Partnering Case Studies

Sam Rayburn Spillway Modification

Sam Rayburn Spillway Modification
Jasper, TX
Completed 1996

Partnering Lesson:

  • Opponents to partnering must be removed from the project.
  • Partnering Champions from all stakeholders must continue to champion the process regardless of number and complexity of the issues.

Project Description
This project was the replacement of an existing spillway with new labyrinth weir and spillway that included the excavation for new approach channel, stilling basin and discharge channel, structural concrete, and a relocated road. A parapet wall was built on the main dam embankment along with new AC pavement on the road access across the dam. Extensive excavation, placement of structural concrete, and installation of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical / instrumentation systems were required.

Project Challenges:

  • Key individuals from the agency and the contractor were reluctant to move to this very remote site.
  • A negative perception that the contractor and the Corps of Engineers were not experienced with this type of construction.
  • Most of the on-site stakeholders were naive to the real power of partnering.

Issue 1 - Submittals:
After several months on the project it became clear neither the Contractor's Project Manager (PM) nor the Corps' Resident Engineer (RE) had experience with this type of construction. The RE had just been relocated from an overseas assignment and there were others on both staffs who declined to use the Partnering process. After several more months, upper management of the contractor removed the project manager.

Once negative staff members were removed from the project, the partnering and overall morale improved significantly. Fortunately, both offsite managers for the parties continued to champion the partnering process.

Issue 2 - Preparatory Meetings:
Offsite Partnering champions recognized the need to change personnel and the benefits of Partnering. What could have been a very negative experience for all parties into a model of partnering and good will.

Benefits of Partnering:

  • No claims were filed on this project
  • All issues were resolved in an amicable manner.
  • Each party walked away on good terms with lessons learned about the importance of Partnering.

Contact:
Garry Higdem - 831-722-2716
Ken Besse - 831-722-2716