Use of Delay Analysis Techniques (DAT) to Minimize the Time Overrun in Construction Projects

Abstract

Construction projects need to balance time, cost, and quality consistently. Out of that, one of the most crucial components of any project is time. Time management is essential to the success of every project. This study’s objective was to propose strategies to minimize the time overrun of construction projects through the identification and analysis of delay-causing factors as well as the application of delay analysis techniques. A total of 63 delay-causing factors were identified after a thorough search of the literature, and they were divided into seven categories: client-related, contractor-related, consultantrelated, material-related, equipment-related, labor-related, and external. The significance of the mentioned factors was evaluated using the responses to a questionnaire survey. Respondents primarily represented construction enterprises with specialists in the CS2 to C3 grades. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to translate the collected responses into quantitative values. The findings indicated that, among the seven categories, the material-related category is the most influencing category causing delays. Additionally, results revealed that MS project is the most used delay analysis technique in the present construction industry. In addition, motives and barriers regarding the most commonly used techniques were also highlighted. The investigation of the same data clustering the contractors for their grades is suggested as a final suggestion.