the Project: Recommendations on how to add non-technical factors to decision models for bridge construction, and potential policy changes reflecting the outcome.

Modal Orientation: Highway