Elsewhere in ICE Proceedings

J. Stonehouse

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 1, February, 13

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.1.13

The UK Government currently spends around £33 billion each year on civil engineering and building works. Jennifer Stonehouse of the Office of Government Commerce reports on the first year of the Public Sector Construction Clients Forum, which was created to ensure the public gets value for money.

Q. Leiper and C. Pepper

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 1, February, 14

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.1.14

Last summer the Sustainable Procurement Task Force challenged the UK Government to apply the principles of its sustainable development policy to its own procurement. Quentin Leiper and Chrissie Pepper of ICE say there is a real opportunity here for civil engineers to demonstrate leadership.

N. Thompson

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 1, February, 15

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.1.15

Hand-arm vibration is becoming a major risk in construction, leading both to lost productivity and expensive injury claims. Neil Thompson of Speedy Hire says civil engineers can help by advising on the correct choice of tools, particularly now that independent tool test data is available online.

D. Jukes

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 1, February, 16

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.1.16

Autodesk recently made its new MapGuide software ‘open-source’. The company's Dominic Jukes explains why giving away their software secrets to civil engineers and geospatial professionals makes commercial sense.

M. Abbott

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 1, February, 26–32

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.1.26

Stakeholder participation in major infrastructure projects is a multi-faceted and controversial topic. This paper introduces some of the more immediate issues and attempts to show that experience in so-called first-world projects is equally relevant in the third world. It suggests that every project exists in an ‘outer’ physical world and an ‘inner’ world of the collective minds of stakeholders, and that the creation of a communications environment in which the two worlds can begin to align is essential to success. This is now increasingly possible thanks to the internet and mobile telephony and, as demonstrated by experiences on the £6 billion Denmark-Sweden fixed link, it can lead to an almost utopian working environment of complete trust and absolute integrity.

A. Hay

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 2, May, 54

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.2.54

Civil engineers involved with the design and provision of security measures can now apply to be ‘Registered Security Engineers'. Secretary Alec Hay introduces the newly formed Register of Security Engineers and Specialists, which is administered by ICE.

A. N. Beal

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 2, May, 82–88

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.2.82

New Construction (Design and Management) Regulations were due out in the UK in April 2007, updating the original 1994 Regulations which came into force in 1995. This paper looks at the effects the original Regulations have actually had on the construction industry, particularly with regard to implementation costs and safety benefits. Analysis of site accident statistics shows that, despite having cost several billion pounds to implement, the Regulations have produced very little improvement in safety. It also appears that the EU research report which led to introduction of the regulations has been widely misrepresented, leading to unrealistic expectations about the effect designers can actually have on construction safety.

B. Clarke

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 2, May, 89–95

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.2.89

Between 2001 and 2005, around £250 million was spent on construction research in UK universities. The funds were either directly allocated to projects or indirectly as core funds to support research infrastructure. The latter were allocated according to the standing and vitality or ‘power’ of the research groups, the average of which in 2001 showed a dramatic but little publicised improvement over 1996. This paper describes the process used to assess that research power and then analyses the data for the last assessment in 2001. It concludes that the UK has around 700 or so civil engineering research academics who are recognised as international in their outlook and whose performance is well above average, despite below-average support. It urges the UK construction professionals to take more advantage of this hidden resource on their doorstep.

A. Hamer and C. Peters

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 3, August, 99

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.3.99

Though the reasons may not yet be fully understood, all the evidence points to the fact that the world's climate is changing. It is a risk civil engineers can no longer afford to ignore, say Alex Hamer and Caroline Peters of law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.

A. Rabin

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 3, August, 101

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.3.101

The 1994 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations have been replaced with the all-new CDM 2007. Construction lawyer Anna Rabin of Jeffrey Green Russell highlights the key differences between the old and new regulations.

R. Armstrong

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 3, August, 102

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.3.102

Last year, ICE started using a state-of-the-art web-conferencing system to enhance communications with members and to increase the accessibility of its learned society events. Technical support manager Richard Armstrong provides an update.

