Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation in the Public Works ...

ABSSACT
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATION
IN THE PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE WORKSHOP
UNITED STATES ARMY CORP
OF ENGINEERS
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORY
AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION:
THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAPHICS ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Ronald J. Zabilskil
Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation is using a Computer Aided
Construction System that integrates construction planning with
estimate development, schedule generation, and project management
tools. Integration is achieved by linking IBM's DB2 relational
database with the CATIA three-dimensional (3-D) solids modeling
applicaLion. The relational database is the central repository for
all plant information and documents of a project over the life
cycle of the entire facility. The 3-D model is the plant design
and the window to the database information.
Construction planning is conducted with the 3-D construction
sequence model. The model provides the construction engineer with
a tool that helps clarify the scope of the project. The design
model is disassembled into its base components, pipe spools,
concrete pours, and equipment. A project team then assembles the
model, simulating the sequence of field construction activities.
The sequence model can be played back for verification of the logic
and can be easily modified to account for problems, such as
material and equipment access, delays in equipment delivery, and
craft loading. Quantities are developed from the physical
characteristics of the 3-D model. Labor-hours are generated by
multiplying historical installation rates by the modeled
quantities. Material and labor costs are then extended. The
graphics sequence model is then used to generate the project
network schedule. Construction progress is reported by selecting
modeled components that have been completed in the field; laborhours
are loaded from the project's accounting system. The system
then updates the schedule and reports using performance measuring
techniques.
'Manger Advanced Construction Systems, Stone & Webster
Engineering Corp., P.O. Box 2325, Boston, MA 02107
33