A survey by the Japan Reclamation Dredging Association (Reclamation Dredging Association, chaired by Takuzo Shimizu) found that design changes were not approved in 7% of national government port and airport construction projects. Reasons given for non-approval included “it was determined that it could be built according to the design.” It is clear that the burden of creating internal documentation for clients during design changes is becoming a burden on facilities. There have been many requests for simplified design change procedures and smoother consultation.
At the 2024 consultation meeting with the Regional Development Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which is being held in 10 districts across the country, the Dredging Association will present the current status and design change issues based on the survey results. We will request appropriate action according to the administrative guidelines for design changes as well as omissions and simplification of documents.
The survey was conducted on 199 construction projects that member companies received orders for and completed in fiscal year 2011. Looking at the status of design changes, “design changes were not approved” in 14 cases, accounting for 7%. Last year's survey had 16 cases (8%), but the current situation is shown as follows: ``Although the number has decreased, there are still cases of design changes not approved.'' Ta.
When asked why design changes were not approved (multiple responses were allowed), the most common response (57%) was ``We determined that construction could proceed as designed.'' This was followed by ``It was judged due to the contractor's convenience'' (29%) and ``Because there was no precedent'' (14%).
When asked about the design change and documentation procedures they would like to eliminate or simplify, 33% of respondents said, ``internal client documentation for sub-office to explain to main office'', ``invoices for building condition confirmation'' (27%) and ``Comparative study of construction method change'' (23%). In last year's survey, these three areas were ranked high, indicating that documentation continues to be a burden on the field.
The cost of creating documents related to design changes is also a burden on the site. Of the 82 cases where change documents were created at the direction of the client, 64 cases, or 78%, resulted in costs of less than 1 million yen. In addition to ensuring that written instructions for preparing documents related to design changes are provided, the Drunken Association also requires that the cost of preparing documents be included in the design changes, regardless of the amount.
Looking at examples of design change processes, typical examples include “holding a web conference” and “clarifying role division.” Examples of heavy burdens include “recreating documentation due to policy change” and “four months of negotiations.”
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