Enhancing mindful coordination in fragmented utility construction practices : by developing, implementing and evaluating virtual design and construction models

City skylines depict many of the great projects that characterise the construction and civil engineering industry.The impressive bridges, lively quays, busy railways, iconic houses and remarkable high rises evident on such skylines are, however, not the only elements that shape the urban landscape.One absent, yet relevant, element comprises of the vast amount of subsurface utility networks that provide 24/7 services to all premises in urban space.As the age of these networks dates back to over 100 years, they all require reparations and replacements.These construction activities not only seclude citizens temporally from services, but also closedown busy streets and sidewalks, consequently blocking access to public spaces and buildings.Not surprisingly, this public burden results in utility projects being watched closely by local politics and media.I used my PhD research as an opportunity to explore this context of utility construction and the fascinating dynamics between the stakeholders.I developed and implemented Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) models to test how they could impact on utility construction coordination.This thesis reports about these research efforts and formally concludes my graduate study.I hope reading my work stimulates the readers' thoughts about the need to streamline utility construction and the potential of VDC to support this objective.Working in the utilities domain made me accept two ironic consequences.One was being nicknamed 'the sewer guy' by friends.Sometimes, this pointed at my seemingly trivial and boring role.I hope I convinced them now how lively the utilities sector can be and how much effort is needed to professionalise it further.Second, I developed a professional deformation characteristic that may be best referred to as 'utility tourism'.When visiting cities, I made a habit out of looking into utility trenches and taking pictures of the remarkable solutions that were created temporally to support existing utility networks that cross the jobsite.This behaviour may look strange, but it definitely provided the most surprising and colourful images.While writing this prologue, I find myself on the brink of receiving my PhD and can use this moment to reflect and to express how I experienced my PhD-life at the University of Twente.I can say that I look back at a great period in which I had much flexibility and freedom.I visited construction sites, attended congresses, met dozens of companies, followed classes and developed teaching skills.Besides formal PhD vi tasks, I received also the chance to develop professionally by organising our CiT department outing; presenting at the UT open days; and, organising a one-week International Academic Writing School.Stories of peers; the Economists' 'disposable academic' article (December 2010) and many PhD-comics are not always very positive about doing a PhD.Their bottom line seems to be that it requires extreme hard work, provides little reward and, often, takes much longer than anticipated.Looking back, I agree that doing a PhD indeed requires commitment.I agree less, however, with the other two statements: PhD work can be great fun and very rewarding as it provides a chance to deeply understand and improve practice.Furthermore, I strongly belief that finishing a PhD timely also is a matter of wisely spending time off -besides having good supervision and clear focus.I spent plenty of time playing tennis or visiting the Alps to teach snowboarding.These hobbies consumed time which I compensated by working a little longer during my days at the office.This work-life balance helped me to switch effectively between studying with focus, whilst also being able to detach mentally and positively from it.I would not have been able to deliver this thesis without the support of various organisations.I am grateful to them all and would like to mention some in particular.I thank Stichting Pioneering for providing resources that allowed me to do this research in the first place.I also acknowledge Gemeente Enschede, Gemeente Hof van Twente, Gemeente Hengelo, Van Gelder, TWW, NTP Infra, Reef Infra and ProViel for allowing me to study their work practices.I would further like to acknowledge my examination committee for the time and effort spent while reviewing and commenting on my work.Specifically, I would like to thank my promotor André Dorée who in the first instant invited me to become PhDstudent.André, I found it very comfortable working with you always.At times, I visited to your office to report about an exciting observation, or just to reflect on a personal matter.These short dialogues often were inspiring.I also have a high regard for the way in which you provided feedback and comments.Your critique was always brought forward in a constructive and motivating way, no matter how critical your comments were.I enjoyed your company and learnt about 'research in action' during the multiple times we went out for a 'fact finding mission' to authorities, contractors, utility companies and abroad.This all would not have happened if my daily supervisor, Timo Hartmann, had not suggested me as a potential PhD candidate.Timo; I realise that already you have been vii my major now for eight years (including my undergraduate study).Our collaboration was mostly smooth and often pleasant.You gave me inspiring research ideas; helped me to improve my writing skills significantly; and introduced me to your international research network.I admire you for your work ethos and your drive to develop the construction management as scientific discipline further.The surrounding context of other good colleagues also made my PhD years joyful.It was an exciting time with the colleagues from HT3.00.We had many discussions and good fun, both in and around the office.I owe a special word of thanks to a few: Jacqueline Nijhof and Yolanda Bosch -dear ladies -thank you for the pleasant coffee breaks and great logistical support that you have given me in the past few years.

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