CS23A - Concurrent Session 23A: Alternative Delivery Approaches to Constructing Dams

Over the last several decades, the dominant delivery model for dam projects has been conventional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) approach, in which the Owner hires a Design Engineer to design the dam and assist with solicitation of evaluation of bids, and then selects a Contractor to construct the design with support from the Design Engineer. This approach often results in long durations from concept design to completion of construction to allow for lengthy reviews associated with environmental permitting and/or dam safety regulations and can disincentivize early involvement by the Contractor because of the long lead times and uncertain outcome regarding the award of the construction contract. In recent years, several projects have utilized Alternative Delivery (AD) approaches such as Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), Design Build (DB) or Progressive Design Build (PDB), and Public-Private Partnership (P3) or Alliance to streamline the process and attempt to control cost and long schedule duration commonly associated with the DBB approach.

This paper will provide definitions and examples of the various approaches to constructing new dams or modifications to existing dams. The paper will also include a historical perspective of how dams have historically been built over the last century plus based on the experience of the authors, a literature review of several historic dam projects, and interviews with senior engineers and constructors in the dam industry. The paper will also include several brief case studies where Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) resulted in clear improvements in the design and savings to the Owner. The paper will conclude with questions to the general audience for consideration when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches to dam design and construction.