J. Carpenter

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 3, August, 123–130

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.3.123

The Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) was formed 30 years ago to identify trends and practices in the field of structural engineering that are seen as potential causes for concern. During that time it has considered some 200 topics, some of which have led to authoritative guidance or a change in design requirements. Continuing structural failures indicate that civil and structural engineers need to remain vigilant and continue to manage risk carefully. This paper examines the work of the committee to date, the matters of concern and the major issues examined. It emphasises the need for a holistic approach to structural safety which considers the influences of people, process and product. The need to consider that human shortcomings and errors are often the root causes of failure is emphasised and illustrated.

D. Stewart

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 3, August, 131–136

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.3.131

Pedestrian guardrails have been used increasingly on Britain's streets since the 1930s, but their value is now being questioned by planners in the light of the new trend of reducing street furniture. This paper disputes claims that guardrail removal enhances safety by presenting evidence of the large reductions in casualties after erection of guardrails, particularly those that do not block visibility. Chronic lack of research is highlighted, with particular reference to visibility and its inadequate treatment in design standards. Deterrence of diagonal crossing is identified as a prime reason why guardrails are so successful in preventing pedestrian accidents, which clarifies how they can be used most effectively. Recent work to improve the design of guardrails is also outlined.

N. Allan, J. Davis and P. Godfrey

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 3, August, 137–143

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.3.137

This paper presents insights and guidance for senior construction managers based on a three-year construction industry research programme called STRATrisk. The aim was to improve the way boards manage the risks that cause failure or significant loss of shareholder value. The research found a strong emphasis on behaviours and culture as the root cause of organisational complexity and investigated appropriate measures to mitigate the consequent failures. Some key principles were identified that should be applied to the management of strategic risk within the context of the relevant organisation. To assist implementation, a ten-step process has been developed from the research to help the boards and senior management of construction businesses introduce a more effective approach to managing their strategic risks.

H. Gulvanessian

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 4, November, 147

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.4.147

The completed set of Eurocodes is on course to become the world's leading suite of structural design standards by 2010. Haig Gulvanessian, chairman of the ICE/IStructE Eurocodes Expert initiative, says design engineers in the UK are better placed than most to exploit them.

J. Carpenter

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, No. 4, November, 150

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.4.150

Major structural failures continue to occur worldwide. John Carpenter of the ICE/IStructE/HSE Standing Committee on Structural Safety—which has just published its latest biennial report—says design engineers must continue to share and learn from each other's experiences.

P. S. M. Cross-Rudkin

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, Special Issue 1—Thomas Telford: 250 years of inspiration, May, 7–11

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.5.7

This paper describes Thomas Telford's early years in post as the first county surveyor of Shropshire in the UK, as well as the challenging nature of his relationships with the justices of the peace who employed him. As Telford's reputation on the national stage grew, his duties increasingly kept him away from the county and he employed Thomas Stanton to undertake the day-to-day work. Telford, however, retained responsibility and correspondence between the two men shows he not only provided leadership when required but also stepped into the breach when his deputy was being pressurised by the cost-conscious justices.

K. Watson

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering, 160, Special Issue 2—Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 2, November, 6–9

doi: 10.1680/cien.2007.160.6.6

Safety has been at the heart of the design of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project—now know as High Speed 1—but perhaps nowhere more so than in the complex section 2 of the route, more than half of which is in tunnel. This paper describes how the design and layout of the 39 km second section was heavily influenced by safety considerations, particularly the design and spacing of the cross-passages between running tunnels, the tunnel ventilation systems and the emergency response procedures.

G. F. Menzies, S. Turan and P. F. G. Banfill

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Construction Materials, 160, No. 4, November, 135–143

doi: 10.1680/coma.2007.160.4.135

In this paper life-cycle assessment (LCA) is studied and a brief review and classification of databases and inventories is given. The factors affecting the dissimilar results in various databases are examined and discussed. The main obstacles to LCA and life-cycle energy studies, and their sources, are discussed, together with the role of data in inventory analysis. Embodied energy results are reviewed and compared, and the causes of dissimilarities and variations in these studies are presented. This paper focuses on methodologies developed and adopted for data processing, and inventory analysis for building materials. The dataLCA relationship is investigated, and the importance and role of data in LCA is reviewed. A case study of steel as a building material is introduced and a number of life cycle energy assessment studies are evaluated. The paper concludes by outlining a number of issues which need to be handled with care when performing a life-cycle study, and which warrant further qualitative and quantitative analysis.

