Evaluating Project Alternatives

Topics• Feasibility Studies• Alternatives Studies

Reading Assignment • Textbook – Appendix C

Introduction

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is the analytical comparison of multiple alternatives that is completed before committing resources to finalizing and design the preferred alternative. The practice of comparing multiple alternative solutions has long been a part of engineering practice. There is, however, a natural human tendency to propose a single alternative for funding or development and justify this option rather than compare multiple options with the goal of choosing the best one. Justification is easier to do than evaluating multiple options and making a learned decision. Thus, many governmental and private agencies have found it necessary to encourage those proposing projects to use AoA.

Common Features

o Development of Alternativeso Description of Barriers and Limitationso Defining Environmental Considerationso Defining Constraints and Assumptionso Developing Timeframeo Developing Selection Criteriao Evaluation of Criteriao Recommendations

Development of Alternatives

Alternativeso Description of Alternativeso Identify Nonviable Alternatives (fatal flaw)o Evaluate Construction and Operational Conceptso Evaluate Sustainability Concepts

Development of Alternatives

Description of Limitations / Barriers

• Lack of Funding• Lack of Public Support• Legal Issues (Revision of Law needed?)• Political Opposition• Property Condemnation and Acquisitions• Obtaining Easements• Physical Constraints

• Access and Permits• Geography• Adjacent Infrastructure• Utilities

Environmental Considerations

Defining Constraints and Assumptions

Developing Timeframe for Project Development

Developing Timeframe for Project Construction

Developing and Evaluation of Selection Criteria

Criteria Description Scoring Weight

Meets Design Criteria

The project is proposed to serve the public and reduce hazardous conditions. Many of these needs are accommodated by complying with specifications.

Benefit / Cost No matter how impressive a design may be, if it isn't cost effective, it simply won't be built. Cost is always a limiting criteria to construction designers.

Safety / Security Many safety concerns are accommodated within the code specifications. Certain aspects of the design beyond the code need to be addressed from a safety standpoint.

Environmental Impact

Natural resources are limited. Construction projects have direct impacts to the environment and these natural resources. These impacts must be as minimal as possible to preserve important species of wildlife and vegetation, air quality, open space, and scenic vistas.

Environmental Compliance

The effects of construction may require additional documentation and compliance. These compliance issues must be kept as minimal as possible as they often increase the cost and time duration of these construction projects. NEPA requirements fit into these compliance issues. Knowing the conditions of these requirements must be taken into consideration. An EIS or an Environmental Assessment may be required.

Stakeholders Position

Meeting the concerns of stakeholders is an ever increasing responsibility of managers and designers for construction projects. Comments from the stakeholders and their preferences must be collected and are taken into consideration during the feasible design process. This ensures not only the probability of acceptance of the project, but also insures that it serves the client and the public at large.

Maintenance Ongoing maintenance costs may make a constructed facility uneconomical. Life cycle costs of a facility must be considered.

Aesthetics

The aesthetics of any constructed facility must be part of the evaluation process. Consider what the project will look and feel like when completed. Look at it from a stakeholder’s or user’s perspective instead of an engineer’s.

Recommendations

Feasibility Study