Integrating design in the project process

Abstract

Account is rarely taken when planning civil engineering projects of the interdisciplinary, iterative nature of the design process. As such, the inevitable cycles of reworking frequently lead to time and cost penalties in both design and construction. This paper describes a new planning methodology jointly funded by Government and industry that helps to overcome these difficulties. Called the ‘analytical design planning technique’, the method can be applied as a risk-identification and change-management tool as well as its primary purpose as a planning system. It also identifies co-ordination requirements and changes to the design process needed to achieve that co-ordination.