PROJECT CO-ORDINATION UNIT

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

 

 

REPORT ON THE TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES PERFORMED FROM

JULY TILL DECEMBER 2000

 

 

1                                   Introduction

 

 

This report concerns the technical activities that the PCU performed in the second half of the year 2000, from 01.07.2000 until 31.12.2000.

 

The project of the Old Bridge has been split in two parts: the preliminary studies and the reconstruction works.

 

The first phase of the project – PRELIMINARY STUDIES has been split into three separate assignments, which are as follows:

 

  1. Geological Investigations, Surveying of the Abutments and Pathological Analyses;
  2. Design, Photogrammetry and Calculations;
  3. Laboratory Tests on Lead, Iron, Mortar, Stones and Masonry.

 

During the last six months of the year 2000 all of the above-mentioned studies were in the phase of the implementation and execution. The assignment “Geological Investigations, Surveying of the Abutments and pathological Analysis” was completed in October 2000, while another two assignments (“Design, Photogrametry and Calculations”, and “Laboratory Tests on Lead, Iron, Stones and Mortar”) are still ongoing.

 

Beside these three major preliminary studies needed for the Old Bridge rehabilitation, the Technical Assistance of the PCU worked on the following assignments in the second half of the year 2000:

 

  1. Assignment for an architect for the Rehabilitation of the Tara and Halebija towers and
  2. Assignment for cutting of the stone blocks stored in Komos.

 


 

2                                   geological investigations, surveying of the abutments and pathological analyses

 

2.1   contract management

 

2.1.1          Management meetings

 

From 01.07.2000 until 31.12.2000 the Management Meetings were held on the following dates:

  1. 01.09.2000 – Management Meeting no.12

The Technical Assistance Unit of the PCU made the Minutes of the meeting, and the Contractor’s representative and the PCU Project Manager also signed this.

 

In the period from July 2000 to December 2000 the following experts of the Contactor Joint-Venture CONEX-YERALTI ARAMACILIK were involved in the execution of the tasks:

 

  1. Mr. Tomislav Ivanković,
  2. Mr. Damir Ćorko,
  3. Mr. Zoran Šteger

 

 

2.1.2          Progress of the works

 

In the period from July until end of December 2000 the Contractor for “Geological Investigations, Surveying of the abutments and Pathological Analyses” completed all contracted activities and produce all Report that were required by the Contract.

 

These works and activities for this period are presented in the following review:

 

Field and laboratory investigations works have been completed by the end of June. Processing of data and the drawing up of the results took place from July 2000 to October 2000.

 

Within the preliminary works heavy steel scaffolding was erected around the bottom of the abutment walls at the left and right riverbanks. For the purpose of transportation of the equipment and the communication from one to another riverbanks the Contractor provided a pontoon bridge with capacity of 20 t. On the request of the PCU the Contractor kept the scaffolding on the site until October 2000 as well as the pontoon bridge in order to be used for execution of assignments of other contractors (General Engineering and LGA). In addition, on the basis of the conclusions at the 4th Session of the International Expert Committee, the joint-venture “Conex-Yeralti Aramacilik” were requested to carry out a part of the works related to the investigations of the “room” on the upstream eastern side of the abutment of the Old Bridge.

 

2.1.3          Reporting

 

In accordance to the Contract document the Contractor was obliged to regularly report to the Employer in certain time intervals.

The following Reports were produced in the period from 01.07.2000 to 31.12.2000 by the joint-venture “Conex-Yeralti Aramacilik”and submitted to the PCU and UNESCO for the comments and approval:

 

  1. Draft Final Report submitted on 15.09.2000.
  2. Final Report submitted on 09.10.2000.

 

For the purpose of the better acknowledgment of the activities to the partners involved in the Old Bridge project on 05.10.2000 (5th UNESCO ICE Session) the Contractor made a presentation to the PCU, UNESCO and ICE representatives. The aim of this presentation was not only to inform but also to discuss and to address to the ICE experts possible solutions for the strengthening of the ground foundations, masonry foundations and abutment walls of the Old Bridge.

