Discussion. Construction of the Monmouth Tunnels in Soft Rock.

Abstract

contracting of this nature, a unique experience to find oneself advising on how to carry out the project and then being asked to carry out the physical side of the operation.102. It was also, I believe, unusual to be able to complete such a thorough cost breakdown of the operations and I cannot stress too greatly the usefulness, on a contract of approximately E750 000, of knowing the costs (and hence profitability) weekly. Again the success of using men for multi-purpose operations on this Contract should point out to both management and labour in other walks of life that it is now time to rethink. I was told not to use men for varying trades, but we put the men fully in the picture, paid generous incentive payments dependent solely on their performance, and they rose to the occasion magnificently, although obviously attempts were made to allow them to work solely on one function.103. I believe this success story was brought about by good initial thinking, good planning and extremely good co-operation at all levels, including Howard Humphreys, Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Co. Ltd, my own Company and also all site personnel. Following the success of this system, I am surprised it has not been adopted for the A40 at Aylesbury and also, for instance, for tunnelling in lieu of open cut on the M62 in the Pennines. I think also, that consideration should be given by the Ministry of Transport to the design of a constant profile for road tunnels. This, in turn, would reduce capital expenditure and perhaps allow applications which, at present, are not considered economic. M r J. R. Mottram. Howard Hurnphreys & Sons