Survey of Building Information Modeling for Infrastructure (BIM4I)

The rapid development of information technologies is transforming how data and information are produced, shared, exchanged, and managed. This transformation is accelerating in state departments of transportation (DOTs) across the country due to the pressing need for efficient means of delivering transportation projects and an enhanced need for internal and external collaboration. A key driver for this transformation is the implementation of Building Information Modeling for Infrastructures (BIM4I). The primary objective of this research was to develop actionable recommendations for DOTs to facilitate the effective adoption of BIM4I, based on national and international lessons learned and best practices. A four-step methodology was employed including: (1) a literature review identified key stakeholders and best practices; (2) data collection targeting transportation agencies included a survey of 94 participants and 18 follow-up interviews; (3) data analysis utilized statistical and content analysis to extract themes and insights; and (4) tailored recommendations were formulated based on findings. Main recommendations include: • Strategic Planning: Establish a clear definition of Building Information Modeling (BIM), create an implementation plan including a roadmap with defined objectives, and assess organizational readiness for BIM adoption. • Standardization and Training: Develop clear standards and guidelines for BIM usage, prioritize data quality, and invest in training. • Technology Integration: Ensure that BIM tools and software are compatible with existing systems and establish a user-friendly Common Data Environment (CDE) for effective data sharing. • Collaboration and Communication: Foster interdepartmental and cross-stages collaboration and engage stakeholders early in the design process to enhance understanding of project impacts. Recommendations from this research will help DOTs transitioning to digital delivery to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and project outcomes, providing a framework for effective BIM integration

Preconstruction Support Cost Hours Estimating on Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Projects

Because the construction phase accounts for the majority of project costs for pavement rehabilitation projects, most research on infrastructure project cost estimating focuses on that phase, rather than on the preconstruction phases. Nevertheless, costs incurred prior to construction, referred to in this report as preconstruction costs are significant and worthy of consideration (See Section 2.1 of the report for a more detailed and precise definition of preconstruction). In the 20202021 fiscal year, for instance, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spent more than $169 million on preconstruction work for pavement rehabilitation projects. This report presents the results of a study of preconstruction cost estimating for pavement rehabilitation projects undertaken by Caltrans. It uses data on the 139 pavement rehabilitation projects for which Caltrans opened bids in the five-year period from April 26, 2016 to May 11, 2021. A data set was developed that combined the preconstruction hours for each project with the primary bid items for the pavement rehabilitation projects. Two models were developed to estimate preconstruction hours from the bid items, one using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the other a parametric exponential model developed using multiple regression. The models had coefficients of determination of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively. Tools were then developed to assist professional users in validating their preconstruction cost estimates using each of the models. CTC staff or Caltrans can use these tools to evaluate the reasonableness of the preconstruction estimate on an individual project, or on the sum of an entire biennial SHOPP pavement rehabilitation portfolio, in order to assure the most efficient use of infrastructure funding to best serve the community\u27s transportation needs

Preconstruction Support Cost Hours Estimating on Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Projects

ZSB12017-SJAUXBecause the construction phase accounts for the majority of project costs for pavement rehabilitation projects, most research on infrastructure project cost estimating focuses on that phase, rather than on the preconstruction phases. Nevertheless, costs incurred prior to construction, referred to in this report as "preconstruction costs" are significant and worthy of consideration (See Section 2.1 of the report for a more detailed and precise definition of preconstruction). In the 2020\u2013 2021 fiscal year, for instance, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) spent more than $169 million on preconstruction work for pavement rehabilitation projects. This report presents the results of a study of preconstruction cost estimating for pavement rehabilitation projects undertaken by Caltrans. It uses data on the 139 pavement rehabilitation projects for which Caltrans opened bids in the five-year period from April 26, 2016 to May 11, 2021. A data set was developed that combined the preconstruction hours for each project with the primary bid items for the pavement rehabilitation projects. Two models were developed to estimate preconstruction hours from the bid items, one using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the other a parametric exponential model developed using multiple regression. The models had coefficients of determination of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively. Tools were then developed to assist professional users in validating their preconstruction cost estimates using each of the models. CTC staff or Caltrans can use these tools to evaluate the reasonableness of the preconstruction estimate on an individual project, or on the sum of an entire biennial SHOPP pavement rehabilitation portfolio, in order to assure the most efficient use of infrastructure funding to best serve the community's transportation needs

Estimating Models for Engineering Costs on the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) Portfolio of Projects

The State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) is crucial for maintaining California’s 15,000-mile state highway system, which includes projects like pavement rehabilitation, bridge repair, safety enhancements, and traffic management systems. Administered by Caltrans, SHOPP aims to preserve highway efficiency and safety, supporting economic growth and public safety. This research aimed to develop robust cost-estimating models to improve budgeting and financial planning, aiding Caltrans, the California Transportation Commission (CTC), and the Legislature. The research team collected and refined comprehensive data from Caltrans project expenditures from 1983 to 2021, ensuring a high-quality dataset. Subject matter experts validated the data, enhancing its reliability. Two models were developed: a statistical model using exponential regression to account for non-linear cost growth, and an AI model employing neural networks to handle complex relationships in the data. Model performance was evaluated based on accuracy and reliability through repeated testing and validation. Key findings indicated that the new models significantly improved the precision of cost forecasts, reducing the variance between predicted and actual project costs. This advancement minimizes budget overruns and enhances resource allocation efficiency. Additionally, leveraging historical data with current market trends refined the models’ predictive power, boosting stakeholder confidence in project budgeting and financial planning. The study’s innovative approach, integrating machine learning and big data analytics, transforms traditional estimation practices and serves as a reference for other state highway programs. Continuous improvement and broader application of these models are recommended to further enhance cost estimation accuracy and support informed decision-making in transportation infrastructure management

Preconstruction Support Cost Hours Estimating on Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Projects [Research Brief]

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) budgets approximately $600 million per year for preconstruction work on the State Highway Operation and Protection Program. In the 2020\u20132021 Fiscal Year,$169 million of this money was spent on preconstruction work on pavement rehabilitation projects. Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) are required to manage this money wisely, both as a matter of law and as a fiduciary duty. This research provides Caltrans and the CTC with tools, based on some of the currently recognized best practices in cost estimating, to assist in evaluating the cost estimates on their pavement rehabilitation projects. Further research could expand this research to a wider array of projects