Title: Development of requirements to infrastructure projects-before and during construction

Abstract

Throughout the 20th century, when the major lines were laid for the infrastructure in Denmark, it was technical requirements and capabilities that guided the construction of roads and bridges. Classical engineering disciplines such as the strength of materials and the bearing capacity of the structures, followed by the desire for good durability and long service life were in focus. Over the past several years, consideration for the surroundings has become more and more important, i.e., the focus here is on the protection of the environment, both in terms of noise from traffic, but also the protection of the various biological ecosystems that exist along the infrastructure, groundwater, and the biodiversity. Most recently, the desire to reduce global climate impacts has become such a significant factor, so that this relationship is close to be the highest priority after the protection of the environment. Planning and implementing infrastructure projects are thus a multifaceted task where many compromises must be made along the way to optimize all conditions within the current economic and temporal framework. The presentation provides examples where adjustments have been done of both design and execution so that expectations are met. This includes the conditions on the preservation of the environment, including the consideration of the citizens living along the infrastructures being built, as well as measures for the sake of biodiversity. Likewise, the concept of future requirements for reducing carbon emissions will be reviewed and discussed.

Biography

Dr. Erik Stoklund Larsen is Director Construction and member of Danish Road Directorate executive management team. Responsible for execution of an on-going project portfolio of DKK 17 bn and the coming Infrastructure Investment Plan of more than DKK 50 bn. Experienced infrastructure project executive with track record of successful project execution in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. 30 years of experience in infrastructure project and project portfolio management with end-to-end responsibility for all project disciplines, incl. planning, budgeting & reporting, risk management, engineering, EIA, procurement, contracting, QHSE, organization. Substantial experience in putting in place and ensuring implementation of project management disciplines, processes, and tools across projects.