Using VDC to create 3D model of project during bidding process
During the bidding process, our team looked at ways to improve the project and make work more efficient to benefit all stakeholders—including the client and the community. We used virtual design and construction (VDC) to turn 2D drawings into a 3D model, which helped us discover a better way to build the project.
There are many advantages to VDC—the main one being that it allows our team to quickly visualize the project, find issues ahead of time and de-risk our work. Images from our VDC model enabled the client to better visualize and understand the benefits of our new plan.
After spending 10 weeks developing a new plan for the project, we submitted our bid to Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), which came in 10 percent lower than competitors.
Working with MassDOT to reduce community impacts
The work took place in an urban residential area of Chelsea, Massachusetts near several schools, neighborhoods and commercial properties. The location of the project site required regular coordination to minimize neighborhood and traffic impacts.
Many properties were in very close proximity to the site, so our team developed good communication avenues with local stakeholders. We also coordinated with police on a regular basis for traffic control. Outside of Chelsea, we coordinated construction activities with the traveling public and many adjacent communities and businesses.
The project impacted several local parking lots for local businesses and community members. We coordinated all of our work with those stakeholders to minimize impacts. Our coordination plan extended to local Chelsea schools, so our team was constantly aware of when school was in session. This allowed us to provide a safe environment for students to walk to school.
Partnering with Harvard and Northeastern University
Skanska-McCourt partnered with Harvard’s Center for Work, Health and Well-being and Northeastern University to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the All the Right Moves (ARM) program. The goal of this program is to improve worker safety, health and wellbeing through communication infrastructure and a continuous improvement process.
Part of these efforts included studying worker behavior, which was eye-opening. We conducted surveys and asked our workers what was important to them both on and off the job, including work-life balance, commute time and time for exercising. Our team discovered areas of improvement on our Chelsea Viaduct project and made changes to improve relationships between management and crews.
Thank you
The success of this project is proof that a good plan, efficient execution and open collaboration with MassDOT and HNTB was the formula to overcome challenges and deliver a high-quality, safe project.
Our crews worked many nights and weekends for a long time to ensure we met the substantial completion milestone. Skanska would like to thank all our staff, union craft, subcontractors, suppliers and community members for their part in the project—it wouldn’t have been as successful without you.