Civil engineering and infrastructure

The Special Interest Group (SIG) Civil Engineering and Infrastructure (GWW) was established to serve as a platform for all cost engineering professionals working in the sector.

The Steering Committee

The Steering Committee actively contributes to bringing cost experts and Cost Engineers together to strengthen the professional network and facilitate knowledge transfer within the sector and between the sectors represented within DACE. It regularly organises networking meetings at which topics of interest to all Cost Engineers are discussed.

Who are the members of the Steering Committee?

• Sander Steenbergen, Chair (Antea Group)
• Marcel Volleberg (Arcadis) 
• Erik Schulte Fischedick (Witteveen+Bos)
• Harold van der Werve (ProRail)
• Martijn Dijkers (Movares)
• Martina Dopper (Ballast Nedam)
• Patrick Buzing (Tauw)
• Rob Houweling (Nimas)
• Roy Voorend (CROW)
• Jacqueline Schlagwein (Schiphol Group)
• Ton de Vries (Rijkswaterstaat)
• Bastiaan Hogendonk (BAM)
• Ayad Haba (Haskoning)
• Guus van Eldik (Kodos)
• Roland van Daalen (Mobilis)
• Sander Kuiper (HWBP

The Working Groups

In addition, several working groups are active, exploring one or more topics in greater depth on a project basis. Each working group focuses on a specific theme and provides independent advice. The most recent topics include:

• AI and Costs;
• Development of SSK – General Construction Site Costs;
• Nitrogen Calculations;
• Input from Cost Engineers in the development of BIM.

Participation in the SIG GWW project groups is open to all DACE participants. Non-DACE participants may join by invitation but are expected to become DACE participants, either through their company or individually. Every SIG participant contributes through active involvement in its activities.

We particularly welcome young Cost Engineers and cost experts who would like to join and play a meaningful role in the development of our profession. Greater involvement from contractors is also encouraged.

Publication by the DACE SIG GWW Working Group on Nitrogen Calculations

Nitrogen calculations have been a major issue for some time, particularly in infrastructure. Projects may be delayed or even suspended as a result, creating considerable uncertainty within the sector.

The AERIUS software is used to calculate nitrogen deposition. The input for AERIUS is primarily derived from cost estimates and budgets. Cost experts from engineering consultancies, contractors and clients have observed that significant uncertainties in cost estimates are reflected in AERIUS outputs expressed to two decimal places. There is therefore a need for clear, consistent definitions and calculation rules for AERIUS input.

To investigate this issue, the Working Group on Nitrogen Calculations was established by DACE SIG GWW at the end of 2023, with the participation of CROW. Its aim is to establish clear calculation guidelines so that the sector has a framework for determining consistent input for AERIUS.

The findings of this study are presented in the DACE SIG GWW report Van SSK naar Stikstofdepositie (From SSK to Nitrogen Deposition). The working group presented the report at the DACE networking meeting on 20 June during the GWW preliminary session. The report can be downloaded this link.

Through this message, DACE SIG GWW would like to bring the report to the attention of the DACE community and share this knowledge with you.

• Certified Cost Engineer Programme (DACE)
• SSK (provided by CROW)
• Infrastructure Cost Expert (HAN)
• Infrastructure Cost Consultant (HAN)

About SIG GWW

SIG GWW is a community that provides a professional network for all Cost Engineering professionals working in this field. It is also part of, and an active participant in, an international network for Cost Engineering within the civil engineering sector.

Our mission has two main objectives:

• To improve communication about cost estimates, both within the sector and with related sectors (construction, industry, etc.), across the various parties involved (clients, consultants and contractors);

• To exchange information and promote knowledge of methods and techniques for determining costs and time requirements, as well as insights into the profitability of investments (costs and value).

Objectives:

• To expand the network of users and developers;
• To ensure that these professionals can meet and have opportunities to exchange technical knowledge and expertise. In this way, the SIG provides a platform for knowledge transfer.