Due to geologic hurdles, the Calaveras Dam project in northern California grew to an $810-million budget and an eight-year schedule from a planned $416-million budget and four-year schedule. But without Susan Hou’s proactive approach to risk management and partnering, the project might have ground to a halt and led to finger-pointing and litigation, say her colleagues.
“The Calaveras Dam Replacement Project has faced a number of significant challenges during construction,” says Jim McClain, construction manager with Black & Veatch.