ELEMENT OPTIMISATION TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE MULTIPLE DB BRIDGE PROJECTS IN EAST MALAYSIA

The construction process and success in management of multiple bridge projects directly relies on the selection and optimization of their elements / components. Many problems will be avoided if the construction knowledge and experience are utilised during the selection of the bridge elements in the Design and Build (DB) process. A systematic selection process is required during design stage to maximise the use of available resources that will be suitable in respective locations. The relevant studies of multiple bridge designs consider and incorporate practical suggestions from the field personals.

This case study carried out in East Malaysia with problems of material, labour and equipment availability. Data from multiple design-build bridge projects is obtained and then the average ratio presence of each element in the bridges calculated to show the combinations of same elements in several bridges. The study emphasizes the need of element optimisation techniques in bridges to choose the elements like foundation, piling, Beams, etc. The database of the entire elements in all the bridges are presented and discussed to show the process undertaken during the design. The significance of the approach and the important role of this technique in successful management of multiple bridge constructions is described.