Improving Highway Specifications for Constructibility
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 117, Issue 2
Abstract
Project constructibility, the measure of ease with which a facility can be constructed, is keenly affected by the quality of technical specifications. Poor specifications can cause delays, rework, and claims, as well as restrict contractor innovation and flexibility. This paper explores the nature of specification‐related obstacles to the construction of highway projects. In accomplishing this objective, many specific problems are identified and relevant problem details are captured in a formalized structure. A structure of problem types is developed, and problems are analyzed with respect to classification frequencies and apparent causal factors. Highway specification constructibility concerns and corresponding solutions are communicated through a series of hierarchy‐of‐objective‐technique (HOT) diagrams. This technique represents a new, powerful, yet rather simple method of structuring objectives, strategies, tactics, and specific solutions to problems. In addition, a procedure is proposed for the periodic updating of standard highway specifications. Major findings indicate that pavement specifications are most problematic, that specification content is the most common general class of problem, and that “gold plating” or excessive specification requirements is the most frequent specific type of problem.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Blaschke, B. C. (1989). “Specification and constructibility.” Construction Congress I: Excellence in the constructed project. R. J. Bard, ed., ASCE, 87–92.
2.
Bockrath, J. T. (1986). Dunham and Young's contracts, specifications, and law for engineers. 4th Ed., McGraw‐Hill Publishing Co., New York, N.Y.
3.
“Constructability: A primer.” (1986). Publication 3‐1, Constr. Industry Inst., Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
4.
“Constructability concepts file.” (1987). Constr. Industry Inst., Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
5.
Fisher, D. J. (1989). “Piping erection constructability issues in a semi‐automated environment,” dissertation presented to the University of Texas, at Austin, Tex., in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
6.
Hugo, F., O'Connor, J. T., and Ward, W. V. (1989). Highway construct*ability guide. Ctr. for Transp. Res., Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, Tex.
7.
Jellinger, T. C. (1981). Construction contract documents and specifications. Addison‐Wesley, Reading, Mass.
8.
Manual of practice. (1985). Constr. Specifications Inst., Washington, D.C.
9.
Nielsen, M. J., and Nielsen, K. R. (1981). “Risks and liabilities of specifications.” Reducing risk and liability through better specifications and inspection. ASCE, New York, N.Y., 4–21.
10.
O'Connor, J. T. (1986). “Industrial project constructability improvement.” J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 12(1), 69–82.
11.
Smith, R. J. (1981). “Improving interpretation of specifications.” Reducing risk and liability through better specifications and inspection. ASCE, New York, N.Y., 30–43.
12.
Standard specifications for construction of roads and bridges on federal highway projects. (1985). Federal Highway Admin., U.S. Dept. of Transp., Washington, D.C.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1991 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jun 1, 1991
Published in print: Jun 1991
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.