Soil remediation construction management system

Abstract

To solve a problem that there is, in soil-purification work, a risk that it is impossible to determine a purification method unless digging is performed and an initial budget is exceeded if an unexpected contaminant is found in the process of work.SOLUTION: A land purification-work managing system has: a contract managing section that, if there are an insurer who compensates for a difference between an initial estimate and a total amount of implementation, a financial operator who lends cost for every work, a client and a constructor, confirms a contract with the client at an initially-estimated total amount agreed between the insurer and the constructor; an investigation managing section that replaces an initially-estimated investigation cost with an actual investigation cost according to a progress of investigation work and, if a total amount of payment seems to become greater than the initially-estimated total amount, makes notification to the insurer; a construction managing section that replaces an initially-estimated construction cost with an actual construction cost according to the progress of investigation work for purification work and, if a supposed cumulative amount of implementation seems to become greater than the initially-estimated total amount, makes notification to the insurer; and a settlement managing section that notifies the client of a final amount of payment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for managing the flow of funds related to the progress of a project by four parties: a client who commissions the project, a contractor who undertakes the project, a financier who lends funds to the client, and an insurer who compensates for the difference when the actual project cost exceeds the initial total estimate of the project.

Background Art

[0002] When the soil of the land is contaminated, the land cannot be traded as it is, and the landowner needs to purify the soil. Patent Document 1 provides an evaluation system for land contaminated with soil for calculating the purification cost of the soil and evaluating the subsequent selling price of the land, etc. In this system, the soil contamination evaluation of the target land is performed based on the information stored in the evaluation database and the soil contamination information.

[0003] However, the contamination of the land penetrates in the depth direction as well. Therefore, for the purification of the soil of the contaminated land, it is necessary to conduct an investigation at the actual site and estimate the necessary purification work. Also, when actually performing the purification work, there is a problem that a contaminated layer that could not be detected in the investigation is discovered and the funds prepared by the client are insufficient.

[0004] To solve this problem, in recent years, in some cases, the soil of the land is purified with the cooperation of the client, the construction company, a financial company that raises funds, and an insurance company that compensates for the additional work required when the work exceeds the planned funds.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Soil remediation work is divided into two stages: investigation work and remediation work. In other words, the initial estimate before starting work, the work estimate after the investigation work, and the actual costs incurred during the work can all fluctuate as the work progresses. Therefore, even if the insurance company guarantees the maximum amount, the client may still have doubts as to whether the work was completed at a cost less than the funds they had prepared.

[0007] On the other hand, insurance companies are concerned with whether or not the actual costs will exceed the initially estimated funds. In other words, there was a strong demand for the discrepancy between the initial funds and the final required actual costs to be clarified as the construction progressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention was conceived in view of the above requirements and provides a soil remediation project management system that visualizes a comparison between the initial estimated total cost and the expected actual cost (provided as the estimated total cost) as the soil remediation work progresses, and presents this information to the client, construction company, financial company, and insurance company. More specifically, the soil remediation construction management system according to the present invention is: A soil remediation project management system that manages the soil remediation project requested by a contractor AG from a client CL who has an insurer IN that guarantees the maximum amount of soil remediation work consisting of an investigation phase in which investigation work PSk is carried out on land L before soil remediation and a construction phase in which remediation work PCk is carried out, and a financier FN that provides loans for the costs of the soil remediation project. Based on the contractor database AGDB held by the contractor AG, the contractor estimate Ect, which includes the contractor's estimate for the survey process and the construction process, is calculated, and based on the insurer database INDB held by the insurer IN, the insurer estimate Ein, which includes the insurer's estimate for the survey process and the construction process, is used to calculate the initial estimated total cost EΣ, which consists of the initial estimated survey cost EvSk for the survey process and the initial estimated construction cost EvCk for the construction process. The contract management department then confirms the contract for the soil remediation work with the client CL. By replacing the initial estimated survey cost EvSk in the initial estimated total amount EΣ with the actual survey cost RSk of the survey work PSk, the assumed total implementation amount CEΣ is calculated. Based on the results of the aforementioned survey work PSk, the aforementioned estimated total construction cost CEΣ is updated by replacing the aforementioned initial estimated construction cost EvCk in the aforementioned estimated total construction cost CEΣ with the revised estimated construction cost ECk. The aforementioned actual survey cost RSk is added to the calculated implementation amount XE. The investigation management department reports on the aforementioned investigation process and notifies the client CL of at least the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ, The estimated total implementation cost CEΣ is updated by replacing the revised estimated construction cost ECk in the estimated total implementation cost CEΣ with the actual construction cost RCK. The aforementioned actual construction cost RCK is added to the aforementioned estimated actual cost XE. The construction management department reports the aforementioned construction process and notifies the client CL of at least the estimated total construction cost CEΣ, The Insurance Management Department, which notifies at least the insurer IN if the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ is greater than the initial estimated total amount EΣ, and the Survey Management Department and the Construction Management Department, The settlement management unit notifies the client CL of the smaller of the initial estimated total amount EΣ and the calculated implementation amount XE, which is equal to the assumed total implementation amount CEΣ, as the final invoice amount TR. The aforementioned contract management department uses the aforementioned initial estimated total amount EΣ as follows: The aforementioned contractor estimate Ect, The aforementioned insurer estimate Ein, The method is characterized by being determined based on equation (1), which uses coefficients a and b agreed upon between the contractor AG and the insurer IN.

[0009]

number

[0010] The soil purification work management system according to the present invention constitutes the initial estimate total amount EΣ with the initial estimate investigation cost EvSk and the initial estimate construction cost EvCk, which are the estimates of the investigation work and the purification work. As the work progresses, by replacing the estimated amount with the actual cost, the total actual cost at the end of the work can be visualized. Therefore, the client can always know information such as whether the work is progressing as planned and whether there is a large surplus in the budget.

