An Evidence-Based Approach to Infrastructure Risks

P. Warren Plugge, Ph.D.Professor of Construction Management

Central Washington University Cascadia Institute

Introduction• Infrastructure Status• Engineering Construction Complexity• Evidence-Based Theory• Infrastructure Groups and Issues• Design and Construction • Education and Training

Infrastructure Status

Source: http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/grades/

Engineering and Construction ComplexityConstruction projects and complexity: project complexity is the“innumerable individuals involved in the process starting with thebuilder, design professional, construction representative,subcontractor, supplier, and the entire professional and nonprofessional team members working under these responsibilities”(Kasturi & Gransberg, 2002, p. 17).

Examples:• Big Dig, Boston, MA• I-15 Salt Lake City, UT• TREX, Denver, CO• SR99 Alaska Way Viaduct, WA

Evidence-Based Theory

EthicalEvidence

Economic/Econometric

Evidence

DescriptiveAnalyticalEvidence

StatisticalModeling

AttitudinalEvidence

ImpactEvidence

ImplementationEvidence“There is a strong need for more and

better implementation studies that can identify the particular conditions under which successful implementation and delivery takes place or fails to take place” p. 13.(Davies, 2004)

Evidence-Based Risk & Infrastructure

Economy• Cost • Schedule• Quality• Safety

Environment• Natural Environ.• Site Location• Regulations• Materials• Methods

Politics• Expertise• Knowledge• Stakeholders• Codes• Specifications

Project• Method• Mgmt. Team• Specifications• Drawings• Historical Knowl.• Experience• Project Team• PM Tools

Technology• Tools• Equipment• Materials• Techniques• Tech. Specifications

Political Evidence

(PE)

EconometricEvidence

(EC)

EnvironmentalEvidence

(EV)

ProjectDeliveryEvidence

(PDE)

TechnologicalEvidence

(TE)

ProjectRisk(PR)

Infrastructure Engineering, Construction and Management

• Infrastructure Groups:– Roads (roads, streets and bridges)– Transportation Services (transit, rail, ports and airports)– Water (water, wastewater, water systems and

waterways)– Buildings and outdoor sports– Energy production and distribution (electric and gas)

(Griggs, n.d.)

Infrastructure Failures• Oso Mudslide, WA• Wanapum Dam, WA• 2013 Colorado Floods• Japan & Chile Earthquake• Hurricane Katrina• I-35 Bridge, Minneapolis, MN

Infrastructure IssuesTechnological opportunities are so boundless that there is little we cannot do to improve or create a socially sound infrastructure decades ahead. What are the needs? (Griggs, n.d.)• Maintenance and analysis of current infrastructure• Better communication• Improve emergency response• Increase productivity• Better safety• Assess emerging technologies• Education

Design and Construction of Infrastructure• How do we design our infrastructure?

– Safety factors– Standards– Rare events – Failure– Flexibility– Use of best practices– Sustainability

(Weeks, 2013)

Education & Training

Math 172 Calculus

Math 173 Calculus

IET 161 Architectural CAD

GEOL 101 or GEOL 108 Physical GeologyEnvironmental Geology

CMGT 245, 452 or IET 490 Light Commercial , Sustainable Construction orCooperative Education

CMGT 265 Blueprint Reading

CMGT 267 Plane Surveying with HC lab

SHM 323 Construction Safety

CHEM 111 orCHEM 181

Chemistry with lab

PHYS 181 General Physics with lab

ECON 201 Micro Economics

BUS 241 Business Law

IET 301 Project Cost Analysis

IET 311 Statics

IET 312 Strength of Materials

CMGT 320 Electrical Systems Design

CMGT 343 Construction Estimating I

CMGT 345 Heavy Civil Estimating II

CMGT 347 Heavy Civil Methods and Materials

COM 345 Business and Professional Speaking

HRM 381, MGT 380, MKT 360, ADMG 201, ADMG 372

Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Bus. Administration

CMGT 440 Temporary Structures

CMGT 442 Heavy Civil Utilities

CMGT 445 Heavy Civil Contract Law

CMGT 447 Construction Scheduling

CMGT 450 Soils and Foundations

CMGT 456 Principles of Heavy Civil Construction Management

CMGT 461 Pavement Design and Construction

CMGT 485 Construction Accounting and Finance

CMGT 488* Professional Certification

ACCT 301 Financial Accounting

ConclusionOverarching Principle – The design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure systems must hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public it serves or affects.• Guiding Principles

– Quantify, communicate, and manage risk.– Employ an integrated systems approach.– Exercise sound leadership, management, and

stewardship in decision-making processes.– Adapt critical infrastructure in response to dynamic

conditions and practice. (ASCE, 2013)