 

 

3                                   design, photogrammetry and calculations

 

3.1   contract management

 

3.1.1          Management meetings

 

In the period from 01.07.2000 until 31.12.2000 the following management meetings were held:

1.       Management meeting no. 2 on 01.09.2000,

2.       Management meeting no. 3 on 25.10.2000

 

The technical assistant to the PCU, Mr. Gilles Pequeux was in Florance in October 2000 in order to co-ordinate the execution of this assignment with the assignment of LGA for the laboratory tests.

 

3.1.2          Progress of the works

 

During period of 6 months the Contractor was working on the preliminary design and draft final design. The Contractor also produced the report and drawings for stone cutting.

 

The Contractor is in delay regarding execution of the assignment. The Final Report – phase B (detailed design) is still not submitted, even its submission was contractually planned on 15.12.2000. Current delay of minimum 1,5 months on the submission of the documents might:

- prevent the start of the preparation of bidding documents for the Bridge rehabilitation;

- prevent UNESCO to approve the Final Design, and create the risk of mistake on stones to be cut in Komos depot without design approved.

 

The assignment will be completed when the calculations are finalized, which depends mainly of approval of LGA Final Report, which is itself also in delay (expected to be submitted for approval in March 2001).

 

3.1.3          Reporting

 

In accordance to the Contract provisions the Contractor has an obligation of submission of the following reports to the Employer (PCU) in the period from 01.07.2000 to 31.12.2000:

 

·        Report on phase A-Preliminary Design on 10.07.2000;

·        1st Interim Report – Progress of Phase B-Detailed Design on 11.09.2000;

·        Draft Final Report on Phase B-Detailed Design on 30.10.2000;

·        Final Report-Detailed Design on 15.12.2000.

 

The Contractor handed over the following Reports:

 

- Report on phase A-Preliminary design-Photogrametry on 20.07.2000;

- Report on phase A-Preliminary design-Drawings on 01.09.2000;

- Progress of phase B-Detailed design-Draft Drawings on 14.12.2000;

- Draft Report phase B-Detailed design-Final Drawings on 24.01.2001.

 

First PCU TA comments on the Draft Drawings from the detailed design were made on 14.12.2000.

PCU forwarded above mentioned reports to UNESCO for their review.

 

4                                   laboratory tests on lead, iron, mortar, stones and masonry

 

4.1   contract management

 

4.1.1          Management meetings

 

In the period from 01.07.2000 until 31.12.2000 the following management meetings were held:

 

1. Management meeting no. 2 on 03.08.2000;

2. Management meeting no.3 on 14.08.2000;

3. Management meeting no.4 on 18.09.2000;

4. Management meeting no. 5 on 25.10.2000;

5. Management meeting no.6 on 18.11.2000.

 

4.1.2          Progress of the works

 

During period of 6 months the Contractor was working on collecting the samples and laboratory tests on the ancient and new materials for the Bridge rehabilitation. The Contractor has produced some Reports, which were his contractual obligation.

 

The poor quality of the assignment in regard of UNESCO and ICE issues concerning definition of new mortars caused the Contractor’s need to engage an exterior contractor in order to finalize this task. On the 6th Management meeting which was held on 18.11.2000 LGA informed PCU that they would like to engage an Italian expert for the ancient mortars – Ms. Luigia Binda.

By the end of 2000 LGA is still working on the proposals for the new mortars.

The Contractor is in delay regarding execution of the assignment. The delay is at the moment estimated at minimum 3,5 months. It is mainly coming, in one hand by the lack of strictness of the Contractor, the lack of presence of the Team Leader in Mostar and lack of co-ordination with the PCU.