[0011] In addition, insurance companies and financial companies can know information such as whether insurance funds need to be prepared and how much funds need to be lent until the work is completed, according to the progress of the work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship among the client, the constructor, the financier, and the insurer surrounding the soil purification work management system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the schedule of the soil purification work. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the soil purification work management system. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the overall process of the soil purification work management system. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the process of the contract management process. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing in an equation how the initial estimate total amount changes to the assumed implementation total amount. [Figure 7] It is a graph showing how the initial estimate total amount changes to the assumed implementation total amount. [Figure 8] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​This graph shows how the projected total cost changes to the actual total cost. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of construction management. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the process for calculating other aspects of the construction management process. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of cost-related notifications for the construction management process. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps in the payment management process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The soil remediation construction management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to drawings and examples. The following description illustrates one embodiment of the present invention and an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following description. The following description may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 1 shows the surrounding relationships of the soil remediation construction management system 1 according to the present invention. Client CL owns land L, or may be an agent for the owner of land L. However, this land L is contaminated. If client CL wants to resell this land L, they will need to remediate the soil of this land L before reselling it.

[0015] Contractor AG is a business capable of performing soil remediation. It is a typical construction company. It is commissioned by the client CL to perform soil remediation work and carries it out. The soil remediation work management system 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "management system 1") is built on server 50 owned by Contractor AG. Contractor AG receives intermediate payments from the client CL as the work progresses.

[0016] Generally, such construction work is very expensive, and there is a possibility that unexpected contaminants may be discovered during soil remediation, leading to additional costs for remediation. For the client (CL), the possibility of such a situation makes it difficult to proceed with soil remediation work.

[0017] The insurer IN has the role of compensating for the portion exceeding the initial estimated total cost EΣ in the event of such a situation. In other words, the insurer IN receives insurance premiums from the client CL and pays insurance benefits for the portion exceeding the initial estimated total cost EΣ. The insurer IN is usually equivalent to an insurance company. The initial estimated total cost EΣ is the amount agreed upon between the contractor AG and the insurer IN, presented to the client CL, and contracted by the client CL for the soil remediation work. In other words, it is an estimate created before commencing the soil remediation work.

[0018] Furthermore, the financier FN has the role of lending money to cover the costs incurred during the soil remediation work. The financier FN will ultimately receive repayment from the client CL with the proceeds from the sale of the land L. The financier FN is usually a financial company.

[0019] Server 50 is owned by the contractor AG, but this does not prevent the insurer IN and the financier FN from owning it. It is connected to the client CL, insurer IN, and financier FN via communication lines and can send and receive various notifications. Specifically, it sends information to insurer IN with the transmission signal SIN and receives information with the reception signal RIN. It also sends information to financier FN and client CL with the transmission signals SFN and SCL, respectively, and receives information with the reception signals RFN and RCL.

[0020] The insurer IN, the financier FN, and the client CL each possess terminals capable of sending and receiving these transmission and reception signals. The soil remediation construction management system 1 transmits information regarding the details and results of the investigation work, the details and results of the remediation work, the initial estimated total cost EΣ, and the deviation from the initial estimated total cost EΣ due to the progress of the work to the insurer IN, the financier FN, and the client CL. Hereafter, the client CL, the insurer IN, and the financier FN will be collectively referred to as "each party."

[0021] Figure 2 shows the general progress of the soil remediation work. As will be explained in detail in the flowchart below, the soil remediation work is initiated by a contract for the work, which is concluded between the client CL and the contractor AG based on an agreement on the costs (contract process). Alternatively, the contract may be a two-party, three-party, or four-party contract between the client CL, contractor AG, insurer IN, and financier FN. The work is divided into an investigation phase, which includes investigation work, and a construction phase, which includes remediation work. The contamination status of the land L is investigated in advance, and then the actual remediation work is carried out. Once the construction phase is completed, the soil of land L is remediated.

[0022] Subsequently, land L is sold. During this time, the financier FN lends the construction costs to the client CL, and the insurer IN receives premiums and compensates for the difference if the final amount is higher than the initial estimated total amount EΣ (P21). The survey and construction phases may be divided into several stages. Settlement takes place in the settlement phase (P22). The financier FN receives repayment of the loan from the proceeds of the land sale (P23).

[0023] Figure 3 shows a configuration diagram of the management system 1 according to the present invention. The management system 1 is built on a server 50. Hardware-wise, it consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10 and memory 12, and although it is driven almost entirely by software, it can be considered to be composed of "sections" that perform processing.

[0024] In other words, management system 1 consists of a contract management department 20, a survey management department 22, a construction management department 24, and a settlement management department 26, which can be considered to perform the respective processes of contract management, survey management, construction management, and settlement management. In addition, the survey management department 22 and the construction management department 24 are equipped with an insurance management department 30.

[0025] Furthermore, the management system 1 includes a receiving end 52 that receives communications from the client CL, the insurer IN, and the financial institution FN, a transmitting end 54 that transmits communications to the client CL, the insurer IN, and the financial institution FN, and an insurance transmitting end 56 that provides insurance notifications when insurance coverage is possible.

[0026] <Main flow step 100> Figure 4 shows the main flow of Management System 1. The general flow of the process will be explained below. Note that the actual flow of soil remediation work is shown in Figure 2, so please refer to Figure 2 as well.

[0027] Management System 1 is started when a request application (P1) is submitted by the client CL as shown in Figure 2. Once Management System 1 is started (step S100), the contract management process (step S102) is carried out. In the contract management process (step S102), after receiving the request from the client CL, the contractor AG and the insurer IN create the "initial estimated total amount EΣ" and obtain an agreement with the client CL for the soil remediation work contract. Management System 1 determines that an agreement has been reached when the agreement is entered by the contractor AG, or when the intention of agreement between the contracting parties is entered into Management System 1 via the communication line.

[0028] If an agreement on the construction request contract is not reached (N branch in step S104), management system 1 stops (step S112). Management system 1 determines that the contract is not concluded when either contracting party inputs their intention to disagree.

