Building Through Uncertainty: Hydropower, PSP, and Underground structures

In large-scale infrastructure projects such as hydropower plants, pumped storage projects (PSP), and underground structures, uncertainty is one of the most prevalent and challenging issues. Despite thorough investigations, the unpredictable nature of geology can often disrupt even the best-laid plans made over years. When dealing with these uncertainties, the key to success lies in adaptability, foresight, and leveraging modern technologies to stay ahead of potential risks.

Managing Uncertainty: Planning and Adaptation

When faced with geological uncertainty, project teams typically begin by utilizing the resources available to them according to the contract provisions. However, when these resources prove ineffective, alternative methods are explored. Only after a comprehensive preparation of the necessary resources to address the situation does the work proceed. Proactive preparation from Day 1 is crucial, as it ensures that unforeseen complications are handled without delay. Managing these challenges requires more than just reactive problem-solving—it requires proactive planning and flexibility.

Leveraging Technology to Address Uncertainty

Technology plays a vital role in addressing uncertainties in these projects, especially when it comes to predicting and minimizing resource constraint delays. Project management software, with forecasting capabilities, can be invaluable in projecting resource criticality and potential delays, along with shifting the critical path. However, its effectiveness depends on how well the software is utilized by the project.

Typically, the three major challenges with project scheduling are:

1. The absence of a detailed micro schedule (L4 schedule) for each shift.
2. Lack of tracking for every activity that consumes resources or time.
3. The inability to update the construction schedule at shift end, leading to only a periodic review of projects-The traditional way.

In such systems, delays due to geological issues which happens in every shift, often accumulate, causing cascading delays for the successor activities. When these delays are not tracked in real-time, what was once started due to geological reasons can later transform into resource constraints or impacted delays. Had the schedule been monitored daily, future resource peaks from accumulated backlogs could have been visible to the management every moment. These could then have been either leveled or augmented—only if known well in advance. A last-minute resource increase approach is often a firefighting strategy and generally a failure. The activities, which were once a non-critical activity, can suddenly become critical due to prolonged delays.

To address this challenge, automated mechanisms that capture real-time work progress from the front-line project team and dynamically update schedules are essential. Integrating such systems ensures that potential bottlenecks or delay risks due to resource peaking are identified early and mitigated before they affect the overall timeline.

Empowering the Front Line with Real-Time Data

Access to technology at the site level is another critical factor in successfully managing uncertainties. Integrating BIM with real-time data inputs—such as probe hole data, geological mapping, 3D modeling, and visualization tools—empowers site staff to better understand potential risks. This visibility allows designers to quickly adapt construction methods or alter support systems in real-time, transforming previously unknown risks into known, manageable variables. By doing so, teams can remain prepared and responsive, ensuring that unforeseen challenges do not derail the project.

The Role of Communication and Collaboration

Collaboration between stakeholders is essential when managing uncertainties. Clear communication among the project management team, engineers, contractors, and local authorities is crucial for adapting to unexpected challenges. A collaborative approach, supported by technologies like BIM integration and real-time dashboards, allows for seamless sharing of information, making it easier to adjust plans on the fly and keep the project on track.

Enhancing Risk Assessment Capacity

Daily risk assessments are another critical component for successful project execution. By integrating risks into the construction schedule and using technology to automate schedule updates, project teams can stay ahead of potential resource shortages and other challenges. Customized dashboards can provide daily monitoring of future resource criticalities, helping project managers adjust plans in real-time and avoid resource bottlenecks that could delay project completion.

Conclusion

In complex projects like hydropower, PSP, and underground structures, uncertainty is inevitable. Success lies in the ability to adapt quickly, utilize modern technologies like BIM and real-time tracking, and enhancing collaboration. By proactively addressing risks, maintaining clear communication, and continuously assessing challenges, teams can turn uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring projects are delivered on time and with minimal disruption.