P. Braithwaite

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Engineering Sustainability, 160, No. 2, June, 95–103

doi: 10.1680/ensu.2007.160.2.95

The present paper introduces the concept of developing manufacturing facilities, organisational procedures and company responsibilities through an approach to sustainable development. The approach is centred on a case study of Kingspan Insulation Ltd, one of the construction industry's main suppliers of insulation products. For the last 18 months Kingspan Insulation has been involved with an assessment of its organisational procedures, practices and wider community impacts using the sustainable assessment framework Sustainable Project Appraisal Routine (Spear). Over this time period, an assessment and subsequent reassessment have indicated areas where the company can improve its sustainability performance and have enabled them to demonstrate real progress towards sustainability. By adopting this approach of using independent assessment at annual intervals, the company has undergone rapid cultural change and achieved this within its normal operational budgets. The approach adopted and advantages realised are described along with the responsibility taken on by senior management. As sustainable development is a process of continuous improvement, the latest action plan developed with the company is outlined.

L. Gardner, R. B. Cruise, C. P. Sok, K. Krishnan and J. Ministro Dos Santos

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Engineering Sustainability, 160, No. 4, December, 167–177

doi: 10.1680/ensu.2007.160.4.167

Structural material selection has traditionally been based on initial material cost. However, growing pressure on the construction industry to consider the longer-term financial and environmental implications of projects is encouraging a more holistic view. Thus, materials with higher initial costs, but which offer cost savings over the life cycle of a structure, are gaining increasing recognition. The life-cycle costs of structures of two such metallic materials, namely aluminium alloy and stainless steel, are compared with those of ordinary structural carbon steel in the present study. Two structural applications—a typical office building and a bridge—are analysed, while offshore applications are briefly discussed. The ratio of initial material cost per tonne was assumed to be 1.0:2.5:4.0 (carbon steel:aluminium alloy:stainless steel). Following a preliminary structural design to current European design standards taking due account of the material densities and structural properties (principally strength and stiffness), it was found that on an initial cost basis, carbon steel offers the most competitive solution for both the building and the bridge. However, considering the additional life-cycle costs including maintenance costs, end-of-life costs and the residual value of the structure (appropriately discounted to present values), the results indicate that carbon steel offers the most competitive life-cycle solution for the office building but delivers the most expensive life-cycle solution for the bridge. Overall, it is concluded that on a whole-life basis aluminium alloy and stainless steel may offer more competitive solutions than carbon steel for bridges and exposed areas of building structures.

Z. Worth, C. Boyle and R. McDowall

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Engineering Sustainability, 160, No. 4, December, 189–198

doi: 10.1680/ensu.2007.160.4.189

This paper compares the combined life-cycle costs of four different types of roof construction common in New Zealand. Two cladding options have been chosen, namely steel sheeting and concrete tiles, supported by two different types of framing, namely softwood timber trusses and lightweight structural steel framing. The material quantities, embodied energy and CO₂ emissions of each roof configuration have been assessed using simplified lifecycle models. The combined life-cycle cost of each roofing system has been determined by adding the material costs with the estimated ‘costs' of the embodied energy and CO₂ emissions. Material costs have been determined based on current installed prices and the maintenance costs discounted to net present values. The embodied energy and CO₂ emissions have been calculated using previous input–output models developed for New Zealand building materials. It was generally found that concrete-tiled roof structures had lower overall combined life-cycle costs when compared to the steel sheeting options, mainly owing to the greater durability and lower embodied energy content of the concrete tile cladding. It is hoped that this paper will aid housing developers and stakeholders in making sustainable choices in their selection of roofing materials.

J. L. Moura Berodia, L. dell'Olio and A. Ibeas Portilla

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Maritime Engineering, 160, No. 2, June, 65–73

doi: 10.1680/maen.2007.160.2.65

Normally public works carried out on ports have a huge impact on the surrounding area due to the transportation of large quantities of raw material. The impact is even greater if the works are carried out in an urban area resulting in serious traffic congestion as well as pollution, dust and noise. This paper proposes a model for the management of such works and is applied to a case study based on the new port at Laredo (Spain). The model optimises the distribution of loads between lorries and barges with the aim of minimising the total economic, social and environmental costs. The total cost of the system was calculated from the costs used in operating the lorries and barges as well as from a social cost represented by the costs to private transport users caused by the increased congestion due to the activity of lorries on the road network. All of this is limited by environmental restrictions aimed at keeping the emissions of both private and works vehicles within the established pollution and noise standards. Finally, a series of interesting conclusions are presented for the correct planning of the transport system that was analysed.