[0029] Once an agreement is reached (Y branch in step S104), the investigation process begins, and the investigation management process (step S106) is implemented. In the investigation process, investigation work for soil remediation is carried out. In addition to the investigation work, matters such as reporting, billing, and payment of expenses are also carried out. The investigation work investigates the degree of soil contamination on the site and obtains information to determine how to actually carry out the remediation work.

[0030] In the survey management process (step S106) of Management System 1, the differences between the initial estimated survey cost EvSk and the actual survey cost RSk, changes in the initial estimated construction cost EvCk (revised estimated construction cost ECk), and changes in the initial estimated total cost EΣ are mainly managed in accordance with the progress of the survey work.

[0031] Survey work typically involves multiple stages, such as investigating the surface and deeper layers of the land. For example, this might include partial excavation of the surface layer of the land or boring. In other words, survey work is often carried out in multiple stages. Therefore, the survey management process (step S106) may be performed for each of these stages of survey work.

[0032] Therefore, Management System 1 determines whether or not the survey process is complete. Management System 1 knows the completion of the survey process based on the completion or repeat command entered by the contractor AG.

[0033] If the investigation process is not yet complete, the investigation process is repeated, as is the investigation management process (step S106). In addition, the details of the investigation are entered into the soil remediation work management system 1 at each stage of the investigation work and reported to each person involved.

[0034] When the investigation process is completed, and the investigation management process (step S106) is also completed, the process moves on to the next step. Note that the stages of the investigation work may be treated not only as divisions of work but also as temporal divisions. For example, reporting to each person every week.

[0035] As soon as the construction process begins, Management System 1 starts the construction management process (step S108). The construction process is the process in which the soil remediation work is actually carried out. In addition to the remediation work, matters such as reporting, billing, and payment may also be performed. In the construction management process (step S108) of Management System 1, the difference between the revised estimated construction cost ECk and the actual construction cost RCk, which is affected by the progress of the remediation work, and the resulting change in the initial estimated total amount EΣ are managed.

[0036] The construction process may involve purification work being carried out at multiple stages. In the construction management process (step S108) of Management System 1, the results are entered at each stage of the purification work or at regular intervals and reported to each person. Therefore, Management System 1 determines whether or not the construction process is completed. Management System 1 knows when the construction worker AG has completed the construction process or entered a repeat command.

[0037] If the construction process is not completed, the purification work is repeated, and the construction management process (step S108) is also repeated. When the construction process is completed, the construction management process (step S108) is also terminated in management system 1, and the process is moved to the next settlement management process (step S110).

[0038] In the settlement management process (step S110), the final cost incurred (calculated actual cost XE) is compared with the initial estimated total cost EΣ, and the lower of the two is notified to the client CL as an invoice. The process then ends (step S112). Note that the calculated actual cost XE is the amount calculated from the costs that were initialized at the beginning of the survey management process (step S106) and subsequently incurred.

[0039] Furthermore, as the actual construction work progresses, such as the survey work in the investigation phase and the purification work in the construction phase, the estimated total cost CEΣ may exceed the initial estimated total cost EΣ, potentially requiring the application of insurance. Therefore, management system 1 includes an insurance notification process (steps S184 (Figure 11) and S224 (Figure 15) described later) to notify each party, including the insurer IN, of this. The estimated total cost CEΣ refers to the amount after the initial estimated total cost EΣ has been revised by replacing estimated costs with actual costs as the actual construction progresses. The estimated total cost CEΣ will ultimately be the same as the calculated total cost XE.

[0040] Furthermore, in the survey management process (step S106) and the construction management process (step S108), the difference between the assumed total cost CEΣ and the initial estimated total cost EΣ is calculated and notified to each person. In addition, the contract management process (step S102) and contract conclusion (step S104) are carried out by the contract management department 20 in Figure 3, the survey management process (step S106) is carried out by the survey management department 22, the construction management process (step S108) is carried out by the construction management department 24, the settlement management process (step S110) is carried out by the settlement management department 26, and the insurance notification process is carried out by the insurance management department 30. The following describes each step in the flow chart in Figure 4 in detail.

[0041] <Contract Management Process Step S102> Figure 5 shows the processing flow of the contract management process. When control is transferred to the contract management process (step S102), the contractor's estimate Ect is entered (step S120), and the insurer's estimate Ein is entered (step S122). The contractor AG estimates the cost of soil remediation work (contractor's estimate Ect) for the target land L from the client CL based on the contractor database AGDB (see Figure 1), which is an accumulation of the contractor AG's past construction experience. In other words, the contractor's estimate Ect is an estimate created by the contractor AG.

[0042] Insurer IN also estimates the cost of soil remediation work (insurer estimate Ein) for the target land L from client CL based on the insurer database INDB (see Figure 1), which is an accumulation of past insurance contract experience. In other words, insurer estimate Ein is an estimate created by insurer IN. Contractor estimate Ect is entered into management system 1 by contractor AG. Insurer estimate Ein is entered into management system 1 by insurer IN via received signal RIN. Note that contractor AG may also enter insurer estimate Ein into management system 1.

[0043] The contractor database AGDB, owned by contractor AG, is primarily based on AG's past construction experience. Other information, such as the land history of the property L for which soil remediation is requested, is also used as reference.

[0044] On the other hand, the insurer database INB, which is owned by insurer IN, is primarily based on IN's past compensation experience. Needless to say, insurer IN also investigates the historical land use information of the land L that is the target of soil remediation.

[0045] Contractor AG wants to estimate the cost of soil remediation work for client CL as low as possible while still making a profit, due to price competition among contractors. On the other hand, insurer IN will compensate for any difference if the final total construction cost exceeds the estimate, so a higher estimate is preferable. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate an estimate that can be agreed upon by both contractor AG and insurer IN.

