As previously indicated, states must perform a VE analysis on all federal-aid-funded projects on the National Highway System having an estimated total cost (design, construction, right-of-way, and utilities) of $25 million or more. However, additional projects should be selected for study, based on providing the maximal opportunity to improve the public investment by quality enhancement or life cycle cost savings. AASHTO has identified the following typical characteristics of potential VE projects:
• Projects substantially exceeding initial cost estimates
• Complex or multipart projects or processes providing unique, but costly functions
• Items using critical or high-cost materials
• Items requiring difficult construction or fabrication procedures
• Items performing a questionable function
• Items appearing too costly to build, operate, or maintain
• Projects that have grown complex, possibly by development over a long period of time
• Major structures
• Projects with complicated or costly traffic control or detours
For optimal results, VE should be applied as early as possible after basic design elements and preliminary cost information have been developed. This way, design recommendations can be more readily incorporated; the earlier VE is applied, the greater the potential for savings. With proper timing and planning, the VE administrator can ensure that specific VE studies are accomplished without conflicting with the project schedule.