J. Mugabi, S. Kayaga and C. Njiru

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineering, 160, No. 1, March, 1–6

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.1.1

Urban water utilities in developing countries face enormous challenges in meeting the water needs of growing urban populations. Many of the challenges stem from poor utility management practices and the lack of a commercially oriented culture. For many years the debate on how to address this problem has been dominated by two extremes. On the one hand, private sector participation (PSP) has had only limited success. On the other, public management reform, which urges the creation of incentives for public utilities to become more efficient and commercially oriented, has not yet taken hold due to the slow pace of institutional reforms in developing countries. Given this situation, major players in the sector are seeking alternative approaches to improving utility management and performance in developing countries. Such alternative approaches include innovative multi-sector partnerships between private, public and civil society. This paper discusses a partnering approach (pioneered by the Water Utility Partnership (WUP) of Africa) between Loughborough University, Severn Trent Water, six African water utilities and utility management consultants. The aim of the partnership is to increase the management capacity of utility companies in order to improve the performance of water utilities in Africa. This innovative model has implications for policy and practice in this field.

S. Kayaga and L. Zhe

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineering, 160, No. 1, March, 7–15

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.1.7

The private sector in China has been growing since economic reforms were launched in the late 1970s. The massive demand for new infrastructure and improved service levels have precipitated the growth of public–private partnership (PPPs) in the Chinese water urban sector. Although the number of water and wastewater infrastructure projects financed through PPPs had risen to over 130 by the 2004, with an investment commitment of over US$4$8 billion, PPPs still accounted for less than 2% of total investments in the water sector. An institutional analysis was conducted in 2005 to find out how conducive PPPs are for provision of water services in Longgang, a coastal town in the Zhejiang Province of China. Although the operational performance indicators were generally above average, subjective assessment of the internal environment uncovered several gaps, which could be addressed by adopting an appropriate mode of PPPs. A scan of the external environment revealed conditions that are largely conducive to the introduction of PPPs in Longgang Water Utility. This paper showed how an existing institutional analysis framework could be adapted for assessing the suitability of introducing PPPs in water utilities.

L. S. Cunningham and M. A. Pomfret

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineering, 160, No. 1, March, 17–21

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.1.17

Over the past ten years, Blackpool Council has undertaken several major capital works schemes within a partnering environment. During this period, the council has sought to develop the partnering process with a view to optimising the design, construction and commissioning of projects. Currently engaged in the £64 million central area coast protection scheme under a partnering contract, numerous advantages over traditional forms of contract have been realised. This paper outlines the process of partnering through contract selection and administration. The method of incentivisation through the use of key performance indicators and associated benchmarking is also described. The effect of partnering and early contractor involvement on product quality is highlighted through improved buildability and defect minimisation. Allied to this, the centralised and inclusive environment fostered by partnering contracts has lent itself to improved health and safety throughout design, construction and commissioning. Finally, the wider benefits of the partnering approach for the local community and the delivery of quality urban regeneration are described.

J. Rankin, P. Jameson and N. Yarwood

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 1, March, 31–36

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.1.31

Worcestershire County Council (WCC) is using long-term NEC contracts linked by the X12 partnering option to provide the contractual framework for the provision of a high quality highways service to the people of Worcestershire and those who travel through the county. Establishing this contractual framework has been the first step in the development of ‘Worcestershire Highways' as the innovative vehicle for highways service delivery in Worcestershire. The present paper will show how WCC is using the NEC suite of contracts, specifically the X12 partnering option, to provide an integrated, partnership highways service for the people of Worcestershire and to examine the benefits that can be achieved through this approach.

