Balancing the Risks and Rewards of Delivery Methods for Underground and Trenchless Projects
Steven R. Kramer, PE, FASCE, Senior Vice President – COWI
Abstract: The underground construction industry is impacted by many risks and challenges. The linear nature of underground work is different than general construction and methods for recovery due to problems are frequently limited. The challenges between owners, designers and constructors sometimes feel like they are in conflict. Funding sources are frequently limited, yet demands for projects remain very high across the country.
Owners want solutions to improve, rehabilitate and build new underground public infrastructure. We live an environment where better procurement and delivery strategies are needed. There are many types of delivery methods from conventional to alternative delivery that can be used for projects. There is a clear shift away from conventional delivery to alternative delivery as the preferred method. Each method has its advantages and challenges. There is not a magic solution that works for every project.
This presentation describes the trends in tunneling/trenchless procurement and delivery being used across the Americas and the world along with insights on how to fairly balance the risks and rewards between the participants.
Bio
Steven Kramer, PE, FASCE is a Senior Vice President at COWI. He has 40 years of experience in engineering firms serving the infrastructure industry. Steve led the design, management and construction of over 75 underground projects around the globe with construction values up to $1 billion.
A frequent speaker and active participant at industry conferences and in technical societies, Kramer has published more than 90 technical and management papers. Kramer served as the 2023 President of the ASCE Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI). In recognition of his significant accomplishments and contributions to the industry, Kramer was named the recipient of the 2004 Trenchless Technology Person of the Year award, received a 2016 Engineering Alumni Achievement Award from Washington University in St. Louis, elected to the Moles in 2020 and inducted into the Trenchless Hall of Fame in 2023.
View Agenda | GBAMC Congress 2024
