Underground construction is more complex than ever. Demand for space is increasing, new technologies are constantly evolving, and more stakeholders are asserting influence. Yet one of the most challenging and frustrating characteristics of underground construction remains: often, contract language does not account for the unique nature of building underground. Recommended Contract Practices for Underground Construction is the first industry-wide effort to improve contract procedures in more than 30 years. Commissioned by the Underground Construction Association of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, this manual is an indispensable resource for contractors, consultants, suppliers, and owners anticipating underground projects. The authors suggest better practices during all stages of a project, when decisions are made that can affect the contract positively or negatively. Part one focuses on the practices and disciplines that build the foundation for effective contracts during the early phases of a project. Part two discusses best practices for contract provisions, payment mechanisms, and dispute resolution. By following these recommendations, you'll reduce the mistrust and costly disputes that often arise from the contract process. The result will be improved relationships, better contracts, and, most importantly, projects that are most cost-effective for owners and more profitable for contractors.

A successful underground project is one where relationships are strong, the objectives as understood by each party are met or exceeded, and the work product serves its stakeholders and is maintainable in a way that fits with the project vision. High-level metrics for project success relate to safety, quality, schedule, and budget. The first edition of Recommended Contract Practices for Underground Construction has become a valued resource for the underground industry, serving as a concise guide for drafting and implementation of contract provisions. It provided improvements to underground contracting practices during all project stages. It also presented clear roles and responsibilities for project participants to promote better contracts. This second edition was undertaken by the UCA of SME because the industry has undergone numerous changes over the last decade. Changes in tunneling technology, more common use of design-build as a contracting mechanism, and many lessons learned have sparked some creative contract approaches. The recommendations contained in this edition are intended to guide owners and their engineers in developing and administering contracts and to give contractors a better understanding of the rationale behind contract provisions. The goal is that more underground projects in this country can be best projects, where improved relationships and fair contracts enable all project participants to personally invest in cost-effective, profitable projects, ensuring the continued health of the underground industry.

Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel Project, a 7.8 mile system of bridges and underground highways and ramps, is the most expensive public works project ever undertaken in the United States. The original cost estimate of $2.6 billion has already been exceeded by $12 billion, and the project will not be completed until 2005, seven years late. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA), the public steward of the project, requested that the National Research Council carry out an independent assessment of the project's management and contract administration practices, with a focus on the present situation and measures that should be taken to bring the project to a successful conclusion. This report presents the committee's findings and recommendations pertaining to cost, scheduling, and transitioning from the current organization dominated by consultants to an operations organization composed largely of full-time MTA staff. The report recommends that MTA establish an external, independent, peer-review program to address technical and management issues until the transition to operations and maintenance is complete; begin a media campaign now to teach drivers how to use the new system safely; and develop, immediately implement, and maintain a comprehensive security program.

Design-Build construction has become so widely accepted that owners and their advisors must seriously consider this approach when making decisions about project delivery. With its opportunities for cost containment and substantial risk transfer, Design-Build is increasingly becoming the delivery method of choice for owners with challenging funding limitations. But deciding to use the Design-Build system for underground projects is one thing; successfully implementing it is quite another. Design-Build Subsurface Projects, Second Edition, can help bridge that gap. First published in 2002, this cutting-edge book provides a straightforward, comprehensive look at how to make Design-Build work on complicated projects involving tunnels, highways, dams, and deep foundations. The authors are a "who's who" of subsurface construction experts, many of whom are key players in the most high-profile and challenging projects in the world. Drawing upon their wealth of practical experience, they spell out a list of common sense best practices that can be used by today's project owners and designers. Be advised: these authors don't shy away from the many thorny issues of Design-Build. Nor are they unabashed cheerleaders. They dispassionately explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this system, which must be carefully weighed and evaluated so planners can decide what is best for their projects based on all the important variables, including third-party impacts and environmental/community concerns. You'll find extensive information about procurement, as well as risk allocation issues, which are significantly different from the Design-Bid-Build approach. Team structure, agreements, design development, subsurface exploration, geotechnical reports, construction phase issues, and insurance are also examined in great detail. Design-Build Subsurface Projects is an indispensable resource for owners, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and others involved in the design and construction of subsurface projects. You'll gain a thorough understanding of how and why the system works and where the pitfalls can arise. The authors' years of experience will benefit even the most seasoned of practitioners.

The Potential of Earth-Sheltered and Underground Space: Today's Resource for Tomorrow's Space and Energy Viability contains the proceedings of the Underground Space Conference and Exposition held in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 8-10, 1981. The book contains four chapters that present both the plenary session and theme session of the conference. The chapters are organized depending on the topics they discuss. The topics covered include public policy; Earth sheltered buildings; urban planning for underground space use; and deep mined space.

Pipeline contracting can be rewarding work -- or a profitable sideline for any excavation contractor. But not everyone who owns a backhoe is ready to start bidding water, sewer and drainage jobs. This practical manual can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as an undergroung utility contractor. -- back cover.

The updated second edition of the practical guide to international construction contract law The revised second edition of International Construction Contract Law is a comprehensive book that offers an understanding of the legal and managerial aspects of large international construction projects. This practical resource presents an introduction to the global construction industry, reviews the basics of construction projects and examines the common risks inherent in construction projects. The author — an expert in international construction contracts — puts the focus on FIDIC standard forms and describes their use within various legal systems. This important text contains also a comparison of other common standard forms such as NEC, AIA and VOB, and explains how they are used in a global context. The revised edition of International Construction Contract Law offers additional vignettes on current subjects written by international panel of numerous contributors. Designed to be an accessible resource, the book includes a basic dictionary of construction contract terminology, many sample letters for Claim Management and a wealth of examples and case studies that offer helpful aids for construction practitioners. The second edition of the text includes: • Updated material in terms of new FIDIC and NEC Forms published in 2017 • Many additional vignettes that clearly exemplify the concepts presented within the text • Information that is appropriate for a global market, rather than oriented to any particular legal system • The essential tools that were highlighted the first edition such as sample letters, dictionary and more • A practical approach to the principles of International Construction Contract Law and construction contract management. Does not get bogged down with detailed legal jargon Written for consulting engineers, lawyers, clients, developers, contractors and construction managers worldwide, the second edition of International Construction Contract Law offers an essential guide to the legal and managerial aspects of large international construction projects.