 

 

 

4.1.3          Reporting

 

In accordance to the Contract provisions the Contractor has an obligation of submission of the following reports to the Employer (PCU) in the period from 01.07.2000 to 31.12.2000:

 

·        Inception Report on 10.07.2000;

·        1st Interim Report on 21.08.2000;

·        2nd Interim Report on 18.09.2000;

·        Draft Final Report on 11.12.2000;

·        Final Report on 22.12.2000.

 

The Contractor handed over the following Reports:

 

- Inception Report on 12.09.2000;

- 1st Interim Report on 18.09.2000

 

PCU TA made comments on the above mentioned reports and as well forwarded them to UNESCO for their review.

 

LGA also produced some additional Reports (“Special Report on Stone Surface Finishing”, “Special report on the Lead Pouring Technicque”, “Special Report on Block Topography”), which were neither their contractual obligation nor being requested from the PCU.

 

5                                   stone cutting

 

5.1   subject

 

The subject of the assignment is cutting up of the 104 rough Tenelija blocks, whose volume is 424,48 m3, into the net blocks. These net blocks are to be used for the final hand stone cutting on the site (not included in the present assignment).

 

5.2   CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

 

5.2.1          Commencement of the works and management meetings

 

The Contract for the stone cutting was signed on 04.12.2000 with the Contractor “KARA-DRVO”. On the same date the Contract for the supervision was signed with Mr. ANTE KRŠINIĆ, who will supervise the works.

The contracted deadline for execution of both assignments (stone cutting and supervision) is 11.03.2001.

By signing of the Contract, PCU handed over to the Supervisor the report from 1998 made by the Institute of Geotechnics from Sarajevo. The Report is related to the extraction, testing, transport and storage of the rough stone Tenelija blocks.

 

5.3.1          Progress of the works

 

This activity is not at the moment critical by itself, however if the performance of this Contract demonstrate that the quantity of stone is not sufficient for the Bridge, the needs for finding the funds, preparing contract and cutting the complementary needed stones might delay the Bridge rehabilitation.

In this moment it must be noticed that the partners are, in order not to delay this work, taking the risk to cut the stones without prior UNESCO’s approval of the Final Design, having in mind that General Engineering is, at least, 1,5 months in delay for submitting the design.

 

6                                   rehabilitation of the tara and halebija towers – consultancy contract for the arhitects

 

6.1   subject

 

The Assignment of the rehabilitation of the Tara and Halebija towers – architect assignment concerns making design, specifications and bidding documents for the rehabilitation of the Tara and Halebija towers, as well as for the reconstruction of the buildings located between the towers and the bridge, which comprises the following objects: on west bank the house located between the tower and upstream abutment wall, the entrance gate south of tower and the house located above the entrance gate; on east bank the three adjacent houses located between the tower and downstream abutment.

 

6.2   Time frame initially foreseen:

 

- Date of submission of the evaluation report for »No objection« is:                      17.11.2000.

- Date of »No objection« on decision from the World Bank is:                              27.11.2000.

- Date of Contract signature is:                                                                            15.12.2000.

 

6.3   Current situation:

 

- Real date of submission of the evaluation report is:                                           15.12.2000.

- Real date of »No objection« issued by the World Bank is:                                 20.12.2000.

- Real date of the Contract signature is:                                                               26.01.2000.

 

The delay is almost 1,5 months.

 

6.4        Correction:

 

Channel of documents to be approved has to be improved.

 

7.         PREQUALIFICATION FOR STRENGTHENING OF THE FOUNDATIONS

 

7.1 CURRENT SITUATION:

 

- Applications for the prequalification received on:                                                          13.11.2000

- “No objection” on the prequalified companies given on:                                                23.01.2001

 

The prequalification process took almost 2,5 months, while “No objection” on bidding documents was given on 20.12.2000 and ready to be launched as it was planned initially.

In relation with the time frame of activities, delay is now 1 months on the works and this delay is due to delay in decision for the prequalification.

The prequalification for the foundations was a quite simple and usual one, and so we can raise the question how it took almost 2,5 months to prequalify companies.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done for this activity-it can be only stated that for the future, and especially for prequalification for the Bridge rehabilitation, some corrective actions should be undertaken.

