Abstract:
Defect claims are inevitable in construction projects. The complexity, high cost, and time
consumption for the completion of infrastructure projects lead to more defect claims. Thus,
this study aimed at how to manage defect claims in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.
Firstly, the types, causes, consequences, and strategies to manage claims were identified
through a literature review. This was followed by a detailed study of defect claims in
infrastructure projects to identify the types, causes, consequences, and management
strategies of defect claims in Sri Lanka. This was accomplished via semi-structured
interviews. Next, a questionnaire survey was carried out to identify the most significant
types, causes, consequences, and management strategies of defect claims in infrastructure
projects in Sri Lanka. Manual content analysis and relative importance index helped analyse
the collected empirical data through interviews and questionnaires, respectively.
The research findings revealed seven types of defect claims and identified the most
significant defect claim types as construction defects, workmanship defects, design defects,
and material defects. The most significant causes of defect claims were indented as
subcontractor failures, inadequate and inexperienced professionals employed, site conditions,
improper approvals, bad quality of work, inaccurate topological data, lack of resources,
improper project management, selected inexperienced contractors, and inadequate
specifications. The research findings further disclosed the most significant consequences of
defect claims as cost overrun, deterioration of the quality of the product to be delivered,
producing low-quality projects, damage to Business relationships, and sharing information
with project parties. Furthermore, the most suitable strategies to manage defects claims were
disclosed as clear and frequent communication, distribution of the required information,
establishing quality control measures, keeping records, early notification, use of named
subcontractors rather than nominated subcontractors, creating, implementing, and utilising a
logical and user-friendly schedule, monitoring the system set up by the main contractor,
scope assessment, and conducting regular site meetings.
Citation:
Thusharika, A.P.J.N. (2022). Management of defect claims in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka [Master's theses, University of Moratuwa]. Institutional Repository University of Moratuwa. hhttp://dl.lib.uom.lk/handle/123/21906