Meta-synthesis management framework of a complex project: A case study of the deck pavement project of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

doi:10.15302/J-FEM-2018076

Front. Eng

2018, Vol. 5

Issue (1) : 4-16 https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FEM-2018076

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Meta-synthesis management framework of a complex project: A case study of the deck pavement project of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

Qiang MAI¹(

), Xing-lin GAO², Shi AN¹, Ding LIU¹, Ming LIU¹

¹. School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
². Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority, Zhuhai 519015, China

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Abstract

Innovative technology and deep uncertainty during the design and construction process of complex projects introduce great challenges to their organization and management. The traditional methods, represented in the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) guide, can solve systematic problems; however, they cannot solve complex problems. Based on the management practice implemented in the deck pavement project of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), in this work, we propose a meta-synthesis management framework for a complex project from the perspective of the science of complexity. The method deems that the complexity of the project has the characteristic of being multi-scale both in the design phase and the construction phase. These problems can be classified into different categories, each of which requires a different strategy. As a result, it is first necessary to adopt the “exploration” strategy to reduce project complexity and to transform the deep uncertainty problems into systematic problems. Then, the “exploitation” strategy should be used to apply the PMBOK and other traditional methods to achieve the design and construction goals of the project and to improve its efficiency. More specifically, in the design phase of a complex project, the “innovative integration” process is used for the exploration of the new engineering technology and knowledge; then, the “functional integration” process is employed to define the system architecture, the interface relationship, the technical index, and other functions. In the construction phase, the “adaptive integration” process is used for the construction of the engineering organization system; next, the “efficient integration” process is employed to improve the actual construction performance. The meta-synthesis management framework proposed in this work reveals the multi-scale principle of solving complex problems in the management practice of a complex project, and develops the methodology of meta-synthesis.

Keywords complex project meta-synthesis management Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge exploration strategy exploitation strategy

Corresponding Author(s): Qiang MAI

Just Accepted Date: 03 January 2018 Online First Date: 07 February 2018 Issue Date: 21 March 2018

Cite this article:

Qiang MAI,Xing-lin GAO,Shi AN, et al. Meta-synthesis management framework of a complex project: A case study of the deck pavement project of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge[J]. Front. Eng, 2018, 5(1): 4-16.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fem/EN/10.15302/J-FEM-2018076
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fem/EN/Y2018/V5/I1/4

Tab.1 Problems and their characteristics in a complex project

Tab.2 Engineering problems in the deck pavement project of the HZMB

Fig.1 Meta-synthesis management framework of complex projects

Fig.2 Innovative integration

Number	Year	Innovation organization	Innovative integration activity
1	2010	The Authority entrusted the South China University of Technology to take the lead in carrying out the project of the deck pavement of the HZMB.	The research group conducted extensive research on the engineering application of the deck pavement of the steel bridge, systematically compared, elected, and demonstrated certain typical pavement programs (epoxy asphalt, mastic asphalt, etc.), proposed two guiding opinions.
2	Early 2012	Design unit DB01 (CCCC^a) Highway Consultants) commissioned the South China University of Technology, which cooperated with the Hong Kong Anderson company, the Guangdong ChangDa company, Tongji University, and other professional units to conduct research work on the steel bridge pavement.	A comparative study was conducted on the hot mix epoxy asphalt pavement (Japanese epoxy) and the British MA^b).
3	At the end of 2012	The HZMB Authority required that the design units refer to the MA technology, which has more than 10 years of successful application in Hong Kong.	Based on the Shenzhen–Hong Kong Western Corridor project, the professional units conducted a research on the feasibility of transplanting the British MA technology; a special coordination meeting was held in Guangzhou, where it was conclusively determined that the research direction would be oriented toward the MA technology.
4	2013	The leading group of the pavement project instructed the design unit and the thematic units to conduct a concurrent research on the MA, GMA^c) and GA^d) technical option.	Tens of thousands of test data were obtained through hundreds of indoor simulation tests and tests on stability in high outdoor temperature and low-temperature fatigue by using large-scale straight-speed loading machines introduced by Tongji University.
5	At the end of 2013	Determination of the technical option.	Design selection of the composite pavement structure system with a 4 cm thick SMA+ 3 cm thick mastic asphalt concrete for the Steel Deck Pavement.

Tab.3 Innovative integration steps of the steel bridge deck pavement

Fig.3 Functional integration

Tab.4 Equipment function definition of the HZMB deck pavement

Fig.4 Adaptive integration

Fig.5 Efficient integration

Tab.5 Efficient integration for the aggregate plant of the HZMB

Fig.6 Characteristics of the meta-synthesis management framework of a complex project

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