Kenneth O’Connell

Presentation: Case Study – Rocky Pen Run Reservoir, Stafford County, Virginia

Abstract: The Rocky Pen Run Reservoir dam excavation and foundation preparation project was one phase of a multi-phase construction project that created additional drinking water reserves for Stafford County, Virginia. The Rocky Pen Run Reservoir is located approximately one mile upstream of the convergence of Rocky Pen Run with the Rappahannock River.

The scope of work for this phase included clearing 28 acres of land, the construction of a reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) diversion to temporarily reroute Rocky Pen Run around the future dam location, providing a suitable foundation for the new earthen dam, excavation to rock, and foundation cleaning.

Upon completion of the work, a dispute arose between the General Contractor and its specialty subsurface drilling and grouting sub-contractor relating to delay and disruption costs incurred by the subcontractor. The consultant performed various cost, schedule, and lost productivity analyses (measured mile and earned value) to determine what went wrong, why, and who was responsible for the time and cost overruns

Biography: Dr. Kenneth O’Connell is the co-founder and President of O’Connell & Lawrence, Inc. Ken is a registered professional engineer and registered professional land surveyor with expertise in civil engineering, commercial construction and highway and heavy/civil construction. Dr. O’Connell’s academic background includes both research and teaching of civil engineering and construction engineering and management and he currently teaches as an adjunct here at the University of Maryland.