Alternative Delivery Methods – Lyman Lake Spillway

ABSTRACT ONLY - Utilizing alternative delivery methods in construction, particularly those that prioritize collaboration, presents many opportunities for schedule improvements, value engineering, and a superior final product. Early contractor involvement allows for deeper relationships between the owner, design team, and the contractor, leading to more open and effective communication throughout the project. Including more perspectives in the design process allows parties to anticipate potential challenges and assess constructability, which can prevent delays as work begins.
On a recent dam rehabilitation project in South Carolina, Phillips & Jordan (P&J) acted as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), which allowed work in the field to begin before completing the design drawings. Because this rehabilitation effort was in response to storm damage to the Lake Lyman Spillway, advancing the schedule was essential for returning the spillway to functionality quickly.
The project was divided into three phases, with design at various stages of completion as work progressed. Phase 1: Early Works began with the design drawings 60% completed. With the designs still in process, P&J provided input on the design as they discovered differing and unexpected site conditions during this early site work. Rather than forcing costly redesign, these specifications were incorporated into the designs as they were developed, and Phase 2: Spillway Construction began with 100% designs based on these updates. Phase 3: Outlet Upgrades were also priced during Phases 1 and 2, which allowed P&J to consider the realities of working on the site and additional scope updates to provide more accurate rates.
Throughout the project, the CMAR model has facilitated communication between the owner, design team, and contractor, allowing for quick decision-making and collaboration. During work in Phase 1 and 2, it was discovered that the existing ogee spillway was not founded on a competent foundation thus plans for a replacement were quickly made with input from all stakeholders. This kind of delivery model allows contractors and design teams to work concurrently, incorporate real site conditions rather than assumed, and find ways to improve schedule and pricing. Utilizing CMAR and other alternative delivery models can be meaningful for the dam rehabilitation industry to strengthen our water resources infrastructure quickly and innovatively, especially in emergencies.