[0046] In the initial total cost calculation (step S124), the initial total cost EΣ is calculated from the contractor's estimate Ect and the insurer's estimate Ein. The calculation of the initial total cost EΣ is not particularly limited, as long as it is a method that can be agreed upon by the contractor AG and the insurer IN. For example, a calculation method like that shown in equation (1) can be suitably used.

[0047]

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[0048] EΣ is the initial total estimate, Ect is the contractor's estimate, and Ein is the insurer's estimate. The coefficients a and b may be predetermined between the contractor AG and the insurer IN, or they may be determined through consultation between the contractor AG and the insurer IN specifically for this project.

[0049] Next, it is determined whether the contractor AG and the insurer IN can reach an agreement on the initial total estimated cost EΣ obtained using equation (1) (step S126). If the contractors cannot reach an agreement (N branch in step S126), the process returns to inputting the contractor's estimate (step S120). If the contractors reach an agreement (Y branch in step S126), the construction schedule is determined (step S128).

[0050] The initial estimated total cost EΣ is composed of the sum of the initial estimated survey cost EvSk and the initial estimated construction cost EvCk (see equation (2)). This is because the procedure involves conducting a survey for areas requiring remediation, determining the method of remediation, and then calculating the estimated cost. In other words, the initial estimated construction cost EvCk, which is the estimate for the k-th construction, is determined based on the results of the k-th survey.

[0051] The initial estimated survey cost (EvSk) is the estimated cost for each stage of the survey process, prepared before the commencement of soil remediation work. Similarly, the initial estimated construction cost (EvCk) is the estimated cost for each stage of the construction process, prepared before the commencement of soil remediation work.

[0052]

number

[0053] Therefore, if the contractors have agreed on the initial total estimated cost EΣ, then the initial estimated survey costs EvSk and the initial estimated construction costs EvCk have also been agreed upon, and as a result, the construction schedule for the survey and construction phases has been determined. It can also be said that the phase determination (step S128) is determined once the initial total estimated cost EΣ has been agreed upon.

[0054] In addition, the "k" in the initial estimated survey cost EvSk and initial estimated construction cost EvCk represents an index for each stage when the survey and construction are divided into multiple stages. For example, it is expressed as the initial estimated survey cost for the first stage EvS1. Equation (2) means summing the i-th initial estimated survey cost EvSi and the i-th initial estimated construction cost EvCi, and then summing this up from i1 to k. In this specification, specific numbers or the variable "i" are used in the processing steps, and the variable "k" is used when explaining in general terms.

[0055] Next, the initial total estimated amount EΣ is presented to the client CL (step S130). The presentation is made from management system 1 to client CL via a communication line. However, it may also be done by actually creating an estimate, presenting it to client CL, and then inputting that fact into management system 1. After that, the process returns to the main routine (step S132).

[0056] Refer again to the main routine in Figure 4. In the contract management process (step S102), when the initial estimated total amount EΣ is calculated (P2 in Figure 2) and presented to the client CL (P3 in Figure 2), the client CL inputs whether or not they agree to the presented initial estimated total amount EΣ (step S104). As explained earlier, the management system 1 knows whether or not an agreement has been reached based on input from the contractor AG, etc.

[0057] In step S104, if the client CL agrees to the initial total estimated cost EΣ presented by the contractor AG and the insurer IN, the contract for the soil remediation work is concluded. In actual construction, the agreement of not only the client CL but also the lender FN, who will provide the initial total estimated cost EΣ, is required, but in the management system 1, it is acceptable to input that an agreement has been obtained from the client CL.

[0058] Referring to Figure 2, in the actual conclusion of a contract, the client CL enters into a contract with the contractor AG to commission the work, a loan agreement with the financier FN, an insurance contract with the insurer IN (P4), and pays the insurance premium to the insurer IN (P5). Although the insurance premium will not be mentioned again, payment will be made in accordance with the insurance contract.

[0059] Refer again to the main routine in Figure 4. If the contract is not concluded (N branch in step S104), the management system 1 itself stops (step S112). The soil remediation work management system 1 waits for the next request from client CL (P1 in Figure 2) to be entered.

[0060] <Investigation Management Process Step S106> After the contract is signed, the contractor AG will carry out investigation work (Figure 2: P6). The investigation work is an on-site investigation of the land L where soil remediation will be carried out. Investigation work is usually carried out in multiple stages, such as a surface layer investigation, individual investigations that further investigate the surface layer where contamination is detected in more detailed sections, and deep layer investigations that investigate the areas where contamination was detected in the individual investigations in more depth. At each stage of the investigation work, processing is carried out according to the investigation management process (step S106).

[0061] Refer to Figure 2 to further explain the survey process. Once the survey work at the predetermined stage is actually carried out (P6), the survey report is entered into management system 1 and sent to each person (P7). Then, cost-related notifications for the carried-out survey work are issued (P8). The cost-related notifications include the cost of the carried-out survey (actual survey cost RSk), the revised estimated construction cost ECk which is the estimate for the construction work that is modified by the survey work, and the estimated total cost CEΣ which is revised from the initial estimated total cost EΣ accordingly.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the relationship between the initial estimated total cost EΣ and the assumed total cost CEΣ. The initial estimated total cost EΣ is composed of the initial estimated survey cost EvSk and the initial estimated construction cost EvCk, as shown in equation (2). The explanation continues below assuming that the survey and remediation work will be carried out in three stages: surface survey of land L, individual survey, and deep survey. These survey works will be referred to as PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively. The corresponding remediation work will be referred to as PC1, PC2, and PC3.

[0063] Since the survey and purification work are carried out in three stages, the initial estimated survey costs consist of three stages: EvS1, EvS2, and EvS3, and the initial estimated construction costs consist of three stages: EvC1, EvC2, and EvC3. This can be written explicitly as equation (3) (see Figure 6).

[0064] Once the initial survey work PS1 is carried out, the actual survey cost RS1, which is the actual cost of the survey work, is determined. In other words, the initially estimated survey cost EvS1 is replaced by the actual survey cost RS1, which is the cost of survey work PS1. The same applies to survey work PS2 and survey work PS3 (see Figure 6: Equation (4)).

