1. International Trenchless Technology Colloquium, PI,
Sponsor: Infrastructure and Information Systems (IIS), Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) Division, National Science Foundation (NSF)
Abstract
The aim of this International Symposium is to provide a forum for discussion of developments, in the GIS (Geographical Information Systems), CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management Systems), and IT (Information Technology) areas in the application of an intelligent assessment, renewal and management of underground municipal infrastructure. Research in this area is characterized by international and interdisciplinary cooperation. The proposed international forum by bringing together researchers from universities, municipal managers, and industry representatives, provides a major step towards a holistic approach to municipal infrastructure management.
Research activities will help in advancing knowledge and understanding in the fields of assessment, monitoring & intelligent management of underground municipal infrastructure. The development of highly automated GIS systems capable of searching, organizing, preserving, and interacting with large quantities of condition & maintenance data will provide a cost-effective tool for municipalities faced with shrinking budgets, growing problems and increasing regulations.
The workshop is being organized in three phases. Phase I is the Trenchless Technology Research Colloquium, hosted by the Infrastructure Engineering and Management Research Center, School of Engineering, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. Phase II consists of field trips to visit the municipalities of Helsinki, Finland, and St. Petersburg, Russia. Phase III consists of presenting research findings and contributing to panel discussions at the 2002 International NoDig Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Sponsor: Construction Industry Institute (CII), 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, TX.
The major research objective of the proposal is to investigate methods and processes, and develop a Best Practice related to shortened cycle times including supply chain, design and contractual changes for capital project delivery systems.
The specific objectives are:
(i) Identify practices that can improve project delivery time,
(ii) Identify barriers to radical reduction in cycle time,
(iii) Prioritize the changes or improvements based on their potential for cycle time reduction
(iv) Develop a user friendly, decision-aid tool (software) to assist in the evaluation and execution of accelerated effective early planning, and
(v) Develop a list of topics for follow-on research aimed at removing or eliminating barriers to significant cycle time reductions.