I consider myself a typical Generation X-er and have participated in both the paper and computer-based eras in education and business. With this in mind, I would like to continue the article,

Dramatic Shift in Construction Management

with respect to the significant impact of computers on construction engineering.

Up until 20 years ago, the phases of engineer planning followed a set pattern: draft design, not-for-construction drawings, final drawings, shop drawings and upon completion of the construction phase, as-built drawings. The same planning phases exist today but are used for different purposes.

Traditionally a draft design was used to start any construction project, especially in the excavation phase. This made sense given the lack of data from the field, a vital component for an accurate structural and architectural design. Lack of knowledge of computer programs and skills prolonged the preparation of the draft design. Put quite simply, we had no delete key and each change in the design brought us back to drafting essentially a new design. Without many-core processors, we were unable to calculate load combinations and mathematical equations that optimize the best scenario for the core structure.

With no opportunity to model and simulate design case alternatives, it was necessary to perfect the design phase progressively as the actual work advanced. Design phases were determined by time requirements. Excavation began with only a draft design followed by the preparation phase using a not-for-construction drawing. If the final drawings were completed in time, construction would continue without delay. Considering the many revisions made during the building phase, an as-built drawing is presented upon completion. Experience becomes more important when lacking records of technical know-how or availability. That being said, I believe that if you are a "technical" soccer player, regardless of your experience level, you can still keep up with an experienced player who lacks technical finesse.

As you can imagine, the advent of technological advancements in construction was a major game changer in the industry. Experience was no longer treated as a must but an asset. CAD Software allows us to copy and paste anything quickly thus allowing for faster revisions and the opportunity to instantly see different alternatives. Two decades ago, this would have been a long and painful revision made with paper and pen.

We still use the draft design stage today but only for budgeting or early feasibility purposes which give us a base to create early cost estimates. The not-for-construction phase has almost disappeared due to the reduced time period between the draft and the final design drawings. As-built drawing has become a natural output of the latest revision applied to the final digital drawings which are essential, the latest revision before completion.

Over the past 20 years, I have seen the design phase of a construction project extended while the actual building phase shortened. I attribute this to the developments in computers, the increased number of design tools, the availability of pre-fabricated construction elements and an increased number of risks within the construction phase brought upon by the complexity of modern structures.

Construction today naturally balances between a classical project management approach (like the one advocated by Project Management Institute (PMI)) and modern agile techniques in construction projects. This makes me think that a third option that is more dynamic and versatile and determined by the requirements of construction projects is needed.

So I am left musing...Why, despite all the obvious improvements and developments in the design phase, do so many construction projects go over budget, over time and reach completion while ending with low quality? Perhaps this should be the subject of another article.