Value engineering (VE) is a systematic approach to improve the value of a project by analyzing its functions, costs, and performance. It can help you optimize design and construction by finding the best balance between quality, reliability, and efficiency. In this article, you will learn how to apply VE to your civil engineering projects and what benefits it can bring.
VE is a method that involves identifying the essential functions of a project, evaluating the alternatives to achieve them, and selecting the most cost-effective option. It can be applied at any stage of the project life cycle, but it is most effective during the planning and design phases. By using VE, you can reduce unnecessary costs, enhance functionality, improve quality, and increase customer satisfaction.
Value engineering is a systematic approach that aims to improve the value of a project by analyzing its functions and reducing costs without sacrificing quality or performance.
A VE study typically follows a six-step process: information, analysis, creativity, evaluation, development, and presentation. In the information phase, you gather relevant data about the project scope, objectives, constraints, and criteria. In the analysis phase, you define the functions of the project and their associated costs. In the creativity phase, you brainstorm different ways to perform the functions. In the evaluation phase, you rank the alternatives based on their feasibility, benefits, and risks. In the development phase, you prepare a detailed proposal for the selected alternative. In the presentation phase, you communicate the results and recommendations to the stakeholders.
When performing VE, there are various tools and techniques that can be used. Function analysis uses a FAST diagram to illustrate the logical relationships between the functions of a project. Value index is a ratio that compares the function and cost of an alternative, with higher values indicating better alternatives. Life cycle cost analysis considers the total cost of owning and operating a project over its useful life, allowing for the comparison of long-term implications of different alternatives. Quality function deployment translates customer needs and expectations into design specifications and performance measures, while benchmarking compares the project with similar or best-in-class projects in terms of performance, quality, and cost to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
VE can bring many advantages to your civil engineering projects, such as cost savings, function improvement, quality improvement, risk reduction, and innovation. Cost savings can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary or overdesigned elements and optimizing the use of materials and resources. Function improvement can help enhance the performance, reliability, and durability of the project. Quality improvement can reduce errors, defects, and failures while complying with standards and regulations. Risk reduction can minimize delays, overruns, disputes, and claims. Lastly, VE can foster a culture of innovation and creativity by encouraging you to explore new ideas and solutions.
To effectively implement VE in civil engineering projects, you should establish a clear and realistic objective and scope, form a multidisciplinary VE team with the relevant skills and experience, conduct a thorough and objective VE study following the six-step process, use the appropriate tools and techniques for VE analysis and evaluation, document and communicate the VE findings and recommendations, and monitor and measure the VE outcomes and impacts. Applying VE to your projects can optimize design and construction by maximizing value for customers and stakeholders while achieving better results with lower costs and higher quality.
What we don't do enough of is engaging with our stakeholders to understand what effective design looks like. This is so incredibly important to test whether a design is functional and will add value. At the start of the project, or the VE process, engage with the operational and maintenance staff, as well as users. Find out what works, what doesn't, what their ideals and fears are. The functionality of your design will improve tenfold!