S. R. Aggus and E. J. S. Hiscocks

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 1, March, 37–44

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.1.37

The paper describes the establishment of a framework partnership involving Coventry City Council as highway authority, an engineering consultant and four contractors. The overall objective was to deliver improved performance for the implementation of an increased programme of transportation and civil engineering projects. The main feature of the partnership was the Coventry model, which included: a partnering board made up of representatives of all the parties and led by key councillors; joint financial incentives based on a pain/gain mechanism; joint value management/value engineering and open-book accounting to maximise cost savings; and performance-based contract extensions. Other supporting features were: a cost database continually updated by completed contracts; a strong emphasis on communications both between the members of the partnership and with all parties involved in specific projects; a computerised project status database to enable access to current financial and programme data on each project; quantitative and qualitative performance assessment; and an action plan of continuous comprehensive improvement. After three years the results of the framework partnership were encouraging, with rising levels of satisfaction, significant savings in design and construction costs, and a proven ability to react to changing and challenging circumstances.

K. Harwood and B. Follett

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 1, March, 45–53

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.1.45

Warwickshire is a rural county in the UK Midlands with a population of around 535 000 and an area of about 2000 km². Warwickshire County Council, through its Design Services Group, has been working in partnership with engineering consultancy Arup since August 2001. A successful relationship developed over the first five-year contract, with both organisations perceiving value beyond that envisaged at the start. Major benefits have been gained in achieving project targets of the local transport plan and in staff development and training. The scope of the relationship expanded to include additional technical disciplines and more client groups, bringing challenges in communication and management. The objective of the second partnering contract, running from 2006–2011, is to build on the success, learn from the difficulties experienced and develop the relationship to add value to both organisations.

J. H. W. Turner, S. Pearce, M. J. Fenton and B. Sims

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 3, September, 117–126

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.3.117

Over the past seven years a number of organisations have been working in close partnership to find acceptable and sustainable solutions to the highly complex task of remediating and regenerating the former Avenue coking works, one of the largest in Europe, at a cost of over £100 million. The Avenue has provided a significant opportunity for true partnership working between the public and private sectors. Considerable consultation with the public, community organisations and regulatory and planning authorities is helping shape the vision for the future of the site. The final landform will include community leisure and recreational facilities, opportunities for commercial and residential development, restoration of the river floodplain, creation of wetlands and a flood-balancing reservoir. Previous attempts to find a solution have run into regulatory and legal difficulties. However, partner organisations have worked closely together to develop solutions. These include working on a risk-based approach and arranging trans-frontier shipment of waste material samples for trial remediation in Europe; this has helped to derive an on-site treatment solution, thus avoiding difficult, disruptive and costly off-site waste transfer and disposal processes. Over 1 million cubic metres of soil will be moved and treated. A design and build contract has been negotiated, with early involvement of the contractor, and work is about to start on the four-year remediation contract.

D. Gullick, R. Cairns and D. Pearson-Kirk

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 3, September, 127–133

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.3.127

Sir John Egan's report on Rethinking Construction advocated ‘long term relationships based on clear measurement of performance and sustained improvements in quality and efficiency’. In 2001, Northern Ireland Roads Service embarked on a three-year framework to review the work carried out on their stock of post-tensioned bridges. The contract adopted a partnering approach embodying the key principles recommended by Egan. This paper outlines the significant lessons learned from a partnering approach between a consultant and a central government service provider. The partnership was built on an ethos of knowledge share and transfer; it developed long-term relationships that continued after the end of the original programme. It is an example of how a partnering approach to a single project acted as a catalyst for the further development of each organisation. One of the significant factors involved is the people, their personal and professional relationships and their willingness to innovate at all times. The partnering ethos led to innovation in terms of amending the payment mechanism under the contract as originally procured, leading to potential incentives and disincentives based on performance measured using key performance indicators as advocated by the Egan report.

A. Ataöv

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 3, September, 135–143

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.3.135

This paper presents a three-year long participatory action research (PAR) project conducted in collaboration with government officials, researchers, social workers and 400 street children in six Turkish metropolitan cities. By utilising the experiences of this project, it is argued that inclusive planning of public space requires a ‘process' approach that can stimulate those involved to a more liberating state. The PAR methodologies can provide the means to conduct planning in a process of participation and change. Change emerges through successive phases of dialogue and joint action. This, in turn, creates a continuous learning process for those involved through conversation and experience. The project documented in this paper used the PAR methodology to induce change in dealing with street children in the context of their inclusiveness in public space. This paper addresses the social process of this PAR project, which facilitated learning for the involved participants. The paper gives an analysis of the process to illustrate how PAR created a continuous learning process.

