Geosynthetic Project Management Control Points for Timelines and ROI

By Chris Kelsey and cited it from https://www.geosynthetica.com/project-management-control-points-geosynthetics/

The materials, craftsmanship, and technologies are available to produce geomembrane installations that provide superior performance and ROI. Along with using modern construction methods and a rigorous CQA program, the results of the analysis showed that there is a 22.2 percent probability of exceeding the ALR if no survey is performed, a 7.1 percent probability of exceeding the ALR if only the dipole method is performed and a probability of 0.00001 percent of exceeding the ALR if both the bare geomembrane and dipole methods are performed. 

The owner can take some efforts to minimize each of the costs through competitive bidding procedures and geosynthetic material selection, there are other, equally important decisions that occur throughout the project timeline that can have as much, or an even greater impact on project ROI. As an owner or project manager, it is important to understand that decisions rendered throughout the project timeline, from conception to construction completion through operational life all impact the ROI.

As an asset manager, it is important to be aware of at least two key phases within the project timeline, which strongly impact the ROI over the life of the project: Design and Permitting, and Procurement of Services. 

As an owner, you need a design team that is responsive to your requests, as well as one that is not only experienced in geosynthetic design and containment system permitting, but also understands the global view of how construction, installation, and operations all can impact the quality of the installation over the operational life of the system and make or break the ROI expectations of the owner.

It is important for the owner, project manager, and design team to be fully aware of installation geosynthetics materials and products that will yield the greatest chance for the operational facility to conform to the ALR throughout it’s lifetime. These critical points on installation materials and products including: 1) Understanding Geosynthetics Installations (seam continuity versus seam integrity; panel continuity versus panel integrity; destructive sampling: minimizing holes and maximizing value; repairs); 2) Understanding the timeline of Damages (installation damages; post-installation damages); 3) Design Considerations (material selection; constructability;modern technologies); 4) Construction Requirements (project specifications; CQA plan; experience and education requirements).

 

Design team, installation team and CQA team should be evaluated in order to achieve the highest ROI possible. Contract structure, material procurement, pre-construction meetings and progress meetings, site owner inspections and weather event planning are all needed to be appropriately selected and dealed with soundly.

Containment designs and specifications need to be based on a fundamental understanding of field operations and processes. This ensures a better quality project that can be constructed within a shorter timeline while meeting all regulatory requirements.

Viewing a geosynthetics project as an asset obtained through an initial investment with the goal of maximizing ROI means the owner is fully vested in their investment. As such, there is nothing wrong with the owner setting lofty expectations. In order to achieve these expectations, the owner will need to manage the project in a manner where they maximize control the outcome. As illustrated in this paper, there are many opportunities for management throughout the course of the project and it’s operational life. By setting clear expectations at the conception of the project and managing the project at pivotal control points throughout the timeline, the owner can help chart the course for success and experience substantial ROI.