Preliminary Engineering Cost Estimation Model for Bridge Projects
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139, Issue 9
Abstract
This paper addresses one of the costs of new bridges, i.e., the cost of doing the preliminary engineering (PE). This particular aspect of cost has largely been neglected because of the difficulty in obtaining appropriate data. Typically, PE costs are determined as a percentage of construction costs, disregarding other project-specific parameters. Bridge projects let by the North Carolina (NC) DOT between 2001 and 2009 were reviewed. From an analysis of these 461 projects, the writers developed statistical models linking variation in PE costs with distinctive project parameters. The primary contribution this paper makes to the body of knowledge is the finding that PE cost estimates for bridge projects are commonly and significantly underestimated. The writers found that bridge projects exhibited a mean PE cost ratio of 28%. This result is significantly greater than the percentage used in practice. An investigation of data sources related to bridge projects, a description of regression techniques applied to predict the PE cost of such projects, and an assessment of the predictive performance of models are addressed in this paper. New knowledge contributions include identification of key factors affecting the PE costs of bridges, illustration of how those key factors enabled us to predict PE costs of future projects, and discussion of the data collection problems that hindered model development. The writers’ PE cost analyses and predictive modeling effort relate to infrastructure funding issues. All of the parties involved in infrastructure construction, from legislators to contractors, must understand costs and have confidence in the cost estimates developed to ensure efficient and effective funding of infrastructure projects. This paper on bridge PE costs addresses one component of infrastructure funding.
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Acknowledgments
The writers acknowledge the project support provided by the NCDOT Research and Development Unit. Key NCDOT units providing guidance include the Program Development Branch, Structure Inventory and Appraisal Unit, and Schedule Management Office. Many additional NCDOT personnel provided suggestions and insights. Their contributions positively influenced this research effort. The writers also thank the Southeastern Transportation Center, the initial support from which was instrumental in transitioning this research topic into a funded project.
The contents of this paper reflect the views of the writers and not necessarily the views of North Carolina State University or East Carolina University. The writers are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented in this paper. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of either the North Carolina Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration at the time of publication.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139 • Issue 9 • September 2013
Pages: 1259 - 1267
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 6, 2012
Accepted: Dec 18, 2012
Published online: Dec 21, 2012
Discussion open until: May 21, 2013
Published in print: Sep 1, 2013
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