S. H. Saroop and D. Allopi

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 3, September, 145–149

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.3.145

Minimum cost has become a critical performance criterion for most engineers in the provision of township infrastructure service schemes. Consultants spend very little time generating alternative project options, often presenting decision-makers with only a few poorly differentiated alternatives borrowed ad hoc from other projects. Infrastructure projects' costs are scrutinized more closely and with greater skill and accuracy as projects have become larger, more complex and more expensive; clients have also become more exacting in their requirements. These and other factors have compelled engineers to design with greater care and in more detail. This paper contributes to the underdeveloped area of cost planning and forecasting on infrastructure projects by maximising the opportunity for improving quality and reducing project costs at each stage in the design process. In times of ever-increasing costs, the majority of clients, globally, are insisting on projects being designed and executed to give maximum value for money. The cost planning model and its outputs represent a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions in shaping project costs. This will place a heavy burden on consultants to use clients' money in the most efficient way possible. The cost planning model attempts to relate design to cost so that, while taking full account of quality, utility and appearance, the cost is planned to be within the economic limit of expenditure.

L. Hejazi and A. Smith

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 4, December, 183–188

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.4.183

This paper sets out the safety and traffic management arrangements for one of the most prestigious events in the sports calendar, the PGA World Golf Championship, held for the first time in the UK in 2006. Hertfordshire Highways was responsible for ensuring that safety was maintained and gridlock avoided during the six-day event. This paper describes the meticulous planning arrangements prior to the event, as well as the coordination between the many organisations responsible for ensuring that traffic could enter and exit the various car parks and that plans were in place in the event of an emergency on site. The paper ends with lessons learned and considers what actions taken might be different if an event of this scale were to be held in Hertfordshire in the future.

S. H. Wearne

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer, 160, No. 4, December, 209–212

doi: 10.1680/muen.2007.160.4.209

Recovery work to restore infrastructure, public services, business and industry (as distinct from the recovery of casualties in the emergency response phase) after widespread damage or disruption may require coordination of the use of engineering resources, access and space beyond the administrative strength and statutory control of local authorities and the police. The UK Government's Resilience programme requires cooperation between public and private organisations in planning for emergencies and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 provides emergency powers for managing the response to major events. After widespread severe damage, emergency powers might also be required to control all parties' use of their own and others' resources in the urgent first stage of recovery work to restore infrastructure and services.

G. Tenekeci

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Transport, 160, No. 3, August, 125–138

doi: 10.1680/tran.2007.160.3.125

This paper introduces an innovative approach to evaluating the benefits of linked MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) using a micro-simulation modelling and programming technique. The implementation of linked MOVA at signal-controlled junctions has been found to provide more efficient junction operations by either maximising capacity or minimising delay, depending on the level of congestion. Although vehicle actuation (VA) modelling is commonly available (i.e. bus gating, standalone MOVA and SCOOT), there has been no method for assessing the operational benefits and signal settings of linked MOVA implementation. Using the programming ability within the VISSIM micro-simulation software suite, a precise assessment of the benefits of linked MOVA type VA was undertaken. The signal settings, operational parameters and ‘linking’ of the signal control junctions were set as part of the MOVA implementation in evaluating the operational benefits. A post-implementation evaluation study is presented in which modelled operations replicated the actual operations in line with modelling standards. The model is calibrated and validated using post-MOVA implementation surveys. The results proved a significant operational benefit. On average, delay savings of 19·7% were achieved by the implementation, together with a significant reduction in total stopped delay and number of stops. Although traffic demand remained constant for pre- and post-linked MOVA operations, a 0·5% increase in throughput was observed. Modelling proved an effective method in assessing linked MOVA operations. This technique is now available to linked MOVA users, and can be adapted to other VA-type signal operations in evaluating the coordinated operations, benefits and settings before expensive implementation is undertaken.