 

7.2               CORRECTIONS

 

1)       Maybe the wording for the criteria for prequalification was not clear enough, and created discussions or avoided easy concensus in the evaluation committee;

2)       Maybe the chain of »No objection« or approval might be optimised or improved;

3)       Maybe the communication between partners should be improved;

Maybe the way how the evaluation committee have be organised and lead should be rewieved.

 

8.         BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR STRENGTHENING OF FOUNDATIONS

 

8.1        CURRENT SITUATION:

 

- Bidding document will be sent to the prequalified companies on:                                  25.01.2001.

- Offers are expected to be submitted on:                                                                      15.03.2001.

- Contract migth be signed:                                                                                            15.04.2001

 

The delay, according to the time frame, is approx. 1,5 months.

 

8.2        CORRECTIONS:

 

Special care should be given in respect of the time frame for decisions, »No objection« from the World Bank and preparation of Contract Documents.

 

9.         PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENT FOR THE BRIDGE REHABILITATION

 

9.1        TIMEFRAME INNITIALLY FORESEEN:

 

- Submission of the prequalification documents to the World Bank:                      15.11.2000.

- Invitation for the prequalification:                                                                       01.12.2000.

- Submission of applications:                                                                             01.02.2001.

 

9.2        CURRENT SITUATION:

 

- Submission of the prequalification documents by the PCU to the WB:    11.01.2001.

- Expected date for the Invitation for prequalification:                               22.02.2001.

- Expected date for submission of applications for prequalifications:        08.04.2001.

 

The delay of submission of applications for the prequalification is minimum 1,5 months.

If we take, as example, submission of »No objection« for the prequalified companies for foundations, it should take at least further 2,5 months, which means that we will have prequalified companies on 15.06.2001.

 

10.        BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR THE BRIDGE REHABILITATION

 

Initially it was planned that the Bridge rehabilitation Contract would be signed in June 2001.

 

It could be expected:

- If expected deadline for prequalification is respected,

- If draft Final Report from LGA is received and approved before end of February 2001, and

- If the Final Report from GE is received before end of January 2001,

 

that:

- The Bidding document for the Bridge rehabilitation can be completed by PCU TA by 15.05.2001,

- That the document can receive »No objection« from UNESCO and the World Bank not more than 1 month later (by 15.06.2001),

- That after copying of the Bidding document, the tender can be launched on 01.07.2001,

- That, taking into consideration summer holiday, the Contract for the Bridge rehabilitation could be signed in the 2nd half of September 2001.

 

SUMMARY OF MINIMUM DELAY:

 

q       Strengthening of foundations:                                                           1,5 months;

q       Architectural assignment for Towers:                                                 1,5 months;

q       GE assignment:                              minimum                                   1,5 months;

q       LGA assignment:                             minimum                                   3,5 months;

q       Prequalification for the Bridge rehabilitation:                                      1,5 months;

q       Works for the Bridge rehabilitation:                                                   3,5 months.

 

Therefore we can conclude that the following issues cause a constant delay of the Project and might lead us, if we don't try to correct the situation, to a general decreasment of quality:

- Lack of communication and organisation between the partners;

- Lack of systematisation and respect of communication chanel between the partners;

- Lack of co-operation between the partners;

- Lack of strictness of the contractors (GE and LGA) in their Contract management;

- Lack of resources in the TA (Team Leader was working part-time Contract for the last seven months, and his assistant was employed in September 2000, which was not enough for facing the quantity of works to be done;

- Obvious passivity of contractors (GE and LGA) in the management of their Contracts, and refusal of responsibility;

- Lack of continuous presence and co-operation of GE and LGA with the PCU;

- Lack of strictness from the partners in the respect of deadlines, which were defined and given to all of them on the 5th ICE session;

 

Suggestion for the improvement of the Project:

 

1. A real consensus should be reached by the partners in order to improve organization, co-ordination and communication in between them.

