Utility factors affecting for selecting delay analysis technique

Abstract

Delays in the completion of scheduled activities as per the work plan will invariably lead to delays in construction. Such delays play havoc in the construction industry especially in a sustainable environment leading to many issues and disputes which in many cases retard the progress of the project. Therefore, minimizing delays is one of the most important factors in sustainable construction. Due to its criticality, a wide range of Delay Analysis Techniques (DAT) has been developed by various analysts over the years to address the issue. Further, with the emergence of new scenarios in sustainable construction with the passage of time, analysts have identified the inherent properties of each of these methodologies. These inherent properties or factors in turn become indicators for measuring the suitability and accuracy of DAT in a given context where they can be grouped into filter and utility factors. However, in the Sri Lankan construction industry, the resolving and managing of construction delays remain at an elementary stage with most analysts opting for an ad-hoc selection rather than being governed by considerations of suitability. This paper contains the findings of a literature review and interviews with experts which compare DAT and factors affecting the selection of DAT. The methodology adopted in undertaking this research is a case study and document reviews. The findings of the study will direct analysts to select the most suitable DAT and to reduce the error margin in delay analysis while aiding the increase in accuracy of delay analysis.