PROCUREMENT OF BEAMS IN MULTIPLE D&B BRIDGE PROJECTS

Selected infrastructure development projects are being implemented by Design and Build (D&B)
procurement system in Sabah (East Malaysia) by the Public Works Department (PWD). In the first
phase 45 bridge replacement projects were awarded in 5 packages. These simultaneous multiple
Bridge projects are for the development of the backward areas and hence their timely completion is
utmost important. Procurement and production of bridge beams have been the critical element of
construction in these rural areas and no researches has been reported on various aspects of procurement
of the bridge beams in multiple D&B projects. The aspects of procurement researched in this work
include the determination of a common beam element for the ease of procurement and the optimization
of the construction methodology, the finalization and purchasing plate dimensions to suite the
manufacturer’s production range, the delivery of materials, the planning and monitoring of fabrication,
the preparation and assembly, and the erection and launching of beams. The beams are optimized
using element optimization techniques. The most important problems in fabricating steel girders
were in planning and scheduling of materials for the fabrication and the fabrication process. Findings
in all the aspects of production of steel girders are highlighted through a case study of six long span
bridges at various locations in Sabah. Solutions drawn from lessons learnt which minimize wastages,
and aids in timely completion of beams in multiple bridge construction are discussed.