2. Each partner should organize himself in order to respect deadlines of tasks they are in charge, with the aim to give more chance to the PCU to better manage the time frame of activities.

3. The possibility of strengthening of the Technical Assistance by additional resources should be analyzed, discussed and raised to other donors.

 


ice (international committee of experts)

 

The 5th Session of the UNESCO’s ICE took place in Mostar from 26th to 28th October 2000.

 

participants at the 5th ice session

 

The following were present at the 4th ICE session:

 

Mr. Leon Pressouyre                                         UNESCO, President of the ICE

Mr. Azedine Beschaouch                                  UNESCO, Member of the ICE

Mr. Laurent Levi-Strauss                                    UNESCO, Member of the ICE

Mr. Colin Kaiser                                                UNESCO, Representative in B&H

Mr. Machiel Kiel                                                Member of the ICE

Mr. Milan Gojkovic                                            Member of the ICE

Mr. Zlatko Langof                                               Member of the ICE

Mr. Radovan Ivančević                                      Member of the ICE

Mr. Ferhat Mulabegovic                                     Member of the ICE

Mr. Rusmir Cisic                                                Director of Project Coordination Unit

Mr. Tihomir Rozic                                              Deputy Director of Project Coordination Unit

Mr. Carlo Blasi                                                  Representative of the World Bank

Mr. Gilles Pequeux                                           Technical Assistance to the PCU

Ms Snježana Hadžić                                          Technical assistance to the PCU

Mr. Sinisa Sesum                                              UNESCO Office Sarajevo

 

agenda

 

·        Opening of the session, presentation and adoption of the agenda of the 5th session of the ICE;

·        Presentation of the progress of the works and discussion;

·        Presenation of the draft Final report on Geological investigations, prepared gy Conex-Yeralti Aramacilik;

·        Discussion by the ICE and adoption of the proposed project for Strengthening of the foundation,, or additional discussion with the Contractor for better clarification of the project;

·        Presentation by LGA company responsible for Laboratory tests on stone, mortar, lead and iron;

1.       Presentation of the results of the laboratory tests on the following ancient and new materials;

1.       Old stone

2.       New stone

3.       Analysis of the old iron and proposal for the new composition of the iron

4.       Analysis of the different types of the mortars find in the structures of the Old Bridge and proposal for the new composition of the mortar

5.       Analysis of the old lead and proposal for the new composition of the lead

6.       Proposal regarding the eventual reuse of the old Tenelija stone in the structures of the new Bridge

·        Discussion by the ICE and adoption of the decisions related to the results of the laboratory tests in the regard to the usage of tested and proposed materials;

·        Presentation by General Engineering-design Photogrametry and Calculations;

Presentation consisted of the following topics:

a)       The preliminary design for the Old Bridge which have to be discussed by the ICE

b)      Preliminary calculations

c)       Other proposals and issues related to the calculation which have to be raised and discussed during the presentation

·        Discussion by the ICE and adoption of the decisions or remarks related to the preliminary design of the Old Bridge. Only after agreement on phase A General Engineering will be able to begin with the phase B of their assignment;

·        Discussion on the reuse of the old stones, based on the presentations mady by the LGA and General Engineering. Discussion had to reach agreement on the following points:

a)       To use old stone in the structural parts of the Bridge or not,

b)      If old stones could be used in the structural parts, in which form-to be re-cut or to be put into the original position without additional treatment,

c)       For re-use of old stone in nonstructural parts:

2.       To reuse the old stone in the previous positions if the location can define insertion into new location

d)      How to treat old stone in the new structure

·        Discussion on the process of selection and prequalification of the contractors to be used for the Bridge rehabilitation;

·        Composition of the Evaluation Committee;

·        Preparation of the decisions and conclusions of the 5th session of the ICE;

·        Adoption of decisions, proposal for the date for the 6th session.

