DPR Creates Raving Fan at University of Texas

DPR’s Austin office is wrapping-up construction of the second phase of a three-phase, 30,000-sq.-ft. expansion and renovation project for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Scheduled for completion in October 2002, DPR has successfully self-performed 10,000 man hours, without any lost time incidents, and completed all the formwork. DPR is also placing and finishing all the concrete for the walls, columns and site pads, totaling approximately 5,000 sq. ft.

“Coordinating shut downs in advance, maintaining mechanical systems, minimizing vibrations, and creating a clean, dust-free environment with poly barricades are just some examples of how we have been flexible and proactive in planning our work around the customer’s needs,” said Greg Eckert of DPR.

Eckert added that constant communication is helping DPR build a raving fan on the project. During DPR’s most recent in-person customer satisfaction survey, the owner gave DPR a 2.12 rating, indicating this has been the owner’s best experience working with a general contractor.

Have Cart, Will Zero Defect

With the goal of increasing an already high 60 percent zero defect (ZD) rate on completed projects, DPR Sacramento’s ZD team recently introduced the “ZD Cart.” Equipped with everything needed for a “fresh eyes” walk, the ZD Cart contains cleaners, scrapers, hand tools, paper towels, dust buster, paint touch-up, electrical covers, screws and caulk. It even has a custom-built podium on top to ergonomically support a laptop computer, allowing the “Rolling Completion Log” to be updated on the walk.

The team’s efforts are paying dividends. The office recently completed a ZD expansion for Shriner’s Hospital under the strict requirements of California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). “It’s virtually unheard of for an OSHPD hospital project to be completed with zero defects,” said Trish Timothy, Sacramento’s ZD Champion. “With buy in from our subs, our ZD program has become a huge success.”

DPR’s Safety Program Earns Recognition

DPR’s Injury Free Environment Program, a safety initiative that is setting new industry standards, recently netted three distinctions, a California experience modification rating (EMR) and National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) global rate of .33 and the recognition of a DPR Portland project team as a “Merit” participant in Oregon-OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

The ratings indicate that DPR’s average of claims, compared to number of workers, is significantly lower than other general contractors. According to Denise Rooker, safety champion, DPR may have achieved the best rating possible, but that would not stop DPR from improving upon it.

DPR’s Lewis & Clark College project in Portland is only one of five VPP worksites (and the only VPP construction site) in the state. An Oregon-OSHA VPP evaluation team found that DPR not only exceeded the program’s requirements but also has safety programs and conditions that are well above the construction industry average. To achieve the VPP status, the project site underwent extensive Oregon-OSHA reviews of workplace conditions, safety records, employee safety and health programs, regulatory compliance, as well as interviews of the project team.

Building Co-generation

DPR’s Portland office has kicked off construction of an 80 megawatt co-generation power plant for SP Newsprint’s existing paper mill in Newberg, OR. The project involves construction and installation of two GE LM6000 Gas Turbine Generators, which are 747 airplane engines with generators attached, and a large heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to produce process steam. According to DPR’s David Aaroe, some of the project’s anticipated challenges include integrating the new co-generation system in an existing operating facility without disrupting ongoing operations and managing the receipt, installation, start-up and performance testing of the majority of the owner-supplied equipment being shipped from overseas. “DPR welcomes technically complex projects, and we’re looking forward to putting our in-depth knowledge to work to deliver this highly sophisticated project within its accelerated 21-month schedule,” said Aaroe. With construction currently underway, the project is expected to be completed in November 2003.