M. Sohail and D. A. C. Maunder

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Transport, 160, No. 4, November, 179–189

doi: 10.1680/tran.2007.160.4.179

This paper demonstrates the importance of—and potential for— partnerships between the private and public sectors, and citizen groups, as a crucial means towards the improvement of public transport services in the developing world. It draws mainly upon the research findings of case studies in Karachi, Faisalabad, Dar es Salaam and Colombo between 1999 and 2003. The paper looks at some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration if a partnership is to be successful, before demonstrating the potential of existing links between users, operators and regulators. The potential for partnerships to improve upon the existing situation emerged on several occasions during the research, and these are summarised. Later sections look at the types of partnership that might be encouraged in the transport sector, as well as the importance of nurturing and supporting such partnerships. Finally, the paper highlights priorities for intervention—in the areas of infrastructure investment, land use and employment strategy, regulation and stakeholder collaboration—and the role partnerships could play in these interventions. The paper concludes with the importance of strengthening existing partnerships in public transport provision and creating and developing new ones. In this respect the authors consider it crucial that policymakers give due consideration to partnering approaches in the future.

R. A. Fenner, G. McFarland and O. Thorne

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 2007, 160, No. 1, March, 15–24

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.1.15

Statistical, deterministic and heuristic approaches to modelling sewer performance and condition are briefly examined and a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach is proposed that can operate within the prevailing data environment of UK water utility companies. This is a technique that solves new problems by adapting previously successful solutions to similar problems. The use of CBR for other types of infrastructure assets is noted, and a method for its application to sewers is proposed. The methodology was tested on sewer data drawn from two water company regions. Validation trials, based on inferring known outcomes on 20 pipe lengths, show that a range of performance and management information and maintenance prioritisation can effectively be inferred from a case library of a small number of pipes for which good information is available. The paper concludes this is a pragmatic and flexible approach that utilises the industry's own experience and avoids the need for widespread calibration of more statistically or deterministically oriented models.

Z. F. Rao, J. Wicks and S. West

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 2007, 160, No. 2, June, 95–101

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.2.95

This paper presents an adaptive optimisation system for dynamic operational control of water supply and distribution networks. Based on the combined use of an artificial neural network for predicting the consequences of different pumps and valve settings and a genetic algorithm for optimisation, the energy cost minimisation system (ENCOMS) is designed to assist water distribution system operators to select optimal operating control settings that will best meet not only the current demands but also the projected ones. ENCOMS identifies maximum cost savings by taking into account the electricity tariff and other system operational constraints that prescribe lower and upper limits on nodal pressures and service reservoirs storages, alternative supply sources and so on. The real-time control process operates continually and is updated at short intervals by data transmitted from the SCADA system and the updated demand forecast. The control system is generic in the sense that it can be applied to any distribution network. It is customised for each application to ensure optimal performance. It is extremely powerful and flexible so that the peculiarities of the specific network and/or tariff structure can be accommodated, as well as the preferences of the operator with regard to the time interval between updates, the operating horizon and so on. Multiple sources of treated water with different production costs can also be incorporated, as can various pressure zones and demand districts.

R. Farmani, P. Ingeduld, D. Savic, G. Walters, Z. Svitak and J. Berka

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 2007, 160, No. 2, June, 103–108

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.2.103

Numerical modelling of water supply and distribution systems has become a standard and essential practice in any serious attempt to evaluate hydraulic, water quality and economic aspects of these complex systems. Well-suited models, including advanced technologies such as geographical information system and telemetry systems, accurate fire flow calculations, water quality analysis and leakage reduction have become indispensable tools for water network managers. Application of these advanced techniques in hydraulic and water quality modelling and optimum operation is considered to be a part of master planning for the south-west Moravian water supply system in the Czech Republic. The regional water supply system of south-west Moravia supplies water to two counties (Zdar and Trebic). Two regional control centres manage the whole water supply system. A hydraulic and water quality on-line computational module is installed on the central control system server. The mathematical model of the water supply system was calibrated and verified for both steady state and extended period simulations. Numerous hydraulic and water quality model scenarios were conducted for both existing and future operations of the system under normal and emergency conditions. Water quality analyses consisted of residual chlorine concentration simulation including detailed water age and source tracing simulations. The main objective in developing the on-line model was to decrease the operational cost of the system by optimising the operation of pumping stations by improving the rules used to control the inflow into the storage tanks, and by decreasing the time necessary to model required alternatives. The experience from developing the hydraulic and water quality models and optimum scheduling of pumps and valves for the master plan of south-west Moravia as well as the state of the art of the available solutions are discussed in this paper.

