Fletcher Griffis

Procurement of Services and Materials Using a FIAPP-Based System - New York City Case Studies

The paper presents an outline of a three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) computer model, and a FIAPP-based system for procurement and materials management, based on two case study projects in New York City. The developed FIAPP-based system is used for the purpose of providing the construction management team not only with a visualization tool, but also with related information for the procurement of services and materials, constructability reviews, and project controls for the project. The currently developed 3D computer model is to serve as the basis for 4D animation sequences of the project schedule and the basis for the bidding process and the subsequent procurement of all related services and materials. As part of this effort, the research team is developing a material-status monitoring system to be used in conjunction with the three-dimensional model that would enable the contractor and the construction manager to visually record and retrieve information related to the procurement of construction material. An example of such visual and object-based procurement tool is the “color-coding” of 3D objects in the computer model based on their procurement status (ordered, delivered, on-site, etc.).

IN PURSUIT OF CATALYSTS FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY - A CASE FOR QUALIFICATIONS- BASED SELECTION (QBS) OF PROFESSIONAL A/E SERVICES

This report puts forward a suggested approach to the ongoing discussions on technology adoption by the architectural-engineering-construction industry (AEC), presenting a case for qualifications-based selection (QBS) of professional architectural and engineering services. QBS is a federally mandated process for the procurement of professional architectural and engineering services, which is based on qualifications rather than low price. QBS can be the vehicle for the education of owners on the need for new technology and can serve as the catalyst for the introduction and financing of such technology in the industry. The report, which outlines the findings of a recent study performed on QBS, is based on two years of data on recently procured projects in New York City (about

Safe Separation Distances: Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Incidents

900 million in contract values) as well as past literature.

Risk Analysis of Bridges to Prioritize Post-Storm Scour Mitigation Plans

The paper discusses a methodology to define safety implications of and damages that have resulted from gas transmission pipeline failures where fire and/or explosions have occurred. The records of the National Transportation Safety Board were examined to determine the area that was burned and/or impacted by a resulting explosion. The impacted area was then correlated with the physical parameters of the pipeline to see if a relationship existed. The parameters considered included the pipe diameter, the operating pressure at the point of release, the volume of material released, the maximum radius burned by the fire, the height of the flame and the maximum distance effected by the resulting explosion (if one occurred). Two strong correlations were found between the operating pressure in the pipe and the area burned in the incident for the two cases, with and without an explosion taking place. These results may be used to define a safe separation distance for a natural gas transmission pipeline.Copyright

Effectiveness of U.S. and International Pipeline Regulations With Regard to Land Use Planning

Bridge pier scour is the leading cause of bridge collapse in the United States. The risk of scour related failures increases in the wake of severe storms, such as those experienced in recent years. Enhancing the resiliency of the transportation network and its ability to withstand future major weather events is largely dependent on the efficacy of bridge scour mitigation programs. However, systematic treatment of bridge piers for scour mitigation is often beyond the scope of available state budgets. It is therefore highly desirable to develop algorithms to prioritize bridges requiring scour mitigation in a given region. In this study, a case study is presented for risk assessment conducted in the state of New York to determine the critical bridges in most need of initial mitigation program funding. A risk assessment tool was implemented to evaluate the risk associated with each bridge, and that of the community that uses the bridge. Risk was calculated based on hazard level, exposure and vulnerability levels. The risk assessment model was found to effectively prioritize bridge scour mitigation in the state.

Simulation and analytical techniques for construction resource planning and scheduling

The transmission pipeline incident in Edison, New Jersey in March, 1994 raised public concerns about the safety of siting of transmission pipelines in proximity to populated areas. One of the responses to this incident was the issuance of a contract by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to study this and other issues with regard to pipeline safety. The basic findings were as follows: (1) the US Pipeline regulations are appropriate to minimizing risk while maintaining the viability of the pipeline industry; (2) all the regulations reviewed (i.e., US and international) approach the siting and regulation of pipelines in urban areas in a similar fashion; and (3) analysis of the USDOT incident database indicates that, in general, pipelines are sited in rural or underdeveloped areas, and damage resulting from an incident in highly developed areas is generally less than in rural areas due to the regulations restricting the allowable operating stresses in more densely populated areas.