Cost estimating projects for large cutter and hopper dredges
Abstract
Estimating the cost of a dredging project is the most important part of a project's life cycle. A precise account of the costs associated with performing dredging work begins with the production estimate and ends with the cost estimate. The production estimate is based on a clear understanding of some fundamental laws governing hydraulic transport including variations of the Bernoulli Equation. Newer theories concerning friction loss in a pipeline aid in the development of the production estimate phase of the program. Practical experience aids in the transition from production estimate to cost estimate. This thesis reviews the process of creating a program that for the first time provides users not associated with the government or dredging companies a method to determine the cost of a dredging project employing a hopper dredge. The program consists of two Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and provides a means to estimate either large cutter (27" and larger) or hopper dredge projects. The program allows for a high degree of customization to account for either a particular dredge or project. In a series of comparisons, the program output had an average difference of 17.3% between the estimated price and the price awarded to the winning bidder. For the same projects the government estimate varied an average of 16.2%. Using the accuracy of the government estimate as a measure of accomplishment, the program can be considered a success.
Description
Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to digital@library.tamu.edu, referencing the URI of the item.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-57).
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
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Citation
Belesimo, Francesco John (2000). Cost estimating projects for large cutter and hopper dredges. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2000 -THESIS -B43.