MANAGING A MEGAPROJECT

The article describes the organization for the construction of the Channel Tunnel under the English Channel linking Britain and France, the financing mechanisms involved, gives a project synopsis, and describes how project management software is being used to expedite construction. Two 50 km rail tunnels for passengers and freight, and a nonrail service tunnel for ventilation, emergency exit, and maintenance are being bored in the seabed between Folkestone, England, and Calais, France. Eurotunnel was granted concession and a construction contract was signed in 1986. A Project Implementation Division (PID) is responsible for ensuring that work is carried out to the required specifications and construction codes, and that the timetables are met. Monitoring and reporting of activities are done by another group. The article describes how Eurotunnel uses project management software to maintain a firm grip on the project and to simulate improvement scenarios. The Channel Tunnel Project Management Information System (PMIS) consists of 2 separate, parallel, but interconnected computer systems. Each system consists of a project wide-communications network connected to central processing facilities in England. Details of the hardware and software system are summarized. One of these systems incorporates activities outside the scope of the other. Strategic and detailed planning, and the identification of key events is incorporated in the other. The objective of all activities is to focus management attention on any problem areas related to the project's cost and program, so that corrective action can be taken.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Publication Date: 1989-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 44-47
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer aided design; Construction management; Costs; Financing; Information processing; Management information systems; Project management; Software; Tunneling; Underwater construction
• Identifier Terms: Channel Tunnel
• Uncontrolled Terms: Hardware
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Finance; Highways; I25: Design of Tunnels;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00485185
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 30 1989 12:00AM