Tender Phase Research Articles

Improving the EAR Index for Flexible Pavement and a Preliminary Definition of an Environmental Index (ECR) for Rigid Pavement

Nowadays, roadway infrastructures are designed in order to satisfy technical and economical requirements, as well as to guarantee advanced environmental performance. Focusing on that, this paper deals with an innovative procedure for the characterization of pavement materials, both asphalt and cement-bound mixtures. The methodology takes its cue from a previous study in which the so-called Environmental Asphalt Rating (EAR) was firstly introduced as a reference parameter for asphalt pavements to evaluate technical offers and for the assignment of scores, in terms of environmental impacts, during the tender phase. In this work, the EAR methodology is revised with a focus on the main variations and improvements related to the new version of the ISO standard. By applying the same approach to rigid or concrete pavements, a preliminary version of the Environmental Concrete Rating (ECR) is presented. For ECR, a correction is provided regarding functionality through a fatigue-related parameter and the surface characteristics related to the IRI value. Despite its strong applicability to the pavement sector, the strength of the proposed method is its ability to be fine-tuned to different fields by varying the associated performance coefficients.

Gerda Taro Bridge ‐ a semi integral composite bridge

AbstractFor the area developments on IJburg in Amsterdam, there was a need to connect the various islands with the mainland. The connection between the ‘Centrumeiland’ and the ‘Strandeiland’ is the Gerda Taro Bridge; with ‘Bridge 2125’ as project name. The Gerda Taro Bridge is part of the bridge family ‘Buitenwater’. The bridge is suitable for all types of road traffic and has a total length of approximately 115m.Royal HaskoningDHV did the complete engineering of the road bridge for both the tender phase and all design phases up to and including implementation in collaboration with contractor Ballast Nedam.The Gerda Taro Bridge consists of a steel‐concrete supporting structure. Both the main girders and cross girders consist of welded I‐sections. The concrete deck is connected by means of studs, ensuring composite action between the steel and the concrete. The deck structure is supported by spatially oriented steel hollow sections on five intermediate supports.

The perks of being an attractive public customer

PurposeIn industrial buyer–supplier relationships, being an attractive customer has been found to result in superior supplier performance. However, there is a limited understanding of how these benefits transfer to the public domain. This study aims to explore the influence of customer attractiveness on supplier resource mobilization efforts toward the public sector.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was used, focusing on in-depth interviews with 23 informants from 3 critical and complex supplier markets. The data were processed using inductive coding and thematic analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that customer attractiveness in the public sector influences suppliers’ mobilization efforts on several dimensions. In addition to stimulating competition in the tender phase, customer attractiveness can yield important benefits to quality, supply stability and innovation during the business relationship. It appears imperative for the public sector to improve its standings with suppliers to both mitigate the apparent risk of sub-par treatment and to unlock the preferential supplier treatment associated with being an attractive customer.Social implicationsReceiving increased mobilization from suppliers will result in better use of public money and help improve resilience and innovation in public procurement.Originality/valueThis study extends the research on customer attractiveness in the public sector by being the first to explore the range and nature of its influence on supplier mobilization efforts.

Multiphase Project Risk Management on Food Factory Building Construction: Consultant Perspective

This article reports on research on a flour mill factory building construction in Indonesia by investigating the root cause of time overrun in consultant perspective. While numerous risks are identified during the phases of construction project, it is unknown which risk is the primary cause of project delays. To have a better understanding of the optimisation of the risk management and the risk mitigation, a multiphase risk management is proposed, which is divided into four phases, namely pre-design, design, tender and construction. Employing the bow-tie analysis enables a more in-depth examination to identify the risk. From each bow-tie diagram, a detailed risk mitigation table can be formulated and made the response for each risk easier to plan. The probability impact matrix is then used to identify the risk score and to evaluate the risk. This research began by giving questionnaires to 45 qualified respondents. It was found that 45 factors that caused the delay in all phases were divided into nine factors from the pre-design phase, 14 factors from the design phase, 6 factors from the tender phase and 16 factors from the construction phase. As the final step of the risk management process, there are various responses in this research depends on their final assessment based on the scores and the questionnaire results. Factory building construction is quite different from the other type of building construction because machine design also being an important part that affects the structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical aspects.

