Project teams are accustomed to developing solutions and support systems for all phases of project delivery. From identifying a need for new facilities, teams work together to plan and create documents and procedures for design, construction, and commissioning. However, in the lifecycle of a facility, the project delivery phase is only a small piece of a facility’s life. Its operation is much longer, potentially 25 to 30 years, or longer. As such, at the outset, project teams need to consider the facility’s operation for ultimate project success. This involves identifying what support is needed past the commissioning process, when the engineers, contractors, and suppliers, have typically long left the project. 

Project teams should be considering the end user from start to finish. This may include:

• Considering ongoing system operation during the design process
• Getting regular feedback from those who will be responsible for the system
• Spending time with the operations staff to understand atypical things they are doing to keep the system running
• Using tools, such as 3D modelling (where appropriate), to improve information sharing and encourage feedback
• Including the operations team in meetings and on-site throughout the construction process
• Including operations in as much of the commissioning process as possible 
• Considering additional training and documentation to support the operational transition from one system to a new one

For many systems, the transitional period can be the most difficult, highlighting the need for support during the warranty period. During this time, post-construction support needs to:

• Involve Operators to learn and develop new skills, through training and tools
• Provide tools for safe operations and ongoing maintenance, such as standard operating procedures and maintenance plans 
• Identify which activities may require specialized services to support maintenance planning and budgeting 
• Consider succession and training of new staff and operators

When considering who can provide support during post-construction activities, projects must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of who develops and provides the support, it is important for the project team to ensure they are included. Many communities already have transition programs and procedures in place to assist in achieving project success.

However, many smaller communities may not have the capacity to develop these programs as their operations and administration teams are already stretched. Coupled with staffing shortages affecting system providers of all sizes, external support may become even more important. As such, existing external support, such as circuit riders and other local resources, should also be considered at project initiation and included in all phases of the project, where reasonable.

Success is more than just engineering excellence, it is the combination of a well-designed facility and a well-supported operations team

Considering the operations staff throughout the design of the facility and soliciting appropriate feedback will help the team to create a facility that is sustainable and successful, even after the ribbon cutting. While there is a cost for this additional support, the value brought through the process will more than pay for the money spent up-front.

About the author:

Robyn Casement, P.Eng. is a Water Engineer with 13 years of experience in analysis, planning, design and construction of municipal and Indigenous projects. She has worked as a Project Engineer and Process Designer for water and wastewater projects, from conceptual modelling to detailed design and construction.

The post Engineering-Operations collaboration is key to project success first appeared on Associated Engineering.

Community Circle Approach to Project Delivery for First Nations Communities
Thursday, October 28 | 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
The Lhoos’kuz Dene Nation’s main residential community of Kluskus is situated approximately 200 km west of Quesnel, on Kluskus Lake. Access to Kluskus is by forestry roads and year-round access is difficult/limited during winter and spring thaw. The Nation has been working towards clean, safe, and reliable drinking water for over 20 years, and has been supplying bottled water for drinking/food preparation/cooking since early 2000’s. TRC: Calls to Action states “Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples.” Our commitment to this call to action was through the adoption of a Community Circle Approach for this project. This approach involves open dialogue and idea-sharing from all members of the Community Circle. The aim is to encourage and facilitate full, honest, and respectful collaboration with the Nation from feasibility investigation through to construction and Water Operator training.
AE Presenters: Freda Leong, Robyn Casement

Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Thursday, October 28 | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
This session will present the structural and functional renewal of the Burrard Street Bridge. The Burrard Bridge is a massive, 870 m long concrete and rivetted steel truss bridge spanning False Creek, connecting Vancouver’s downtown peninsula to the city further south. This heritage Art Deco structure opened as a six-lane gateway bridge in 1932 and remains a beloved city landmark. Seeking to address significant deterioration the project addressed significant rehabilitation needs, restored failing or missing heritage features, and incorporated functional enhancements to allow the bridge to continue to meet the City’s needs.
Presenters: Shane Cook, David Harvey

The post Associated presents at Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia 2021 Annual Conference first appeared on Associated Engineering.