Abstract:
Within the sphere of construction, the "estimating process" is a significant element due to the lack of financial
resources available, and out of the branches of estimating, pre-tender cost estimating of road construction projects
requires extensive knOlviedge and expertise. The aim of this research is to assist clients and consultants in
improving the predictive ability of the cost estimating of road construction in Sri Lanka. This research has been
conducted through a literature review of topics related to the cost estimating process, followed by a questionnaire
survey. The analy'?Jng of 59 factors conclude that the main factors affecting the accuracy of pre-tender cost
estimation of road construction are: accuracy and reliability of cost information, material (prices / availability
/ supply / quality / imports), clear and detailed drmvings and specifications, completeness of cost information,
designer's experience level. "Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient" test was used as a measure of agreement
between the three groups of respondents with regard tofactors ranking, and it appears that they are generally in
strong agreement. Finally, 15 expert interviews were conducted to identijj the existingpractices of cost estimation of
road construction in S riLanka. These conclude that the main existing practices are: comparison with past similar
projects based on personal experience, established standards ex. HSR (High2vcrySchedule Rates) and comparison
with similar past projects based on documentedfacts The stucly recommended that both clients and consultants give
more attention to the cost estimating process and to hire qualified technical staff in order to obtain the accurate
estimate and to keep computerized historical data of completedprojects.
