Documented Constructability Savings for Petrochemical‐Facility Expansion

Abstract

This case study presents the implementation of a constructability program within the petrochemical industry. Owner commitment to constructability is demonstrated by the early involvement of both the prime constructor and a constructability consultant. Formalized project‐specific procedures were developed, and detailed logs were kept in an attempt to quantify the cost and schedule benefits attributable to the constructability program. A curve presenting relative timing at which constructability benefits were achieved was created using saving estimates obtained. This graph validated a curve previously developed by the Construction Industry Institute, at the University of Texas at Austin, that showed more benefit to the project is accomplished through incorporation of construction knowledge and experience, particularly during the planning and design phases. Additionally, this paper documents a constructability program implemented at the project level and identifies perceived key elements that contributed to its accomplishments. As a practical matter, formal constructability programs are developed to facilitate interdisciplinary communication between construction and design engineering personnel. Such interaction enhances the ability to achieve project objectives and reduces the likelihood of experiencing either catastrophic or serviceability failures.