THE USE OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT CONTRACTS FOR VICROADS BRIDGEWORKS

VicRoads introduced the design and construct method of project delivery in 1990. Up to that point in time, bridge construction had been carried out using construct only contracts incorporating designs developed in-house in the VicRoads bridge design section. Since that time, an increasing proportion of the organisation's new bridge construction has been built under the design and construct form of contract. This paper discusses the reasons behind the introduction of and increased use of design and construct contracts as a form of project delivery and the trend towards larger packaged contracts. There are many differences between design and construct contracts and traditional construct only contracts. These differences occur in the documentation, tender and contract phases of projects. The major differences based on VicRoads experience are discussed. As a result of using design and construct contracts over the past seven years, many lessons have been learnt. The problems encountered in the use of these contracts, such as application of design standards, aesthetics, effects on consultants and smaller contractors and problems with tender evaluation, are also discussed. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no. 895164.