Martynas Gedaminskas

Qualitative technical design is fundamental for a successfully implemented project

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Abstract

Technical design of a structure is the first stage of a project, and its solutions are further detailed in the working design. Technical design is to be developed as a single document, predefining basic, functional (operational), architectural (aesthetic), technological, technical, economical, quality requirements as well as other parameters and characteristics of a structure. Technical design is to be developed in compliance with the requirements of the Law on Construction and Technical Construction Regulation No. STR 1.05.06:2010, Structure Design, of the Republic of Lithuania. It is not only the technical design regulations that have an impact on the development of a qualitative design; the development of the terms of reference, clearly specifying the items to be executed or implemented and their scope, detailing and analyzing the needs, expectations and financial capacities of and employer are equally important for the development of technical design. Furthermore, the design developers (i.e., human resources) make a huge, if not basic, impact on the quality of technical design. However, the lowest price principle is being applied when making award decisions in the recent public tenders for design services. As we know, the cheapest not always means the best. Therefore the criteria of the economic advantage, embracing not only the criteria of price and time for the development technical design, but also such new criteria as, e.g., the experience of human resources and the company itself (ability to complete contract on time), etc., could be advantageous for the award decisions in the tenders for the selection of technical design developer (designer). The prices of construction works offered by tenderers are quite often much higher compared with the cost estimates, developed by using Sistela software, contained in technical designs in the tenders for the railway construction works. Why? The use of Sistela software and the average market prices (the status of which is only of recommendable character), offered by it, for actual works and materials is problematic for the railway reconstruction or construction works, as Sistela software does not contain unit prices applicable for specific works and machines. In addition, a particular attention is to be given to the selection of the technologies of works and their comprehensive description in technical designs. Only qualitative technical design may ensure smooth project budget flows, reaching of milestones, proper works arrangement and performance of construction works. For the improvement of the quality of the technical designs the procedure for the development of the terms of reference as well as the contents of the technical design itself are to be upgraded, unit prices for the specific railway works included into Sistela software, and the new criteria for the designer award decisions created.

Keywords: design; terms of reference; quality; price; railway.