CONCLUSIONS - doeri30009

ERDC TN-DOER-I3

July 2000

the sponsor and the contractor. Frequently, the disputes that arise from changing site conditions

involve a lengthy process of evaluating the legitimacy of claims. Without actual data from the

dredge, defending or refuting claims is very difficult and time-consuming, oftentimes relying on

questionable theoretical analyses. The availability of actual dredge process data can quickly show

when and where impacts to the dredge operation occur, thus providing the necessary information

to quickly settle the dispute and complete the project within time constraints. The initial capital

investment in hardware and software to acquire, analyze, and display the data is minimal compared

to the costs of lengthy disputes that oftentime result in litigation.

CONCLUSIONS: Methods were presented for acquiring and reducing dredge process data for

two types of dredge plant, a cutterhead pipeline dredge and a trailing suction hopper dredge. The

quality of the data from these systems is dependent on the additional components of the monitoring

system that were not discussed in any detail, the sensor installation and data acquisition design.

Without careful installation and calibration of the sensors, and proper design of the data acquisition

system, evaluating the dredge as a function of the dredge process data is not reliable.

The use of the monitoring systems previously discussed in conjunction with dredge performance

models provides dredge contract administrators with additional tools for evaluating contractor

performance in a fair and unbiased manner. The data provided by these systems can provide contract

monitoring personnel with a real-time record of dredge performance throughout the duration of the

dredging project.

POINTS OF CONTACT: For additional information on this topic, contact Dr. Steve Scott

(601-634-2371, scotts@wes.army.mil), Mr. James Rosati (601-624-2022, rosatij@wes.army.mil),

the DOER Instrumentation Focus Area Manager, or Dr. Robert M. Engler (601-634-3624,

englerr@wes.army.mil), the DOER Program Manager. This technical note should be cited as

follows:

Scott, S. H. (2000). "Application of dredge monitoring systems to dredge contract

administration quality assurance," DOER Technical Notes Collection (ERDC

TN-DOER-I3), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

www.wes.army.mil/el/dots/doer

REFERENCES

Pankow, V. R. (1989). "Laboratory tests of production meter instruments," Technical Note DRP-4-01, U.S. Army

Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

Scott, S. H. (1998). "Users guide to CUTPRO Cutterhead Dredge Modeling Program," Instruction Report CHL-98-1,

U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

Scott, S. H. (1994). "Testing and evaluation of the DRP Automated Load Monitoring System (ALMS)," Technical

Note DRP-3-11, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

Turner, T. M. (1984). Fundamentals of hydraulic dredging. Cornell Maritime Press.

NOTE: The contents of this technical note are not to be used for advertising, publication,

or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorse-

ment or approval of the use of such products.