2007 CETI Award Winners

Scenario-based Project Planning

Photography by: Bergeron Studio

To download any of the entries please go here.

Category Winners

Intel, Replan in a Day Platform

Intel’s Corporate Services Construction (CSC) is using a modular approach to improve project delivery capabilities to proactively meet the needs of our Manufacturing Group (MG) customers. This construction-suite will ultimately give construction project resources the ability to “re-plan in a day”, constantly revise the plan as changes occur, implement correct delivery strategies, control the execution, and correctly create, capture, or deliver project “knowledge” on demand. From the implementation of the first module in mid-2006 through 2007, >$31M in savings have been realized. From reading this Executive Summary one should understand how Re-Plan in a Day (RPIAD), as a modular approach within the Intel’s CSC, will affect deviation from Moore’s Second Law innovatively, as our traditional delivery methods have not.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Moving Forward with Building Information Modeling

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has developed and currently maintains a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Roadmap to support Military Construction (MILCON) Transformation and Civil Works projects. The Roadmap focuses on model-based standards and interoperability and provides a strategic direction to position USACE for the future in life-cycle management of facility data.

Honorable Mention

Onuma, BIMstorm Rotterdam

BIMStorm Rotterdam was a scenario-based urban
planning project encompassing structures, a bridge,
rail station and multiple buildings. After implementing OPS, the collaborative tool allowed 60 architects to work in real-time, which enabled open-standards based BIM exchanges and (Geographic Information Systems) GIS. The two coordinate systems were resolved using Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards for Web Feature Services (WFS). Scenario-based planning in a real-time, multi-user collaboration was possible using the OPS WFS. After the project parameters were entered into OPS, various options could rapidly be manipulated and communicated with the 60 architects in real time. The client was able to observe and participate by using simple user interfaces that triggered new scenarios. The ability to describe and visualize scores of scenarios resulted in consensus decision making in a hyperaccelerated time frame.

Automated Design

Category Winner

Quantapoint, Laser Models

Laser Models integrate laser scan data to provide detailed, high-definition solid “models”. Laser Models are 3D, visually clear and include fine details, unlike “point cloud” laser scan technology, whose sparse measurements make it difficult to visualize or understand the facility and may not include fine details. Laser Models provide more detailed information for more complete designs.
This entry described how Quantapoint Laser Models were used to maximize onshore pre-fabrication of pipe spools, eliminate field welds and minimize construction time and rework.

Honorable Mentions

International Code Council, SMARTcodes

The International Code Council is currently developing SMARTcodes, a new process to automate code compliance checking in the United States. SMARTcodes will allow software applications to “read”building plans represented by building information models (BIMs), automatically check them, and report on code compliance.

AVEVA & AMEC Paragon, Integrated Project Execution Strategy

AMEC Paragon has developed an Integrated Project Execution (IPE) work process that has allowed it to measure and
deliver outstanding time and cost savings across multiple projects, utilizing the full suite of AVEVA’s design and engineering applications. AMEC Paragon’s IPE strategy enables the collaboration of all parties involved in an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) project – across all applications and executed from multiple locations – safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Integrated, Automated Procurement & Supply Network

Category Winner

DoallTech & Sungkyunkwan University, RFID-based Project Management System

This entry presents RFID applications that have been implemented in the Korea construction industry. Doalltech, the technology provider of this entry, developed and successfully implemented RFID-based Project Management System (RPMS) for daily labor control at about 400 construction projects in Korea and some other countries, and also for logistics of ready-mixed concrete, and tracking the number of dump trucks for excavation, which has been implemented at about 200 projects. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) and Doalltech Corporations have jointly developed RPMS further to support the supply chain management of long-lead items, such as structural steel, precast concrete, and curtain wall members, and the system has been applied to 8 construction projects as of December 2007. The following table shows the brief information on the most representative projects that implemented RPMS successfully.

Intelligent & Automated Construction Job Site

Category Winner

Bechtel, Sandow Steam Electric Station Unit 5 RFID Trial

The Sandow Steam Electric Unit 5 project is a 565-megawatt circulating fluidized bed, lignite-fired power plant being constructed in Rockdale, Texas for Luminant Energy (formerly TXU). The plant design incorporates state of the art emissions control technologies and consists of 2 boilers; 2 bag houses; 1 stack; and 1 turbine. The engineering, procurement, and construction are being carried out by Bechtel.

Real-time Project & Facility Mgmt, Coordination & Controls

Category Winner

DPR Construction, Camino Medical Group Mountain View Campus: Building Better with BIM and IPD

The Camino Medical Group Mountain View Campus serves as a model of what can be accomplished through the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) combined with a lean construction/integrated project delivery approach. Sutter Health/Camino Medical Group challenged the design and construction teams to jointly deliver a 250,000-sq.-ft. medical office building and associated 1,100-stall parking structure of high quality at a lower cost than the traditional design-bid-build project delivery model.

