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Topic 1
Title: Neural Network computing Model for
Highway Construction Project Scheduling and Management
State Job Number: 14634
Final Report, October 1999
(6,434 KB)
Executive Summary,
(84 KB)
A general mathematical
formulation has been developed for scheduling of construction
projects and applied to the problem of highway construction
scheduling. Repetitive and non-repetitive tasks, work continuity
considerations, multiple-crew strategies, and the effects of
varying job conditions on the performance of a crew can be
modeled. An optimization formulation is presented for the
construction project scheduling problem with the goal of
minimizing the direct construction cost. The nonlinear
optimization problem is then solved by the recently patented
neural dynamics model of Adeli and Park (United States patent
number 5,815,394 issued on September 29, 1998). For any given
construction duration, the model yields the optimum construction
schedule for minimum construction cost automatically. By varying
the construction duration, one can solve the cost-duration
trade-off problem and obtain the global optimum schedule and the
corresponding minimum construction cost.
Topic 2
Title: Construction of Flexible Pipe
System Using Controlled Low Strength Material - Controlled
Density Fill (CLSM-CDF)
State Job Number: 14649
Final Report,
September 2001
(10,907 KB)
Executive Summary,
(61 KB)
Millions of tons of fly ash
are currently disposed of in landfills annually in the US. There
is an urgent need to develop productive utilization programs for
fly ash for waste minimization. One possible way to promote its
utilization is through an artificial fill material called the
controlled low strength material - controlled density fill (CLSM
CDF). The CLSM, which is produced by mixing sand, water, and fly
ash/cement, appears to be particularly suited as a structural
backfill for flexible pipe structures because of its excellent
initial flowability.
Topic 3
Title: The Evaluation of Warranty Provisions on ODOT Construction Projects
State Job Number: 14780
Final Report,
November 2003
(1,850 KB)
Executive Summary,
(170 KB)
Implementation Plan,
(96 KB)
The implementation of warranty provisions in construction
contracts is considered an innovative contracting practice that
is used by many highway agencies including the Ohio Department
of Transportation (ODOT).
The major underlying benefits of warranty provisions from
the perspective of state DOTs include increased quality of the
products, lower maintenance and project life-cycle costs,
protection against early project failures, and reduction in site
inspection. However, there are several problems that arise from
the use of warranty provisions such as an increase in the
initial bid price as compared to similar but non-warranty
projects, a reduction in the number of small contractors bidding
on these projects, the unwillingness of surety companies to
issue long term bonds, and the possible increase in contract
disputes and litigation.
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