[0065] Furthermore, the investigation work PS1 will reveal the actual situation of the purification work PC1, and the cost of the purification work PC1 will be revised depending on whether it is as initially expected or not. In other words, the initial estimated construction cost EvC1 will be revised to the revised estimated construction cost EC1 (see Figure 6: Equation (5)). As a result, the initial estimated total amount EΣ will also be revised to the assumed total amount CEΣ (see Figure 6: Equation (6)).

[0066] Figure 7 shows this relationship graphically. Referring to Figure 7, in both Figure 7(a) and Figure 7(b), the horizontal axis represents each stage of the investigation work and the purification work, and the vertical axis represents the cost. Figure 7(a) shows the initial estimated total cost EΣ. For investigation work PS1 to PS3 and purification work PC1 to PC3, the initial estimated investigation costs EvS1 to EvS3 and the initial estimated construction costs EvC1 to EvC3 are estimated. These totals are shown as a line graph, and the total accumulated amount is represented by the initial estimated total cost EΣ. Note that the vertical axis of the initial estimated total cost EΣ has a different scale than the individual costs for each investigation work and each purification work. The same applies to Figure 7(b).

[0067] Figure 7(b) shows the state after the investigation work PS1 to PS3 has been carried out. Investigation work PS1 to PS3 replaces the initial estimated investigation costs EvS1 to EvS3 with the actual investigation costs RS1 to RS3. In addition, investigation work PS1 to PS3 has revised the estimates for the purification work PC1 to PC3 into revised construction costs EC1 to EC3, which are more detailed than the initial estimates.

[0068] The difference between the initial estimated survey cost EvSk and the actual survey cost RSk is defined as the survey difference ΔSk. Similarly, the difference between the initial estimated construction cost EvCk and the revised estimated construction cost ECk is defined as the revised estimated construction difference ΔECk. Figure 7(b) shows the survey difference ΔS2 and the revised estimated construction difference ΔEC2 for the survey work PS2 and the purification work PC2.

[0069] By comparing the estimated total cost CEΣ with the initial estimated total cost EΣ, the client CL can check at each stage of the construction progress whether the costs for soil remediation will be within the initial estimated total cost EΣ or whether costs exceeding the initial estimated total cost EΣ will be required.

[0070] Refer to Figure 2 again. If the projected total cost CEΣ exceeds the initial estimated total cost EΣ, an insurance notification (P9) will be issued. This is a particularly important notification for the insurer IN, as they will need to begin preparing for insurance coverage. The investigation report (P7), expense-related notifications (P8), and insurance notification (P9) are processed as part of management system 1.

[0071] In practice, the survey process involves the lender FN providing a loan to the client CL (P10) for the payment of the invoice for the survey work PSk from the contractor AG to the client CL, and the client CL then paying the contractor AG (P11). The exchange of information related to these matters may also be included in management system 1.

[0072] Figure 8 shows the processing flow of the survey management process (step S106). Once the survey management process (step S106) begins, initial settings are performed, including setting the assumed total implementation amount CEΣ to the initially estimated total amount EΣ (step S140).

[0073] Figure 9 shows the contents of the initial setup (step S140). The initial setup includes the process of setting the assumed total implementation amount CEΣ to the initial estimated total amount EΣ, as well as the process of initializing (setting the values ​​to zero) the assumed balance ER, the calculated implementation amount XE, and the calculated construction amount ΣC (step S160). Once these initial setups are completed, the process returns to the survey management process (step S140) (step S162).

[0074] Refer to Figure 8 again. During the initial setup (step S140), survey work is carried out on-site (P6 in Figure 2), and a survey report (P7 in Figure 2) is created. This survey report is entered into management system 1 and notified to each person from management system 1 (step S142). Next, the actual survey cost RSi of the survey work PSi is calculated (step S144). This is obtained by the contractor AG entering all the costs incurred in the survey work PSi into management system 1 and summing them up.

[0075] Next, the initial estimated survey cost EvSi and the actual survey cost RSi are swapped in the estimated total cost CEΣ (step S146). This is done by subtracting the initial estimated survey cost EvSi from the estimated total cost CEΣ and adding the actual survey cost RSi. The construction costs, which have been corrected by this survey work PSi, are also swapped (step S148). Specifically, the initial estimated construction cost EvCi is subtracted from the estimated total cost CEΣ and the corrected estimated construction cost ECi is added. The remaining amounts are also calculated.

[0076] It should be noted that, while it is stated here that the investigation work PSi modifies the purification work PCi, modifications may also occur to other purification works besides the purification work PCi. For example, this could occur if the budget for purification works PC2 and PC3 needs to be revised because the investigation work PS2 has been carried out.

[0077] Remediation work (PCi) consists of multiple sequential works carried out from the surface to the deeper layers. In other words, remediation work in the deeper layers cannot be carried out until the remediation work in the shallower layers is completed. Survey work (PSi) is set for each corresponding remediation work (PCi), but budget adjustments may also be made to remediation work performed after the remediation work corresponding to the survey work (PSi). Management system 1 makes such budget adjustments possible.

[0078] Next, other calculations (step S150) are performed. Figure 10 shows the processing flow of other (cost) calculations (step S150). Specifically, in the survey work PSi, the calculation of the survey difference ΔSi, which is the difference between the initial estimated survey cost EvSi and the actual survey cost RSi, and the revised estimated construction difference ΔECi, which is the difference between the initial estimated construction cost EvSi and the revised estimated construction cost ECi (step S170), the updating of the assumed balance ER (step S172), and the updating of the calculated implemented amount XE (step S174).

[0079] The projected balance ER is calculated from the difference in survey costs ΔSi and the difference in revised construction estimates ΔECi, and represents the amount that would remain in the client's hands if the current estimate were implemented as is.

