Keys to Success in Managing Successful Tunneling Projects – Ep 063

In this episode, we talk to Conrad W. Felice, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., P.Eng, D.GE., F.ASCE, the Managing Principal at C. W. Felice, LLC as well as the Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Florida, about soft ground tunneling projects and his experience working with design-build projects and industry associations. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Conrad: What does the committee of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) do, and how it is helping the tunneling industry? How does a tunnel built in soft ground — such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, or mud — compares to hard rock? What are some of the factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate method for a particular tunnel? When working on tunneling projects, how do you maintain product documentation? How has reading contracts properly helped you in your tunneling projects? Why would you say it is important to take risks in your career? Can you talk to us about your participation in industry associations and professional development, and how it has benefited your engineering career? What final piece of advice would you like to give to geotechnical engineers out there? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Keys to Success in Managing Successful Tunneling Projects: TRB is associated with the National Academy of Sciences, and has a large annual meeting that encompasses all transportation planning, design, and execution through construction. The Tunnel and Underground Committees promote and advance both research and design issues related to the development and safety of underground works. Geology plays a large role in soft ground tunneling projects, and there have been many advancements in mechanized tunneling. Tunnel boring machines are widely used to excavate the tunnel while erecting the segments and lining system. Ground conditions trump everything when selecting the most appropriate method for a particular tunnel. Things to be considered are hard, gravely, or soft materials, running sands, and different geologic and soil static conditions. The excavation methods are mainly mechanized systems and hand or conventional excavation. With design build being the dominant use of procurement methodology, you have submittals that are focused on design. They must be attentive to contract language and the demand requirements of the submittals. The documentation avoids words like approximate and significant. It must be specific about what you are designing, how big it will be, and what the pressures are. You must have precision in your documentation and pay attention to the contract requirements, and the requirements of the local area. Reading contracts properly keeps you out of trouble. The contract is the governing document that you must adhere to. As in design-build projects where limited information is provided, the contract governs what it is you must do and what the local requirements are. If you submit design submittals that are not addressing all the contract requirements, you could have schedule impacts on the overall project. Taking risks in your career comes down to personal choices and where you would like your career to go. Young engineers should stretch themselves and take on challenges and responsibilities that are a little beyond their current capabilities. It will give them a great opportunity to learn more from the projects and their mentors. It will make them better professionals and enhance their careers as they move forward. Your participation in industry associations and professional development will be a great benefit to your career in terms of exposure to a range of individuals across different disciplines. Meeting so many different people will also expose you to many new opportunities to take ad...