High-Tech Collaboration

Technology is a significant tool in that collaborative effort. Early in the planning stages, the team pushed for a paperless program. Since then, designers and contractors—including most subcontractors and subconsultants—model the project using building information modeling (BIM) and similar technology. All other 2D plans must be scanned in for digital delivery.

To prevent use of paper in the field, the airport provided hundreds of iPads for on-the-go document review [ENR Texas & Louisiana 2/20 p. 37]. In addition, all files are kept on a common cloud server to ensure everyone works from the most up-to-date documents.

All teams are housed in a common "trailer city" on the airport grounds to allow for easier face-to-face interaction. The airport also provided digital plan rooms, outfitted with multiple 55-in. monitors, to allow for better in-person coordination of models and digital documents. "DFW has shown incredible willingness to invest in innovation," says Karl Joeris, operations director with Balfour Beatty.

Other technology like Skire Unifer is used as a shared platform for program management, to link project cost management, construction field administration and document controls.

Airport officials estimate that the paperless initiative alone could save the airport more than $8 million in printing costs and added efficiencies.

The paperless effort is part of the project's larger sustainability mission, which plays a big role in the team's life cycle cost analysis, says Barry Kendrick, TRIP managing executive. "We're working with airlines and carriers that are cash-strapped," he says. "A dollar today might not be there tomorrow so capital costs are critical. We have to get it right. We have to get the best up-front costs while maintaining overall life cycle costs."

Nearly 70% of the improvements taking place in the terminals are related to upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. As of February, the team diverted nearly 970 tons—or 48%—of materials from landfills and will recycle and reuse existing garages being demolished. The LED signage will use 52% less electricity than current signs.

Big Effort for Small Business

As part of a commitment to small contractors, much of the work was broken into small packages to expand competition. Minority- and women-owned business participation rates are between 20% and 45%, depending on the scope of the work.