[0080] Client CL initially plans to spend the total estimated amount EΣ. However, if the actual construction costs are lower than the initial estimated amount EΣ, the difference will remain in their possession. Therefore, for client CL, observing the trend of the projected balance ER can be useful information for managing the finances of new projects. Also, for insurer IN, if the projected balance ER becomes negative, insurance payments will be made, so its trend can be useful information for their insurance business. In short, presenting the projected balance ER to each person at each stage of the investigation and remediation work can be useful information for each person.

[0081] The calculated implementation amount XE is the sum of the actual costs incurred at each stage of the investigation and remediation work. Once these calculations are complete, the routine returns to the investigation management process (step S150) (step S176).

[0082] Refer to Figure 8 again. Once the other calculations (step S150) are complete, proceed to the cost-related notification (step S152).

[0083] Figure 11 shows the processing flow for expense-related notifications (step S152). When the processing of expense-related notifications (step S152) begins, each person is notified of the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ, the actual survey costs RSi incurred for the survey work PSi, the estimated balance ER, and the estimated implementation amount XE calculated in steps S148 and S150 (step S180). The actual survey costs RSi incurred for the survey work PSi may also include the invoice for these costs.

[0084] Next, the projected total cost CEΣ is compared with the initially estimated total cost EΣ (step S182). If the initially estimated total cost EΣ is greater than the projected total cost CEΣ (N branch in step S182), the routine returns to the investigation and management process (step S152) (step S186).

[0085] On the other hand, if the initial estimated total cost EΣ is smaller than the assumed total cost CEΣ (Y branch in step S182), it means that construction costs exceeding the initial estimated total cost EΣ will be required, and therefore an insurance notification is issued (step S184). The insurance notification is always sent to the insurer IN. Then, the process returns to the routine of the investigation management process (step S152) (step S186). Note that the insurance notification process (step S184) corresponds to the insurance management unit 30 in Figure 3.

[0086] Refer to Figure 8 again. Once the cost-related notification (step S152) is completed, it is checked whether the survey process is complete or not (step S154). In this case, it is determined whether survey work PS1, survey work PS2, and survey work PS3 are completed or not. If the survey work is not completed (N branch in step S154), the process moves to the next survey work. In this case, the subscript "i" is incremented. Management system 1 waits in the survey report (step S142) until the next survey results are available and information that can be reported is entered. If the survey is completed (Y branch in step S154), the process returns to the main routine (step S156).

[0087] <Construction Management Process Step S108> Once the investigation phase is complete, the contractor AG will carry out the actual soil remediation work. Refer to Figure 2 to explain the construction process. After the investigation phase is complete, the construction phase (remediation work) will be carried out (P12). Once the remediation work is completed, a construction report will be submitted (P13). This report will include details of the remediation work and the extent to which soil remediation was achieved as a result of the work.

[0088] Next, cost-related notifications are issued (P14). Here, the revised estimated construction cost ECk is replaced with the actual construction cost RCK, updating the assumed total cost CEΣ. This is then compared with the initial estimated total cost EΣ, and if the assumed total cost CEΣ is higher than the initial estimated total cost EΣ, an insurance notification is issued (P15).

[0089] Furthermore, the estimated total cost CEΣ approaches the calculated total cost XE by being replaced by the actual survey costs RSk and actual construction costs RCK. Once all the purification work PCk is completed, the estimated total cost CEΣ will be the same as the calculated total cost XE.

[0090] If the expense-related notice includes an invoice for the cleanup work performed, the lender FN will pay the loan to the client CL (P16), and the client CL will pay the contractor AG the cost of the work performed RCK (P17).

[0091] Figure 12(b) shows the situation where the revised estimated construction cost ECk is replaced by the actual construction cost RCK. Figure 12(a) is a reproduction of Figure 7(b). In both Figure 12(a) and Figure 12(b), the horizontal axis shows each stage of the investigation work and the remediation work, and the vertical axis shows the cost amount. Note that the line graph is the estimated actual cost XE, and the vertical axis is scaled down compared to the costs of the investigation work and the remediation work stages. Figure 12(b) shows the state when the remediation work PC1 to PC3 is completed.

[0092] Furthermore, the arrow labeled "EΣ" in Figure 12(a) represents the initial estimated total cost (see Figure 7(a)), and the arrow labeled "CEΣh" represents the estimated total cost CEΣ at the time the survey is completed. In Figure 12(b), the arrows labeled "EΣ" and "CEΣh" have the same meaning as in Figure 12(a). In Figure 12(b), "CEΣf" represents the estimated total cost CEΣ when construction PCi is completed to the end (in this case, when the purification work PC3 is completed). As explained above, the estimated total cost CEΣf is the same as the estimated total cost XE.

[0093] Upon completion of the remediation work, the revised estimated construction cost ECk is replaced by the actual construction cost RCk. In this example, at the time the investigation work PSk was completed, it was anticipated that the cost of the remediation work would be higher than initially planned, so the anticipated total actual cost CEΣ was higher than the initial estimated total cost EΣ (Figure 12(a)). When this was discovered, an insurance notification was issued (step S184 in Figure 11).

[0094] However, when the actual construction was carried out, the soil was not as contaminated as had been assumed during the survey phase, and the remediation work was minor. As a result, Figure 12(b) shows that the actual construction cost RCi was less than the revised estimated construction cost ECi shown in Figure 12(a). Specifically, the revised estimated construction cost EC1 and the actual construction cost RC1 were the same, but the actual construction costs RC2 and RC3 were lower than the revised estimated construction costs EC2 and EC3.

[0095] As a result, although the insurer IN had prepared the insurance payment when the survey work PSk was completed, ultimately no insurance payment was made. In addition, the client CL was left with the difference between the initial estimated total amount EΣ and the actual cost incurred XE (= expected total cost incurred CEΣ) (this matches the expected balance ER).

