A Study on rework due to design changes in infrastructure projects in Maldives

Abstract

Rework is experienced in every construction project and it impacts projects performance severely. Reduction of rework had always received special attention construction industry. Researchers have identified that a rework event may occur at any phase of the construction project. Rework due to design components are common in construction project. The aim of the research was to reduce rework due to design changes in infrastructure project in Maldives and overcome those causes. In this research, 28 causes of design changes were identified from previous work of researchers. After identifying the causes, the causes classified in to 8 groups with a design changes classification model. The research indicated that changes to scope by the client and changes to design schedule by the client as the most likely causes of design changes in civil infrastructure projects in Maldives. Moreover, it was found that the client as the major source of design changes. The research used a mixed method design approach as a research methodology. To investigate the causes of design changes, a survey questionnaire was developed to identify the most likely causes of design changes from construction professionals in Maldives. Furthermore, to explore the collected quantitative data the researcher approached construction professional‟s expert in the industry to understand and discovered the reasons for the causation of design changes and to identify activities to minimize the occurrence of the design change causes. The mostly likely cause of design changes in infrastructure projects in Maldives was, changes to scope by the client. Also, the client related causes were found as the major contributing group to design changes in infrastructure projects in Maldives. Hence, client, design consultant and constructors should emphasize to study thoroughly project background, review design drawings and design documents in the designing phase.