Also available as an eBook from SME

A successful underground project is one where relationships are strong, the objectives as understood by each party are met or exceeded, and the work product serves its stakeholders and is maintainable in a way that fits with the project vision. High-level metrics for project success relate to safety, quality, schedule, and budget.

The first edition of Recommended Contract Practices for Underground Construction has become a valued resource for the underground industry, serving as a concise guide for drafting and implementation of contract provisions. It provided improvements to underground contracting practices during all project stages. It also presented clear roles and responsibilities for project participants to promote better contracts.

This second edition was undertaken by the UCA of SME because the underground industry has undergone numerous changes over the last decade. Changes in tunneling technology, more common use of design-build as a contracting mechanism, and many lessons learned have sparked some creative contract approaches. Included are chapters on relationships, project planning, subsurface conditions, risk management, design, construction management, cost estimates, schedules, pricing and payment provisions, contracts, changes, dispute resolution, and a new chapter on insurance.

The recommendations contained in this edition are intended to guide owners and their engineers in developing and administering contracts and to give contractors a better understanding of the rationale behind contract provisions. The goal is that more underground projects in this country can be best projects, where improved relationships and fair contracts enable all project participants to personally invest in cost-effective, profitable projects, ensuring the continued health of the underground industry.

"If you think you know just about everything there is to know on contracting practices for underground construction, think again. This phenomenal resource offers a treasure trove of practical insights, lessons learned, and case studies that will educate even the most experienced of readers."

Michael C. Loulakis, Esq., FDBIA
President
Capital Project Strategies, LLC

"The format of this excellent book is very easy to follow, making it quick to find industry recommendations on the subject. This second edition is a worthy update to the original, which outlines current major discussion topics for contractual issues in underground projects."

Robert J.F. Goodfellow, PE, PEng
President
Aldea Services Inc.