K. Vairavamoorthy, J. Yan and S. D. Gorantiwar

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 2007, 160, No. 2, June, 123–132

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.2.123

The contamination of water distribution systems is widely recognised in the case of intermittent water supplies, where pipes are empty for many hours each day and thus under negligible or zero pressure. This allows contaminants from pollution sources such as sewers, open drains and surface water bodies to enter into the water distribution pipes through leaks and cracks during non-supply hours. In developing countries, where water supply is intermittent, contamination frequently occurs to the distribution network at unacceptably high levels, posing a threat to public health. The urban poor suffer most from contaminated water supplies and also suffer a far greater health burden, related in part to the consumption of poor quality water. There are no tools currently available to assist engineers in identifying the risks associated with contaminant intrusion into intermittent water distribution systems. This paper introduces a new tool called integrated risk assessment of water distribution systems (IRA-WDS). It is anticipated that the application of such tools will enable engineers to manage water quality more effectively by developing appropriate control measures to minimise the risks of contaminant intrusion. This paper summarises details of the mathematical models that form the basis of IRA-WDS and also describes the application of the tool to a real case study in India. The outputs from IRA-WDS are risk maps showing the risk of contaminant intrusion into the various parts of the water distribution system and an understanding of the main factors that contribute to risk. These risk maps will be invaluable to decision makers in that they can provide a guide to prioritise the operation and maintenance strategy in order to improve water quality.

B. Janković-Nišić, N. J. D. Graham, Č. Maksimović and D. Butler

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 2007, 160, No. 3, September, 181–187

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.3.181

A new stochastic water distribution network (WDN) modelling tool has been developed with the aim of providing a sound basis for cost-effective strategic planning of WDN monitoring schemes in terms of quantifiable leakage. Through an analysis of uncertainties in water demand and its propagation through a WDN, the developed computer tool recommends the most cost-effective solution in terms of the number and location of monitoring sites necessary to increase the probability of identifying the location of leaks (or other system anomalies). The methodology was tested on a medium-sized WDN in the UK and the results are presented in this paper.

S. Arthur and H. Crow

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 160, No. 3, September, 189–194

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.3.189

In the UK and elsewhere, there has been a concerted move away from primarily assessing sewer system capacity to focus on ‘serviceability’ as a key performance indicator in sewerage provision. Increasingly, water regulators are recognising that a prime concern of customers is avoiding flooding of their property, as environmental improvements can often be intangible. However, regulators insist that environmental factors are also given strenuous attention. Based on these considerations, it is evident that sewerage providers will increasingly consider undertaking proactive maintenance on sub-critical and non-critical sewers in order to reduce the risk of customers experiencing reduced levels of serviceability. This paper documents the development of a methodology to manage capital maintenance expenditure within the context of ‘serviceability’ to customers, the public and the environment. The methodology has been applied alongside Infoworks-CS software to determine critical points in a small coastal catchment in Edinburgh, Scotland. The paper also discusses how these results are linked to customer complaints held in a geographic information system (GIS) database, and how the approach developed was able to recommend which assets should be proactively maintained to minimise the risk of serviceability loss. For the catchment considered, key serviceability performance indicators were found to be combined sewer overflow (CSO) spills, flooding in residential areas, flooding in commercial zones and disruption to traffic.

V. R. Stovin and A. D. Swan

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management, 160, No. 4, December, 207–214

doi: 10.1680/wama.2007.160.4.207

Many urban water quality and flooding problems may potentially be addressed by disconnecting stormwater from the formal drainage system and installing source control sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) instead. This approach is referred to as SuDS retrofit. This paper focuses on the construction costs associated with a range of SuDS devices likely to be implemented in a retrofit context. Three distinct types of costs have been prepared. The costs of construction per device are provided as unit costs. This approach does not, however, enable devices to be compared in terms of an area served. For this reason, schemes have been designed and costed according to representative contributory areas, such as a residential roof or a small car park. These contributory area-based cost comparisons are embodied within a decision-making framework for retrofit SuDS. A case study highlights how secondary costs need to be combined with device unit costs accurately to cost the construction of a whole scheme. The evaluation indicates that infiltration basins represent the cheapest form of SuDS to construct, followed by soakaways, ponds, infiltration trenches and porous pavements. This ranking does not, however, take account of land purchase or sterilisation costs, potential conflicts with requirements for high-density developments or other life-cycle costs–these could alter this preference ranking significantly.