CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIPLE DESIGN AND BUILD BRIDGE PROJECTS IN SABAH

Among the various procurement methods the Design and Build (D&B) projects is significant in implementing
development projects in Malaysia and other countries. When an organization undertakes multiple D&B
projects involving multiple designers, contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, consultants and
specialists the project management becomes more complex with many variables affecting the project execution.
In addition, increasing linkages between projects, the need to integrate parts and resulting increasing
interdependencies makes it more complex. Not many studies have been reported on these critical aspects and
about suitable project management system to overcome the complexities. Selected infrastructure projects are
being implemented under D&B method in Sabah, in which, 45 Bridges and two Road projects are being
executed simultaneously by the First author’s Design and Build firm. A case study approach was adopted to
study the multiple D & B projects in Sabah. The aspects that were studied are: (1) the project planning, control
and monitoring methods, (2) Aspects of specialist works, diversion works, temporary work, and logistics, (3)
construction program and management, project cost optimization; tendering and final close out,(4) team
building and (5) Selecting of Methods of pile foundation, suitable beam technologies, No. of spans, etc. The
study has identified an effective D&B process for multiple project execution. The findings will help to reduce the
complexity in performing the activities as per the master project management plan drafted for multi project
settings. The tasks in team building best suited to multiple D&B projects are also identified. The contribution
of this study is two folds: Firstly, to prepare “guideline procedures” in preparing productive construction
programme for multiple projects. Secondly, to identify the key points in scheduling the works programme to
reduce the resource idle time and complete the projects in specific time, budget and according to specification.
Results and findings are reported with examples from case studies.