Page 42 - Civil Engineering Project Management, Fourth Edition

Procedures for design and construction
given period of a year or longer. The terms of the contract set payment and
other conditions for a series of similar works which are ordered from time to
time as they are needed.
2.7 Comment on possible arrangements 27
A comparison between the two most commonly used methods of develop-
ing a project – completing design first and letting a contract for construction,
or adopting a D&B contract – are given in Table 2.1. The advantages and

Table 2.1
Comparison of different methods of project promotion

Advantages to promoter Disadvantages to promoter
Separate design, followed by contract for construction
Designer chosen to suit nature of works Promoter has to employ designer and check
Works designed suit promoter’s designs
requirements Promoter may have to let separate contracts
Promoter can check designs before for special equipment and ensure delivery
construction contract is let on time
Competitive tenders for construction Construction cannot start until designs are
obtained on clearly defined basis sufficiently complete
Promoter not committed to project until Contractor’s experience does not contribute
construction contract entered to design
Direct control over quality of Promoter needs to employ engineering
construction work possible staff to supervise construction
Minor variations and additions to works Cost outcome dependent upon extent of
possible during construction if ICE or unforeseen conditions met
FIDIC conditions used
Design and construct combined contract
Promoter needs no knowledge of Extensive specification of requirements is
construction needed
Promoter need not check design if An engineer is needed to draw up specification
he only requires guaranteed works Design unspecified may suit contractor
performance and not promoter, because contractor
Promoter does not have to organize designs for only the minimum necessary
separate contracts for special Time for specifying, tendering, and examining
equipment tenders lengthy
Contractor can achieve low price by Tender comparison difficult because designs
choosing designs cheapest to construct and materials offered differ
Lump sum project cost known before Promoter committed to works before they are
construction starts designed
Construction may start before design is Changes difficult to make after contract
complete providing early completion is let and may be costly
If project is simple a satisfactory result Promoter may need an engineer to watch
can be obtained at lowest practicable construction
price Contractor’s price may be high due to risks
Number of contractors tendering may be
limited