LET'S TALK DOCUMENTATION: 10 KEY DELIVERABLES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN PROJECTS

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In this article I will set out the main deliverables that are usually required to be delivered in most of the design projects within a "Design" contract. It is worth noting that every project is different and might require some other specific deliverables based on the nature or the size of the project.

1- Design Management Plan

The Design Management Plan serves as a strategic document outlining the overall approach to design, including a detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that categorizes and organizes all project deliverables. It also include the design team organisation chart, design workflow and approval process.

- Purpose: Establishing a systematic and structured framework for design activities. The WBS provides a hierarchical decomposition of the project, offering clarity on tasks, timelines, dependencies, and resource allocation.

- Author: Project manager / design manager.

- Interconnection: Sets the foundation for the project, influencing subsequent deliverables.

2- Project Schedule

A Project Schedule is a chronological representation of project phases, milestones, and tasks, detailing the start and completion dates for each. The schedule outline the project key millstones and critical activities which hold a risk of causing a project delay if not completed on time.

- Purpose: A dynamic tool for managing project timelines, allocating resources efficiently, and ensuring the timely completion of project milestones. It provides a roadmap for the project team to track progress and make informed decisions.

- Author: Project planner / Scheduler.

- Interconnection: Informs design activities and aids in coordinating various project tasks.

3- Basis of Design

The Basis of Design is a comprehensive documentation outlining the fundamental principles, criteria, and considerations that guide the design process. This document is crucial at the beginning of each project because it defines the project background and site conditions in addition to all design considerations and assumptions.

- Purpose: Providing clarity on design objectives, criteria, and constraints. It serves as a critical reference for the design team, ensuring a unified understanding of project goals, constraints, and design philosophies.

- Author: Design lead engineer.

- Interconnection: Serves as a foundation for all design decisions and subsequent deliverables.

4- Design Model and Drawings

The Design Model and Drawings usually evolve through three stages (gates) - Preliminary, Issued for Tender (IFT), and Issued for Construction (IFC). They include 2D AutoCAD drawings and all the models related to the design such as 12d or civil 3d model.

- Purpose: Graphical representations crucial for communicating design intent, facilitating coordination among various disciplines, and providing essential information for construction.

- Author: Design team, with the design lead overseeing.

- Interconnection: Each stage refines the design, with IFC serving as the basis for construction.

5- Design Report

A Design Report is a comprehensive document that summarizes the entire design process, decisions made, and justifications for those decisions. Design report is s significant design deliverable that captures all the design data.

- Purpose: It serves as a knowledge repository. Communicates the rationale behind design choices, considerations, and potential impacts on the project.

- Author: Design lead / design engineer.

- Interconnection: Provides a holistic view of the design process, influencing subsequent decisions.

6- Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

The Bill of Quantities is a detailed list of the materials and quantities required for the constructing the proposed infrastructure based on measurements and data exported from the design model.

- Purpose: Facilitates accurate cost estimation, aids in procurement, and provides a foundation for budgeting the project and the tendering process.

- Author: Quantity surveyor or design engineer

- Interconnection: BOQ informs the cost estimation process.

7- Cost Estimate

An Estimate is a comprehensive assessment of the project's costs, including the Basis of Estimate, outlining the methodologies and assumptions used in the calculations.- Purpose: A cornerstone for budgeting and financial planning. Offers stakeholders a clear understanding of anticipated costs and helps in managing financial resources effectively.

- Author: Estimator

- Interconnection: Inform the tendering and procurement stages.

8- Construction Schedule

The Construction Schedule is a detailed timeline specifying the sequencing of construction activities, incorporating the Basis of Schedule to demonstrate the logic behind the schedule.

- Purpose: Ensures that construction activities are coordinated efficiently, resources are managed effectively, and the project is delivered on time.

- Author: Project planner with coordinating with the construction team.

- Interconnection: Provide detailed plan for the construction phase.

9- Project Specifications

Project Specifications are detailed written descriptions of materials, workmanship, and standards to be adhered to during construction.

- Purpose: Integral to ensuring that the final product meets desired quality standards. Provides clear expectations, helping standardize construction practices and materials.

- Author: Design team, with input from relevant authorities specifications.

- Interconnection: Guides the execution of the construction scope of work.

10 Construction Scope of Work

The Construction Scope of Work outlines the specific tasks, activities, and responsibilities to be undertaken during the construction phase.

- Purpose: Provides clear guidance to the construction team, aligning their efforts with the design intent. Ensures all parties have a shared understanding of the project's scope and objectives.

- Author: Project manager and construction team.

- Interconnection: Directly informed by the project specifications and design to provide guidance for construction activities and outline the contractor's responsibilities.