Honorable Mentions

Construction Industry Institute, CII Pharmaceutical Benchmarking System

The Construction Industry Institute’s Benchmarking & Metrics Program nominated its Pharmaceutical Benchmarking System for entry into the Real-time Project & Facility Mgmt, Coordination & Controls Category of the CETI award. The Pharmaceutical Benchmarking System is an online toolset that includes the Pharmaceutical Large Project Survey, the Pharmaceutical Key Report and Chart-o-Rama. The Pharmaceutical Benchmarking System is a critical component to Real-time Project Management as data can be entered into the system as soon as a project is approved for funding. Benchmarkers are encouraged to enter data continuously through the life of the project and to review and act on online tool recommendations. As such, this ties into FIATECH’s Element 6: Real-time Project and Facility Management, Coordination and Control. Upcoming plans for development in 2008 include the launch of version 2 of Chart-o-Rama, providing more sophisticated, user-defined reporting and data mining. In 2009, CII will launch an XML based data entry / reporting service that will allow participating companies to link their systems with CII’s for integrated management of internal and external benchmarking.

Software Innovation, Seizing the Opportunity–Avoiding Project Failure in a Time of Unprecedented Growth

Fluor is a prime example of a leading EPC company that is taking concrete steps to mitigate risks and improve performance. Enabled by new information management tools, they are making fundamental shifts in their management practices. Using Coreworx to power their POL solution, they can simultaneously enforce corporate standards, automate manual procedures, share best practices, accommodate the unique and very specific requirements of each individual project and securely connect with project partners in a variety of low-burden ways. This is an important step in the journey to deliver dramatic improvements in capability and cost-effectiveness of the capital projects industry.

Design Atlantic, Salisbury Fire Headquarters & Station 16

Several years ago, the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company hired a fire station expert to help with the planning of a new headquarters and fire station. Working with a core group of firefighters, they created a design concept that would make them the model for 21st century fire companies. The innovations were critical to future operations. When complete the concepts went on the shelf and the project went into an extended site acquisition process that resulted in a land purchase in early 2005. Salisbury Fire Department is a combined volunteer and paid fire company. This combination leads to a very passionate and committed organization. It can also lead to conflicts if the decision-making processes are not clear. With this type of Fire Company, simplicity and openness are vital. The integrated, information-modeling-based process is ideal in this situation. The project was an opportunity to advance an integrated process using information models to leverage resources and create certainty of outcomes.

New Materials, Methods, Products & Equipment

Category Winner

Zachry Construction, Zachry Construction Employment & Conference Center

Zachry Construction Corporation (Zachry) constructed a new Conference and Employment Center (C&EC) using U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Program with the goal of becoming a community and national leader in LEED® construction. The Zachry Conference and Employment Center building is the first building in San Antonio, Texas to obtain one the USBGC’s highest certifications. In May 2007 Zachry received a Gold rating. This is only the 5th Gold-certified LEED® building in Texas.

Technology and Knowledge-enabled Workforce

Category Winner

U.S. Military Academy & UT-Austin, Comparative Analysis of Infrastructure Assessment Methodologies at the Small Unit Level

This research entry evaluated a range of infrastructure assessment tools and methodologies used by the US Army from a human factors perspective. The findings provide a better understanding of workforce needs, enabling both better design of the tools as well as improved training procedures. The principal client of this research, US Army CERL, has incorporated the research results into their development program. The research was completed in 2007 and presented at a major conference and is in review for journal publication. The findings have general implications for development of mobile tools.

Honorable Mention

Mortenson Construction, Research Complex 2 – VDC Integration & Construction Implementation

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC): A collaborative process incorporating both design and construction input through the use of Building Information Models (BIM), CPM schedules and cost estimates to create a virtual building prototype prior to construction.

Life Cycle Data Mgmt & Information Integration

Category Winner

Bechtel, Fluor, Bentley Systems & NRX Global
Accelerating the Deployment of ISO 15926

ISO 15926 is a suite of standards that supports interoperability for data about the equipment and systems used in industrial processes, over the lifecycle of those objects. Some typical scenarios for the use of ISO 15926 are: sharing information between engineering contractors and their subcontractors, acquiring information from equipment vendors, handing over data to the operators of a new industrial plant and harmonizing the information across an enterprise that owns many plants.

Intelligent Self-Maintaining & Repairing Operational Facility

Honorable Mention

Korea Institute of Construction Technology, Bridge and Road Condition Monitoring Using Wireless Sensor Network

The concept of using wireless sensor network (WSN) for civil infrastructure monitoring is not new. But, none has successfully developed a fully functioning WSN system for civil structures. Dr. Cho and his team have successfully developed two applications in WSN civil infrastructure management: (1) Bridge SHM (Structural Health Monitoring) and (2) Road Surface Condition (Ice, Snow, Wet) Monitoring using wireless sensor network with independent power supply, solar batteries.

