VALUE ENGINEERING IN PRECONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION

The results of value engineering (VE) applications to preconstruction and construction operations in eight states and the experiences of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are reviewed. The results indicate that the application of VE concepts, principles and techniques is effective enough to warrant increased use by state highway and transportation agencies. Best opportunities for initial application appear to exist in preconstruction, with emphasis on application to standard plans and specifications and on design criteria and guidelines. Data also indicate that savings from the implementation of a value engineering incentive clause (VEIC) program for contractors can be significant. Also VEIC programs can be expected to field ongoing benefits for a one-time sharing. This study found that problems in implementing and managing VE programs are more behavioral and organizational than technical. Top management support and middle management understanding and support are essential to the success of a VE program. This synthesis presents guidelines in preconstruction which relate to project selection, timing, participation, standard plans and specifications and design criteria, and the team approach. Guidelines for VEIC programs are presented which focus on the VEIC clause, contractor participation, opportunities for participation, objective appraisal, and the expeditious processing of change proposals.

• Record URL:
  http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/161264.aspx
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/05475570
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Turner, O D
  • Reark, R T
• Publication Date: 1981-9

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 23 p.
• Serial:
  • NCHRP Synthesis of Highway Practice
  • Issue Number: 78
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0547-5570

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Construction management; Contractors; Design; Incentives; Management; Planning; Road construction; Savings; Specifications; Transportation operations; Transportation planning; Value engineering
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria; Preconstruction
• Old TRIS Terms: Transportation administration
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Environment; Highways; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00345831
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 30 1982 12:00AM