Cursed Knowledge
Cursed knowledge or lessons learned from our work at KBR that we wish we never knew. We have already made these mistakes once, so let’s not make them again.
General
Section titled “General”Simpler is always better
Carefully consider whether introducing complexity into your design is worth it. Sometimes the contractor may request things that make things more complex to design, but simpler to build. However, it’s often difficult to appreciate all the knock-on effects of a more complex design up front. Simpler is always better.
Project management
Section titled “Project management”Always need a Basis of Design
In order to do calculations, you need to have an agreed Basis of Design document. Otherwise, how do you know what you are designing to? Similarly for the verifier, how do you know the design is adequate unless you have a Basis of Design? If you do not have a Basis of Design, don’t be afraid to ask for it!
Getting the right people on the WOC
If the people signing your deliverables are not on the Work Operating Classification form (setup by the project manager), Document Control will not be able to issue your deliverables. This includes making sure the correct person is assigned to be an independent verifier. This can be an issue if you are trying to get deliverables out the door on Friday afternoon.
Proper handover
Ensure that people get a proper handover prior to going on extended leave. If it is a significant or high-pressure project, consider setting up a meeting to ensure that all tasks have been considered. Failure to do this can cause delays or having to backtrack on work while people try to catchup.
Internal cost estimating approvals
Depending on the value of a cost estimate, internal KBR approvals must be sought, even if the cost estimate was done by a subconsultant. In addition, subconsultant cost estimates must be reviewed by KBR’s internal cost estimating team before they can be released to the client. This can cause delays in program if not accounted for.
Technical
Section titled “Technical”Fender design
Section titled “Fender design”Fender loads: vertical friction
AS 4997 requires that friction from vessel impacts needs to be consider in both horizontal and vertical directions. This may cause issues if you have assumed that since the berthing load is horizontal, there is minimal vertical loads in your structure. This can govern pile lengths in some cases.
Fender panel: number of piles
Never use three piles when designing backing panels for hydropneumatic fenders. You will have to deal with issues with piles being driven out of tolerance. Keep panel designs to two panels in order to accomodate tolerances more easily.
Steel design
Section titled “Steel design”Steel design
Make sure section sizes are available on the market before including them on drawings. Just because it is in the SPACEGASS library, doesn’t mean it is readily available. Check by looking up steel supplier catalogues or contacting suppliers. Failure to do this will cause needless RFIs and potential design changes.