Student Researcher

Category Winners

Kristen Parrish and John-Michael Wong

Research is underway to develop an innovative methodology for designing reinforced concrete structures using a set-based approach. Hand-in-hand with the theoretical development of set-based concepts applied to rebar design, several projects are being studied to capture current practices, and pilot studies with computer tools have been initiated to test and advance these concepts. Two graduate-student research assistants at UC Berkeley, Ms. Kristen Parrish and Mr. John-Michael Wong, have shown exceptional commitment, ability, and enthusiasm in conducting this research.

Honorable Mention

Dr. Kasun Hewage

This project directly addresses the vision of FIATECH technology Roadmap, which is “Fully integrated and highly automated project processes coupled with radically advanced technologies across all phases and functions of the project/facility lifecycle.” Communication is a vital part of all the phases of construction projects. Rational use of advanced technologies to overcome present communication barriers in the construction site settings is a novel solution to improve worker satisfaction, productivity, and efficiency. This project specifically related to the Element 8 (Technology and Knowledge Enabled Workforce) which has the Vision of “Skilled and committed workers, enabled by technology and empowered by "knowledge at their fingertips" will perform to new levels of productivity.”

Early Career Researcher

Category Winners

Burcu Akinci

Professor Akinci’s research is focused on the development and use of new computational technologies for capturing, representing and reasoning with information about construction projects so as to increase quality and reduce cost and time to delivery in the construction industry. Early in her career, she explored the representations and reasoning necessary to automatically determine the work spaces needed for various construction tasks and whether these tasks will be in conflict as scheduled. More recently, she has been focusing her research efforts on the collection of, representation of and reasoning about construction project data so as to assess the quality and construction progress. In an NSF sponsored project entitled Advanced Sensor-Based Defect Management on Construction Sites (ASDMCon), for which she is the PI and involves faculty from CEE, Robotics, and Architecture, she has been exploring the extensive use of laser scanners, and other embedded material quality sensors, for collecting data during construction and then representing and reasoning with that data to detect construction defects much earlier than they normally would be detected.

Honorable Mentions

Dr. William O’Brien

In his eight years as an academic and researcher, Bill O’Brien has contributed research advancing several aspects of the FIATECH Capital Projects Technology Roadmap, in particular the elements Integrated and Automated Procurement and Supply Network, Lifecycle Data Management and Information Integration, and Technology‐ and Knowledge‐Enabled Workforce. Dr. O’Brien’s research interests support an overarching goal of facilitating improved supply chain collaboration on projects. His research portfolio includes both advanced technology development as well as descriptive investigation to support implementation. He has participated in sponsored projects from government (federal and state) and industry totaling over 3.3 million USD (1.7 million under his direct control), and has graduated four PhD students and seventeen MS students. A major research thread has been development of new knowledge and methods to integrate diverse data sources and work processes across a network of firms of varying technical sophistication in the project supply chain. Complementing these technical advances have been several projects exploring the value of and barriers to information technology implementation, notably a statistically significant study correlating increased IT use with cost and schedule improvements. Beyond research, Dr. O’Brien has been active translating results to practice through innovative teaching and service to industry. He was active in the development of the Integrated and Automated Procurement and Supply Network element and presented at several FIATECH workshops. Current teaching and research includes a project to investigate best practice methods to educate students and professionals about the potential of mobile technologies.

Alan M. Lytle

In the six years that Mr. Lytle has been at NIST, he has had a profound impact on shaping the vision for the future Intelligent and Automated Construction Job Site, demonstrating and assessing the performance of enabling technologies, and leading the effort to define standards for the necessary site metrology systems to support that vision.

Dr. John E. Taylor

Dr. Taylor’s research takes an appropriately global focus to the study and development of integrated and automated technologies. Second, Dr. Taylor has been meaningfully involved in several initiatives at HUT and VTT in Finland that are highly synergistic with the FIATECH technology roadmap. Third, Dr. Taylor is developing two very interesting joint research projects with the HUT and VTT to integrate the global design workforce. Finally, Dr. Taylor’s research is already receiving awards. The additional
recognition of the FIATECH outstanding early career researcher award is appropriate given the focus and quality of his research.

Researcher

Category Winner

Vincent Hock

Mr. Vincent Hock was Project Manager for inventive and innovative 6.1 basic and 6.2 applied research and development (R&D) project related to the fundamental properties of electro-osmosis in concrete in contact with soil and water interfaces. The research team developed a basic understanding of electro-osmotic transport in concrete of varying strengths and determined the basic electrochemical interactions that occur at the concrete / soil / water interfaces, both interstitially and at the surface, due to electro-osmosis and electro-migration. Ultimately this research led to development of a technology to control the movement of water through low-permeability porous media such as concrete and soil. This team is credited with advances in research, development, demonstration, and validation of electro-osmotic pulse (EOP) and ceramic-coated anode technologies, used together in a novel process to prevent moisture seepage into enclosed spaces. EOP has led to a revolution in waterproofing technology by creating the scientific and engineering basis for the application of electro-osmosis to control water transport through below-grade concrete structures.