Cost Deviation Model of Construction Projects in Saudi Arabia Using PLS-SEM

Miscalculations during cost estimation can have adverse effects on construction projects, including delaying or canceling planned projects, reducing project scope, and creating considerable financial risks for both owners and contractors. The objective of this research was to identify the major factors that cause cost deviation and study the effect of the interaction between these factors on cost deviation prior to the tender phase of construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was accomplished by carrying out a comprehensive literature review of the factors affecting cost deviation; implementing a survey questionnaire for project participants, including contractors, consultants, and clients, who are aware of the construction industry in Saudi Arabia; and developing a model for cost deviation based on the questionnaire data using the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The cost deviation model was developed, and the PLS-SEM provided the critical factors affecting cost deviation and gave theoretical support for the study’s conceptual framework. The results revealed that the problem is shared by the owners and contractors, as the factors with the highest rankings were project characteristics, contractual procedures, and estimator performance. The study also showed that the issue of cost deviation is more important to owners than contractors, as the predictive relevance of project characteristics, contractual procedures, and estimator performance were 0.229, 0.335, and 0.197, respectively, for the client–consultant model, and 0.117, 0.118, and 0.292, respectively, for the contractor model. The results indicate the need to control the highest-ranked factors to enhance the efficiency of the cost estimation process. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by generating the PLS-SEM model that takes into account the indirect relationships among affecting cost deviation factors and considers these relationships while preparing the bid to reduce the deviation cost.

Use Risk Score Method to Identify the Qualitative Risk Analysis Criteria in Tendering Phase in Construction Projects

The purpose of this article was to identify and assess the importance of risk factors in the tendering phase of construction projects. The construction project cannot succeed without the identification and categorization of these risk elements. In this article, a questionnaire for likelihood and impact was designed and distributed to a panel of specialists to analyze risk factors. The risk matrix was also used to research, explore, and identify the risks that influence the tendering phase of construction projects. The probability and impact values assigned to risk are used to calculate the risk's score. A risk matrix is created by combining probability and impact criteria. To determine the main risk elements for the tender phase of a construction project, this study constructed the matrix of probability and impact variables and put the periods based on the risk score. Finally, this study identified a fourth main risk group and twenty-two sub-risk factors that are appropriate for the tendering phase of construction projects in Iraq

Raising risk awareness in multi-criteria design decisions for integrated design and construction tenders

Awareness of design risks is essential for preparing integrated design and construction tenders as decisions in this phase can have serious consequences once the project is awarded. The practice of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) promises to support contractors in dealing with risks in the decision-making process. However, due to limited time and resources in a tender, risks involved in design alternatives are often overlooked and the selection of alternatives is mainly based on the decision-makers’ knowledge and experience. This raises the question how decision makers can become aware of the risks in the tender phase of projects. Following a design science research approach three interventions to raise risk awareness are identified and validated in the context of an infrastructure tender in the Netherlands. These interventions are (1) a general list of defined criteria to identify those criteria that correspond with the characteristics of the tender; (2) mapping identified project risks on criteria and assign a bandwidth score; (3) evaluation of the quality of the decision process by scoring elements of decision quality. Based on these interventions three design rules are proposed to increase the transparency of decision problems and the understanding of choices and, by doing so, create awareness for risks involved in design alternatives.

Instrumentation bulk material estimator with easy hook-up

Estimating the need for instrumentation bulk material which can amount to thousands of items, is a job that requires much effort, especially in the short tender phase. This situation becomes critical when faced with dynamic project needs where no single project needs precisely the same process control. The engineer concerned is always required to use his technical knowledge in selecting the appropriate hook-up type before bulk material estimation can be made. Easy Hook-up is a digital solution that makes bulk material estimation activity more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective. Easy Hook-up can save man-hours up to 93.3%.

Der Tunnelbauvertrag – Eine Bestandsaufnahme

AbstractIn tunnel construction there is a clear need for specific contractual regulations, as unforeseen events make it far more difficult to predict the construction measures required than is the case in above‐ground construction. Tunnel construction contracts must make provision for all such events associated with changes in performance to ensure conflict‐free invoicing wherever possible. Conflict avoidance begins at the tender phase. In addition to the two ÖNorm B 2203 standards, the Guideline for the Geotechnical Design of Underground Structures with Conventional Excavation is an important basis for tunnelling contracts. Austrian standard ÖNorm B 2118 also plays a major role in tunnel construction as the agreed contractual basis in most cases. It contains contractual provisions for building services based on the partnership model and is intended for large‐scale projects and complex construction works. In future, other alternative contract models with a partnership approach could become an even greater focus of attention. For instance, the alliancing contract model is particularly suitable for complex, technically challenging projects requiring innovative solutions. The early involvement of all key project participants is intended to reduce design errors and encourage innovation.

