The Appropriate delay analysis techniques to analyze the delays in road construction projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Appropriate Delay Analysis Techniques to Analyze the Delays in Road Construction Projects in Sri Lanka Most of the road constructions projects are unable to complete within the scheduled time and consequently subject to delay. These delays are compensated by the client and the contractor or either party as appropriate. In order to quantify the amount of time of delay and the apportionment of delay to the respective parties/party a proper delay analysis has to be carried out. It is evident that currently some ad hoc methods are followed for this purpose. Therefore it is the high time to identify the most suitable technique to analyze the delays in road construction projects in Sri Lanka. This study is aiming to identify the most suitable delay analysis technique to analyze the delays in road construction projects in Sri Lanka. The descriptive study was carried out through a preliminary survey, questionnaire survey and detailed interviews among the practitioners of the industry. The data was analyzed using percentages on frequencies, relative importance index and mean ratings. Criterion suitability score and overall suitability scores were calculated to decide the most suitable delay analysis techniques. The study revealed that, 66% of the projects in the study sample were delayed and DATs were used in 87.5% of them. As planned v as built method is the mostly used DAT. Unavailability of experts and difficulties in collecting reliable information were the main problems. Nine criteria which influenced in selecting a DAT were identified and the acceptance by the courts and tribunals was the mostly influenced criteria. The window analysis method which scored highest OSS was recommended as the most suitable method to analysis the delay in road projects in Sri Lanka