Expert Review Panels
John has provided initiation of, input to, participation in, and management of several Expert Review Panels (ERP) and Strategic/Technical Advisory Teams (STAT). These are formed to advise agencies and program management regarding key issues, strategies and technical opinions for major, complex infrastructure programs. Management, political and technical elements are usually involved and the task results can be sensitive and determinative for these programs.
Examples include:
Independent Review, management decisions, WSDOT Executive 2013
John was tasked by the Governor and Secretary of Transportation, to conduct a review of decisions and actions which led to the concrete cracking and associated construction issues for the SR520 project, pontoon construction contract. The review traced the timeline, factors, considerations and influences that led to the form of contract (design-bid-build within a design-build framework) plus managerial and technical factors which contributed to the unexpected concrete cracking, with impacts to cost and schedule.
The findings built on a previous internal review in 2011, which addressed organizational factors including alignment of key goals, roles, responsibilities, authorities, accountabilities, communications and working relationships. As a result of John’s findings, organizational changes have been made and construction management practices are being re-aligned.
Chair, Expert Review Panel, SR520 Pontoon Construction, 2012 – 2013
John was asked to form and Chair an expert panel to review the causes for more than unexpected concrete cracking for the Cycle 1 pontoons of the SR520 Floating Bridge Replacement project in Seattle (world’s longest floating bridge). The panel determined the causes of the prestressed related cracking and recommended changes in design to reduce cracking for this in-water structure where watertightness is essential. Cracks are sealed with epoxy injection, but need to be stable over 75 years.
Subsequently, the panel recommended improvements to design and construction for subsequent cycles. Cycle 2 has been floated out successfully with minimal (i.e. expected level of) cracking and further improvements are in-process for Cycles 3-6.
Chair, Strategic & Technical Advisory Team, SR520 Floating Bridge Project, 2011
Working with the Program Director, John was Chair of a high-level strategic and technical expert panel to assist WSDOT delivery of the $4 billion SR520 Floating Bridge. Areas considered included management strategies, organization, policies and procedures, environmental permitting, construction staffing and potential defense strategies for potential claims and cumulative changes.
Initiator & Chair, Strategic & Technical Advisory Team, Alaskan Way TBM Tunnel. 2009 – 2011
John initiated and was co-chair, with the Program Director, of a high-level strategic and technical review expert panel to assist WSDOT management with delivery of the large diameter bored tunnel alternative for the Alaskan Way Replacement project.
The STAT Panel examined alternative tunnel options and advised regarding design & construction management, geotechnical issues, TBM technologies, contracting methodologies, construction contract packaging and interface requirements, cost and risk, CEVP®, risk management and mitigation, value engineering, integrated instrumentation & data reporting and, protection of adjacent structures.
The panel has been transitioned to provide expert assistance and advice for the TBM tunnel drive, considering the TBM, its operation, driving pressures, settlement control and building protection. John’s role in this phase is advisory for the client.
Chair, SR520 Expert Review Panel, Tunnel alternatives, Montlake Cut, 2008
John initiated and chaired this technical review panel which examined alternative tunnel options for the transition of the SR520 cross-lake Washington program on the Westside at Montlake Cut. Tunnel types included large-diameter TBM bored tunnel, Sequential Excavation/Frozen ground and Immersed tube. John initiated the task, wrote the scope, selected the panel members, managed the process, edited the final report and presented the results to the WSDOT Management and key stakeholders.
Alaskan Way Tunnel & SR520 Floating Bridge Projects, Expert Review Panel, 2006:
John worked to initiate the Governor’s Expert Review Panel, working with the WSDOT Deputy Secretary in the selection of panel members, defining scopes and procedures, initiation of work, management and administration of the panel, briefings and information and input to the final report.
Previous Expert Review Panel Applications 1970-Present
Previously, John consulted on, or participated in, management and technical oversight and assistance work, including the Washington Metro System (Secretary to the Board of Engineering Consultants), Project Management Oversight and Project Management Assistance responsibility (Los Angeles Metro and Light Rail Program) and report to DOE (High-Level Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board).