Digital Transition and Waste Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations Industry

The research aims at analyzing the integration of Waste Management (WM) strategies and Information management in the construction procurement process. The application of Building information modelling (BIM) methodologies for a Most Economically Advantageous Tender could address the digital transition in order to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Despite the wide regulation regarding waste minimization, an overview of which is provided, AECO is still one of the most polluting industrialized sector. Drivers and barriers to the method, and a literature review are provided: BIM approaches to enable WM practices have been analyzed from the designer and constructor’s point of view, but few studies investigated the role of the Client, in particular the Public Client. The goal of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of Most Economically Advantageous Tender and a BIM methodology to promote WM strategies during the tender phase. Design Build (DB) and Design Bid Build (DBB) procurement models are tested through three case studies of Italian schools' calls for proposals: the BIM model enabled to verify the bids in terms of WM strategies implementation. Blockchain and Smart contract future applications are also investigated in order to ensure transparency of the whole process. The Public Client could trigger a change in the construction sector regarding the integration of WM practices, as a central and active actor of the construction process, through the application of Green Public Procurement and BIM methodologies.

Life Cycle Sustainability Performance Assessment Method for Comparison of Civil Engineering Works Design Concepts: Case Study of a Bridge.

Standardized and transparent life cycle sustainability performance assessment methods are essential for improving the sustainability of civil engineering works. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of using a life cycle sustainability assessment method in a road bridge case study. The method is in line with requirements of relevant standards, uses life cycle assessment, life cycle costs and incomes, and environmental externalities, and applies normalization and weighting of indicators. The case study involves a short-span bridge in a design-build infrastructure project, which was selected for its generality. Two bridge design concepts are assessed and compared: a concrete slab frame bridge and a soil-steel composite bridge. Data available in the contractor’s tender phase are used. The two primary aims of this study are (1) to analyse the practical application potential of the method in carrying out transparent sustainability assessments of design concepts in the early planning and design stages, and (2) to examine the results obtained in the case study to identify indicators in different life cycle stages and elements of the civil engineering works project with the largest impacts on sustainability. The results show that the method facilitates comparisons of the life cycle sustainability performance of design concepts at the indicator and construction element levels, enabling better-informed and more impartial design decisions to be made.

Multi-criteria decision analysis and quality of design decisions in infrastructure tenders: a contractor’s perspective

Design decision-making in infrastructure tenders is a challenging task for contractors due to limited time and resources. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) promises to support contractors in dealing with this challenge. However, the ability of MCDA to ensure decision quality in the specific context of infrastructure tenders has gained little attention. By undertaking a longitudinal case study on early design decisions in a tender for a design-build project in the Netherlands the relationship between MCDA and decision quality is investigated. The case results show that in the early tender phase the decision making very much relies on the experience and knowledge of engineers. If MCDA is inappropriately used in such a context it can create impressions of soundly underpinned evaluations of design options while neglecting uncertainties and leading to low-quality decision. Although MCDA defines the “what” is required for structuring the decision problem, it does not support decision-makers in the “how” to do it. The explicit consideration of decision quality elements in MCDA can support the “how” and can create awareness for decision makers concerning importance, scope and uncertainty of criteria.

The Red Flag System as the Gatekeeper in Tender Fraud Prevention and Detection of Misrepresentation

South African media publications frequently report on procurement fraud committed in Africa and South Africa—a matter which has evolved into a significant issue. Procurement fraud is committed in all the phases of the procurement cycle, but in this research, it is revealed that the unlawful act occurs mostly during the bidding or tender phase. Procurement fraud is not seen as a crime by business and this illicit act is thus committed because of ignorance in respect of the misrepresentation of information, and the red flag indicators of these misrepresentations. This article analyses the kinds of misrepresentation that takes place during the tender phase and highlights the importance of red flags in detecting procurement fraud, especially during the tender phase of the cycle. The identification of red flags was studied in order to comprehend the role that such identification plays in detecting and preventing procurement fraud in the tender phase. We also highlight the scope of the misrepresentation of facts in committing procurement fraud. A proper exploration and understanding of red flag indicators for the detection of procurement fraud during the tender phase will be to the advantage of the criminal investigation fraternity as well as the private industry.

Feasibility study tool for semi-rigid joints design of high-rise buildings steel structures

There are many ways to consider the final cost of the high-rise building structures and to define, which of their different variations are the most effective from different points of view. The research of Jaakko Haapio is conducted in Tampere University of Technology, which aims to develop a method that allows determining the manufacturing and installation costs of steel structures already at the tender phase while taking into account their details. This paper is aimed to make the analysis of the Feature-Based Costing Method for skeletal steel structures proposed by Jaakko Haapio. The most appropriate ways to improve the tool and to implement it in the Russian circumstances for high-rise building design are derived. Presented tool can be useful not only for the designers but, also, for the steel structures manufacturing organizations, which can help to utilize BIM technologies in the organization process and controlling on the factory.