 

decisions

 

1.       The ICE endorses the revised plan of operations for the project presented by the PCU and expresses its satisfaction at the implementation of ongoing activities by the PCU.

 

2.       The ICE asks the PCU to assure timely and appropriate information for assignments, including towards embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will be asked to publicize the assignments in their countries in order to reach a reasonable number of companies.

 

3.       The ICE reiterates the decision of the 4th Session regarding the drainage system on both riverbanks behind the abutment walls and also regarding archaeological investigations in the project for the restoration of the two towers. 

 

4.       The proposals of the joint-venture Yeralti Armacilik-CONEX regarding the reinforcement of the foundations of the Old Bridge and the consolidation of soil behind the abutments are adopted and the joint-venture is asked to correct its final report, which will become the basis for the tender documentation. 

 

5.       The future contractor for the foundations will be asked to ensure that no ecologically damaging materials or processes will be used, and he will be held responsible for any damage to the environment.

 

6.       LGA is asked to propose only INOX steel for interior dowels and clamps for the Old Bridge, and  forged iron for visible clamps and the fence that is as similar as possible to the original materials.

 

7.       The ICE notes that, according to the laboratory tests the stone from Mukosa quarry has the same characteristics as the old tenelija stone used in the Old Bridge.  Therefore, the ICE recommends, after using the maximum quantity of old stone in zones of lower tension, that the tenelija stone from the Mukosa quarry should be used on a regular basis according to the specifications established by General Engineering. 

 

8.       The ICE expresses concern about the suggestions made by LGA concerning new mortar.  The ICE asks LGA to carry out more complete analysis and investigation of the old mortars in order to prepare the composition of new mortars that will satisfy all archaeological requirements.  It must be known if the composition of the old mortars is acceptable from the viewpoints of static’s and durability.   The origin of the colour of red mortar must be clarified, i.e. whether made of bauxite, ground brick, or natural red earth (terra rossa, pouzzalana).   The composition of the new mortars must be submitted to the PCU and UNESCO as soon as possible in order to avoid any delay in the implementation of the plan of operations. 

 

9.       The ICE suggests that the large blocks of stone still in the Neretva riverbed, which cannot be reused in the restoration process, should remain in their present location in the Neretva riverbed as a testimony and monument to the destruction of the Old Bridge.   At the same time it is suggested that a small significant selection of blocks located on the platform, and of archaeological interest, should be preserved in view of museum display.

 

10.   The ICE asks General Engineering to prepare proposals for the repair/restoration of the abutment walls against future floods.  The ICE insists that rebuilding the Old Bridge does not imply the repair of small damage: a proper balance must be found between static security, durability and visual effect. 

 

11.   Regarding the pavement of the Old Bridge it was decided that all the old krecnjak stone should be reused and that the remaining parts should be composed of suitably prepared krecnjak stone in order to attain the same appearance.

 

12.   The ICE welcomes again the adoption, on 12 June 2000 by the City of Mostar of the Rehabilitation Plan, prepared by UNESCO in 1997.  Nevertheless it deeply regrets that a management plan based on the UNESCO plan has still not been prepared for adoption by the City of Mostar, which unfortunately has facilitated uncontrolled urban development.

 

 

13.   The ICE stresses that conservation in Mostar cannot be divided according to municipal districts and recalls to the City of Mostar the urgent necessity of preserving the architectural, historical and environmental values of Mostar as a whole, particularly in connection with the project for the Old Bridge and the nomination for the World Heritage List.   To this effect Messers Beschaouch and Pressouyre are requested to prepare a letter for the signature of the Director-General of UNESCO addressed to the authorities of the City of Mostar.

 

14.   The ICE welcomes the recommendation of the PCU that the ICE should reinforce the technical expertise of the evaluation committee for all future assignments. 

 

15.  The ICE accepts phase A of the report of General Engineering, subject to specific decisions concerning materials and techniques (see points 6,7,8,10 and 11).