[0096] Figure 13 shows the processing flow of the construction management process (step S108) of management system 1 in the construction process described above. Once the processing of the construction management process (step S108) has started, the work is carried out after waiting for the completion of the purification work at the stage being implemented (step S190: P13 in Figure 2).

[0097] Note that the variables set in the initial setup (step S140) of the survey management process (step S104: Figure 8) will not be set again. This is because the variables relating to the costs of the survey work and the remediation work are variables that are used for calculation, so if they are initialized at the beginning of the survey management process (step S106), there is no need to initialize them in later processes.

[0098] Next, each cost is calculated. First, the actual construction cost RCi for the purification work PCi is calculated (step S192). This is calculated by the contractor AG inputting the costs incurred for the purification work PCi and summing them up. Next, the estimated total cost CEΣ is updated by replacing the revised estimated construction cost ECi with the actual construction cost RCi (step S194). Specifically, the revised estimated construction cost ECi is subtracted from the estimated total cost CEΣ and the actual construction cost RCi is added.

[0099] Then, calculations are performed for the other variables (step S196). Figure 14 shows the process of calculating the other variables (step S198). The estimated construction cost ΣC is updated by adding the actual construction cost RCi (step S210). The estimated construction cost ΣC is a variable used to calculate the total actual construction cost RCi for the purification work PCi. As shown on P17 of Figure 2, if construction costs are paid at each stage of construction, it is not necessary to use the estimated construction cost ΣC. The estimated construction cost ΣC is used when billing for the actual construction costs in a lump sum during the settlement process.

[0100] Next, the construction difference ΔCi, which is the difference between the revised estimated construction cost ECi and the actual construction cost RCi, is calculated (step S212). Then, the construction difference ΔCi is added to the assumed balance ER (step S214). The construction difference ΔCi is positive if the revised estimated construction cost ECi is greater than the actual construction cost RCi, and negative if the revised estimated construction cost ECi is less than the actual construction cost RCi. As a result of adding the construction difference ΔCi, the assumed balance ER is revised and shows the difference from the initial estimated total amount EΣ. If the assumed balance ER is positive, the client CL will have the funds remaining; if it is negative, the client CL will have no funds remaining. Finally, if the assumed balance ER becomes negative, the insurance payment is made. Note that the construction difference ΔCi is generally called the construction difference ΔCk.

[0101] Next, the actual construction cost RCi is added to the estimated construction cost XE (step S216). In the construction management process (step S108), the estimated construction cost XE is the sum of the actual survey cost RSi and the actual construction cost RCi. Then, when all construction is completed and the final actual construction cost RCi is added, it becomes the same as the assumed total construction cost CEΣ. This is because in step S194 of Figure 13, the revised estimated construction cost ECi is replaced by the actual construction cost RCi. After that, the process returns to the construction management process (step S196) (step S218).

[0102] Refer to Figure 13 again. Once processing returns from other calculations (step S196), the next step is cost-related notification (step S198). Figure 15 shows the processing flow of cost-related notification (step S198). When cost-related notification (step S198) begins, the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ, the actual construction cost RCi for the purification work PCi at this stage, the estimated balance ER, and the calculated implementation amount XE are reported to each person (step S220).

[0103] Next, the assumed total cost CEΣ is compared with the initially estimated total cost EΣ (step S222). If the assumed total cost CEΣ is greater than the initially estimated total cost EΣ (Y branch in step S222), an insurance notification (step S224) is issued. This is because the calculated total cost XE may exceed the initially estimated total cost EΣ.

[0104] If the estimated total cost CEΣ is not greater than the initial estimated total cost EΣ (N branch in step S222), the insurance notification (step S224) is not performed, and the process returns to the construction management process (step S226). Note that the insurance notification (step S224) corresponds to the processing of the insurance management unit 30 in Figure 3.

[0105] <Payment Management Process Step S110> Refer to Figure 2 again. In the settlement process, a report on the completion of the work is first submitted (P18). Then, a final cost notification is issued (P19). Note that if payments have been made for each survey work PSk and purification work PCk, the final cost notification will only report the amount. After that, any outstanding costs are settled (P20~P22).

[0106] Refer to Figure 4 again. In the settlement process described above, management system 1 moves from the construction management process (step S108) to the settlement management process (step S110). Figure 16 shows the flow of the settlement management process (step S110). Once the process moves to the settlement management process (step S110), the construction completion report is submitted (step S250). Next, the final invoice amount TR is calculated as shown in equation (7) (step S252). The final invoice amount TR is the smaller of the calculated amount XE and the initial estimated total amount EΣ.

[0107]

number

[0108] Here, MIN() is a function that selects and outputs the smaller of the two values ​​in parentheses. In this way, the soil remediation work management system 1 according to the present invention charges the client CL the calculated amount XE if the calculated amount XE is lower than the initial estimated total amount EΣ, and charges only the initial estimated total amount EΣ if the calculated amount XE is greater than the initial estimated total amount EΣ. In other words, the client CL will not incur expenses exceeding the initial estimated total amount EΣ.

[0109] Next, the insurance compensation amount TIN is calculated (step S254). The insurance compensation amount TIN is the calculated amount XE minus the initial estimated total amount EΣ. Therefore, if the calculated amount XE is lower than the initial estimated total amount EΣ, the insurance compensation amount TIN will be a negative value, and if the calculated amount XE is higher than the initial estimated total amount EΣ, the insurance compensation amount TIN will be a positive value. If the insurance compensation amount TIN is a negative value, the client CL will have funds remaining. If the insurance compensation amount TIN is a positive value, the client CL will have spent the entire initial estimated total amount EΣ that they prepared before the start of construction, and the insurance compensation amount TIN will be compensated by the insurer IN.

[0110] Next, the calculated construction cost XE, the initial estimated total amount EΣ, the final invoice amount TR, and the insurance compensation amount TIN are notified to each person (step S256). This corresponds to the final cost notification (P19) in Figure 2. If construction costs are received at each stage of construction during the construction process, only the amount is notified. If the costs incurred during the construction process are billed together in the settlement management process, the calculated construction cost ΣC is included in step S256. Once the report in step S256 is completed, the process returns to the main routine in Figure 4 (step S258).

