Design-Build

Many projects could be more cost-effective if they could be implemented faster, thus the evolution of design-build which is primarily used when an opportunity exists for the owner or agency to save time by having construction begin before the final design is complete. Using the design-build approach, designers and contractors work hand-in-hand to produce construction drawings and analyze a logical construction sequence. SCDOT’s first solicitation using the design-build approach was advertised in 2008. Since that time, Civil Engineering Consulting Services, Inc. (CECS) has been involved with various aspects of the design-build process for SCDOT as well as other public agencies.

CECS served as the owner’s representative where staff assisted in preparing the request for proposal (RFP) by performing environmental services, traffic studies, utility studies, and preparing preliminary (30%) plans. After the project was awarded, CECS performed quality assurance reviews for the owner on plans submitted by the selected design-build team. These reviews verified the roadway design and construction plans were in compliance with the RFP.

CECS also served as the lead designer on design-build teams. Staff worked directly for the contractor and developed the final roadway design and construction plans. In addition to serving as the designer, CECS has gained experience being the quality control manager for the contractor during construction.

Our design-build experience was gained on the following projects:

•  Design-Build Federal Aid Intersection Safety Projects: lead designer

•  I-26 MM 85 to 101: owners’ representative for DB preparation and QA reviews

•  I-95/US 301 Interchange: lead designer; performed contractor’s QC during construction

•  Fast-Track Road Design and Construction: lead designer

•  I-85 MM 96 to 106: owners representative assisting with QA reviews

•  I-85/I-385 Interchange: lead designer