Cause and Impact Analysis of Cost and Schedule Overruns in Subsea Oil and Gas Projects – A Supplier's Perspective

AbstractThis paper identifies drivers for cost and schedule overruns in subsea production system projects from a supplier's point of view. Subsea Production Systems connects subsea wells to offshore vessels, and enable efficient and safe hydrocarbon production.Using root cause analysis, cause and effect diagram, and Pareto charts in a specific company we identified three main drivers of cost and schedule overruns: qualification of products, changing vendors frequently, and project management.Detailed analyzes of a reference project found that the supplier identified about half of the technology gaps during the tender phase. Technology qualification programs of key components were not included in the bid, although the project had to pay for related cost overruns. In summary, the project could have eliminated more than two thirds of the cost escalation related to qualification costs by capturing all technology gaps in the early tendering phase, and as a result significantly increased the profitability.

Performance Prediction and Optimization of Low Pressure Steam Turbine Radial Diffuser at Design and Off-Design Conditions Using Streamline Curvature Method

The performance of the radial diffuser of a low pressure (LP) steam turbine is important to the power output of the turbine. A reliable and robust prediction and optimization tool is desirable in industry for preliminary design and performance evaluation. This is particularly critical during the tendering phase of retrofit projects, which typically cover a wide range of original equipment manufacturer and other original equipment manufacturers designs. This work describes a fast and reliable numerical approach for the simulation of flow in the last stage and radial diffuser coupled with the exhaust hood. The numerical solver is based on a streamline curvature throughflow method and a geometry-modification treatment has been developed for off-design conditions, at which large-scale flow separation may occur in the diffuser domain causing convergence difficulty. To take into account the effect of tip leakage jet flow, a boundary layer solver is coupled with the throughflow calculation to predict flow separation on the diffuser lip. The performance of the downstream exhaust hood is modeled by a hood loss model (HLM) that accounts for various loss generations along the flow paths. Furthermore, the solver is implemented in an optimization process. Both the diffuser lip and hub profiles can be quickly optimized, together or separately, to improve the design in the early tender phase. 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to validate the solver and the optimization process. The results show that the current method predicts the diffuser/exhaust hood performance within good agreement with the CFD calculation and the optimized diffuser profile improves the diffuser recovery over the datum design. The tool provides General Electric the capability to rapidly optimize and customize retrofit diffusers for each customer considering different constraints.

Integration and innovation; temporary and permanent works: Swinden and Lee Green impounding reservoir spillway upgrades

The Swinden and Lee Green impounding reservoirs are United Utility assets near Burnley, Lancashire. This project delivered key upgrades to spillway facilities to enable them to safely pass the probable maximum flood in the interests of safety. Several temporary-works packages were identified during the tender phase, and close collaboration between the designer and the contractor capitalised on this rare opportunity to deliver combined designs that facilitated economical, innovative and safe construction. This paper outlines the clear benefits added by integrating permanent-works designs with temporary-works design packages.

Challenges of using systems engineering for design decisions in large infrastructure tenders

Decision-making in the tender phase of large, multidisciplinary, integral infrastructural projects is a complex task for contractors. They have to make decisions in design, construction, maintenance and regularly financing that will have long-term effects based on complex client requirements. The constrained environment of a tender, such as limitations of time and budget, and the unique context of every tender add more complexity. Therefore, no standard models are available for structuring the decision-making process in public tender procedures. Introducing systems engineering (SE) in the construction industry has led to more structured, process-based working methods. Dealing with uncertainty in design information due to the low level of concrete specifications is for the contractors’ decision-making process still a significant challenge. As a result, contractors struggle with designing a solution that will not only persuade the client, but will also deliver the optimum value and reduce the risks associat...

Improving the Reuse of Design Data During the Tender Phase

This article presents a methodology to improve the reuse of design data in the tender phase. This methodology consists of the implementation of two novel structures: a Functional Breakdown Structure and a System Breakdown Structure. The first provides a tool to capture that key data, which is currently missing, for the reuse at an early stage of design. The second structure ensures that the design data are structured, documented, and easy accessible and retrievable for new tenders. The two structures are linked to ensure the traceability and reusability of design data for new tenders.

Improving the Reuse of Design Data during the Tender Phase

This article presents a methodology to improve the reuse of design data in the tender phase. This methodology consists of the implementation of two novel structures: a Functional Breakdown Structure and a System Breakdown Structure. The first provides a tool to capture that key data, which is currently missing, for the reuse at an early stage of design. The second structure ensures that the design data are structured, documented, and easy accessible and retrievable for new tenders. The two structures are linked to ensure the traceability and reusability of design data for new tenders.