[0111] Refer to Figure 4 again. Once the settlement management process (step S110) is completed, the soil remediation work management system 1 terminates (step S112).

[0112] Refer to Figure 2 again. Subsequently, regarding the soil remediation work, if the final cost notification P19 from contractor AG includes an invoice payable by client CL, financier FN will lend the funds to client CL (P20). Also, if there is an insurance payment, insurer IN will pay the insurance money to client CL (P21). Then, client CL will make the final payment to contractor AG (P22). The contract for the soil remediation work between client CL and contractor AG is now concluded.

[0113] Furthermore, the client CL then sells the land L, which has undergone soil remediation, and uses the profits to repay the loan to the lender FN (P23).

[0114] As described above, the soil remediation work management system 1 according to the present invention can provide useful information to the four parties: the client CL, the contractor AG, the financier FN, and the insurer IN, by informing them of the changes in the total estimated amount EΣ to the actual cost XE in accordance with the progress of the investigation work PSk and the remediation work PCk. [Industrial applicability]

[0115] The soil remediation work management system according to the present invention can be suitably used for the construction of buildings, facilities, etc., by replacing the soil remediation work on land with the construction of buildings, facilities, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1. Soil remediation construction management system (management system) 10 CPU 12 memory 20 Contract Management Department 22. Investigation Management Department 24 Construction Management Department 26 Payment Management Department 30 Insurance Management Department 50 servers 52 Receiving end 54 Transmitter 56 Insurance transmission end CL Client L land AG Contractor IN Insurer EΣ Initial Estimated Total FN Financier SIN transmission signal RIN received signal SFN, SCL transmission signal RFN, RCL received signal EvSk Initial Estimated Survey Costs RSk Field Survey Costs EvCk Initial Estimated Construction Cost ECk revised estimate construction cost RCk Implementation Cost XE Estimated Cost CEΣ Estimated total implementation amount Ect builder estimate Ein Insurer Quote AGDB Contractor Database INDB (Insurer Database) ΔSk Survey Difference ΔECk Revised Estimate Difference ER projected balance ΣC Estimated construction cost ΔCi construction difference ΔCk Construction difference TR Final bill amount TIN Insurance Coverage Amount

Claims

1. A soil remediation project management system that manages the soil remediation project requested by a contractor AG from a client CL who has an insurer IN that guarantees the maximum amount of soil remediation work, which consists of an investigation phase in which investigation work PSk is carried out on land L before soil remediation, and a construction phase in which remediation work PCk is carried out, and a financier FN that provides loans for the costs of the soil remediation project. Based on the contractor database AGDB held by the contractor AG, the contractor estimate Ect, which includes the contractor AG's estimate for the survey process and the construction process, is calculated, and based on the insurer database INDB held by the insurer IN, the insurer estimate Ein, which includes the insurer IN's estimate for the survey process and the construction process, is calculated to determine the initial estimated total cost EΣ, which consists of the initial estimated survey cost EvSk for the survey process and the initial estimated construction cost EvCk for the construction process. The contract management department then confirms the contract for the soil remediation work with the client CL. By replacing the initial estimated survey cost EvSk in the initial estimated total amount EΣ with the actual survey cost RSk of the survey work PSk, the assumed total implementation amount CEΣ is calculated. Based on the results of the aforementioned survey work PSk, the aforementioned estimated total construction cost CEΣ is updated by replacing the aforementioned initial estimated construction cost EvCk with the revised estimated construction cost Eck. The aforementioned actual survey cost RSk is added to the calculated implementation amount XE. The investigation management department reports on the aforementioned investigation process and notifies the client CL of at least the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ, The estimated total implementation amount CEΣ is updated by replacing the revised estimated construction cost ECk in the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ with the actual construction cost RCk. The aforementioned construction cost RCk is added to the estimated construction cost XE. The construction management department reports the aforementioned construction process and notifies the client CL of at least the estimated total construction cost CEΣ, The Insurance Management Department, which notifies at least the insurer IN if the estimated total implementation amount CEΣ is greater than the initial estimated total amount EΣ, and the Survey Management Department and the Construction Management Department, The settlement management unit notifies the client CL of the smaller of the initial estimated total amount EΣ and the calculated implementation amount XE which is equal to the assumed total implementation amount CEΣ, as the final invoice amount TR. The Contract Management Department uses the initial estimated total amount EΣ as follows: The contractor's estimate Ect, The aforementioned insurer estimate Ein, A soil remediation work management system characterized by being determined based on equation (1) using coefficients a and b agreed upon between the contractor AG and the insurer IN. [Number 100]

2. The aforementioned Investigation Management Department, The difference between the initial estimated survey cost EvSk and the actual survey cost RSk, which is the survey difference ΔSk, is added to the assumed balance ER. The aforementioned survey difference ΔSk is notified to the client CL. The aforementioned construction management department, The difference between the revised estimated construction cost Eck and the actual construction cost RCk, which is the construction difference ΔCk, is added to the assumed balance ER. A soil remediation work management system according to claim 1, which notifies the client CL of the construction difference ΔCk.

3. The aforementioned construction process consists of a series of purification work processes that are completed sequentially. The aforementioned investigation process includes investigation work corresponding to the multiple purification work, As a result of conducting the aforementioned investigation work, the cost of the aforementioned purification work, which will be carried out later than the corresponding aforementioned purification work, will be changed. A soil remediation work management system according to claim 1, wherein the initial estimated construction cost EvCk of the aforementioned construction process is modified to a revised estimated construction cost ECk.

4. The soil remediation construction management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the investigation process is carried out in three stages: a surface layer investigation of the surface layer of the land L, individual investigations of the surface layer in which contamination has been detected in more detailed sections, and a deep layer investigation of the part in which contamination has been detected in the individual investigation.

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