TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 1, 2005

Building Better: Technical Support for Construction

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131, Issue 1

Abstract

Increasing complexity of many constructed facilities and escalating demands for project performance are driving significant changes in design and construction. Increased project integration and technical support of construction operations provide a promising response to these demands. This paper identifies and describes nine critical activities to increase technical support for construction: integrate early planning; plan for regulatory compliance; consider construction methods and sequences in design; tailor and time technical information to users’ needs; provide materials to support effective construction; identify and provide construction-applied resources; create an environment for safe, productive, and high quality work; technically support efficient construction operations and completion; and transfer experience between projects. The paper’s relevance to industry practitioners includes multiple benefits of completing these activities for firms, projects, and professionals, along with the necessary steps to develop this capability and gain these benefits. Educators and researchers can use the activities to structure course topics related to technical fundamentals of construction and integration with design, along with future investigations of construction process knowledge.

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References

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Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131Issue 1January 2005
Pages: 23 - 32

History

Received: Apr 8, 2003
Accepted: Feb 24, 2004
Published online: Jan 1, 2005
Published in print: Jan 2005

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Authors

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C. B. Tatum, F.ASCE
Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management Program, Terman Engineering Center, Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA 94305-4020.

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