How AI Can Help Make Construction Projects Run Smoother

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changing tool in the construction industry, revolutionizing processes and enhancing efficiency while minimizing errors. Tasks that previously demanded weeks of human effort can now be accomplished in mere days or even hours. Recognizing the potential of this technology, ICE has successfully implemented AI in the preconstruction phase of the Amtrak Susquehanna River Bridge project, demonstrating its transformative impact on contract review and analysis.

Our implementation of AI in contract review has yielded impressive results across several key areas:

In-depth “deep dives” into specific topics to bring clarity and understanding of what is in the documents. This thorough examination brings unprecedented clarity and understanding to complex contractual language, ensuring that no crucial detail is overlooked.
Conflict Identification: We were able to utilize AI in our contract review process and identify conflicting language between contract documents. This capability helped us preemptively address potential disputes and inconsistencies, fostering smoother project execution.
Risk Assessment: AI has proven instrumental in reviewing contract change clauses, providing invaluable advice on potential exposures or unnecessary risks. This proactive approach allowed us to recommend more favorable terms mitigating unnecessary risks.
Consistency and Completeness Check: AI excels at scanning contracts for inconsistencies or missing clauses, a task that can be tedious and error-prone when performed manually. This ensures that our contracts are comprehensive and aligned with our standards and requirements. We were able to easily identify inconsistencies within hours and recommend corrective changes.

The traditional process of reading through contracts is time-consuming and prone to human error. AI accelerates this process, providing a thorough and accurate review in a fraction of the time. By leveraging AI in contract review and analysis, our clients can significantly improve project planning, risk management, and overall efficiency, ultimately leading to smoother project execution and better outcomes.

the value of a well-thought-out construction phasing Plan

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) is finalizing its plans for the Kansas Lane-Garrett Road Connector project. The project includes widening I-20 from I-165 to approximately one mile east of Garrett Road. It will also realign Kansas Lane to connect with the Garrett Road alignment, build a new bridge over the KCS Railroad tracks and Millhaven Road, reconstruct the existing Garrett Road bridge over I-20, raise the Nutland Road Bridge, and construct four new roundabouts.

As part of their scope of work, LADOTD’s design consultant developed a construction schedule based on 95% plans. Their schedule was based on the MOT limitations set forth by LADOTD, and it included a careful examination of physical constraints and elevational differences between the existing and proposed facilities. To achieve the project goal of minimizing road closures and impacts to traffic, their schedule required a six-year construction duration.

Innovative Contracting & Engineering (IC&E) provided an independent cost estimate for this project. Using the proposed six-year construction schedule, our 95% cost estimate was $264,180,000. This included $33 million in escalation during the construction phase!

As part of the constructability review process, IC&E reviewed the plans and limitations and developed an alternative construction phasing approach that resulted in a four-year construction schedule. IC&E presented this phasing approach to LADOTD and the design consultant. Over a three-week review period, IC&E collaborated with LADOTD and the design consultant to further refine and modify our recommended phasing. This constructability exercise resulted in a four-year construction schedule.

Reducing the construction duration from six to four years resulted in cost savings in two ways. First, escalation over four years is significantly less than over six. Second, IC&E’s proposed phasing plan scheduled some of the more expensive construction activities (bridges, earthwork, and the I-20 widening) earlier in the project, further reducing the effects of cost escalations. When the project is complete, we anticipate over $35 million in construction cost savings and reduced traffic impacts due to this improved construction phasing plan.

It is with great pleasure that we spotlight Chuck Brainerd, one of our Senior Cost Estimators on our team. Chuck’s journey into the world of construction began in 1988 when he started his career as a draftsman, meticulously creating and updating P&ID’s for an oil and gas refinery—well before the days of AutoCAD. Over the years, Chuck's dedication and talent saw him rise through the ranks, transitioning from the drafting table to the field, and eventually taking on the role of Project Manager. During this time, he also juggled night and weekend classes, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

At IC&E, Chuck’s role is pivotal. He brings a wealth of experience, particularly in instrumentation, piping, electrical, rail, and transit systems, which he applies to his work as a Senior Cost Estimator. His keen understanding of the construction process, combined with his commitment to honesty, fairness, and timeliness, makes him a vital asset to our team.

What initially drew Chuck to IC&E was the company's emphasis on work-life balance, a value that resonates deeply with him. He credits our team, for painting a compelling picture of the growing company's culture and values, which ultimately led him to join our team.

Looking ahead, Chuck is committed to contributing to the growth of IC&E, with hopes of taking on more leadership responsibilities as the company continues to expand. He also aims to foster long-lasting relationships with both current and new clients, helping the company thrive in a competitive industry.

Outside of work, Chuck has a unique passion for rock crawling. Over the past 20 years, he has owned several jeeps and jeep buggies, exploring some of the most challenging terrains across the United States. His adventures have taken him to iconic spots like Moab, Utah, and Johnson Valley, California, where he combines his love for camping with the thrill of rock crawling.

Chuck’s journey, both professionally and personally, is a testament to his dedication, passion, and drive. We are fortunate to have him as part of the IC&E family and look forward to the continued impact he will make on our team and projects. Congratulations, Chuck, on this well-deserved spotlight!

Alternative Delivery Consulting Services (PDB, CMGC, CMAR, DB, P3)
Alternative Delivery Processes Training
Independent Cost Estimating (Production-Based Cost Estimating)
Critical Path Scheduling Using Primavera P6
Constructability Reviews
Risk Management/Mitigation
Innovation in Construction Techniques
Negotiation
Change Order Reviews

We love what we do! We have a passion for finding creative approaches to construction. We are constantly looking for innovative construction techniques to add value to the projects we are working on. Our team has found ways to reduce schedule and/or construction costs on every project we have worked on to date!

Innovative Contracting & Engineering (ICE) is a team comprised of former contractors and professional engineers who have a thorough understanding of market fluctuations, pricing trends, construction strategies, and innovations. Our experience working on alternative delivery projects across the United States has provided our team with a tool bag full of industry best practices. Construction cost estimating and scheduling is our primary focus. This focus is how we stay current on construction trends and price changes, and that helps us produce more accurate estimates than our competition. We have a passion for finding creative approaches to construction. We are constantly looking for innovative construction techniques to add value to the projects we are working on. Our team has found a way to reduce schedule and/or construction costs on every project we have worked on to date! ICE works closely with our clients to improve the quality of their most challenging projects.

Past Newsletters:

Innovations are NOT “Negative Risks.”

CMGC or PD-B: Choosing the Right Delivery Method

Are Blue Book Equipment Rates Appropriate for use on Alternative Delivery Projects?

Free Tools! - Innovations Tracking

Pareto’s Principle and Concept Cost Estimates

Meeting Project Risks & Challenges

Leaders Turn Vision into Infrastructure

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Market Volatility Update

5 Year Anniversary!

Early completion milestone bonuses in CMGC contracts