Abstract

Given the importance of accurate contingency estimation to properly absorb cost fluctuations, there have been enormous efforts to identify risk factors and measure contingency in roadway projects. However, no study has proposed a contingency framework that reflects the linkage effects of factors through the project phases. To this end, this research develops a project phase-based contingency adjustment framework using a path analysis drawing on a dataset of 1,053 rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resurfacing (3R) roadway projects in Florida. In particular, our framework incorporates the sequential effects of factors through the lenses of project phases from planning and bidding and contract to construction and completion. The developed path model shows that individual factors may have direct and/or indirect impacts on project costs. The results of this study can be applied to better contingency and cost estimation and proper risk management in the preconstruction phases of roadway renewal projects.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The current research has part of the corresponding author’s doctoral dissertation entitled “Quantitative Analysis on Schedule, Cost, and Contingency: Performance Implications of Innovative Contracting Strategies,” which is electronically available from https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/174138. The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions.

References

Adeli, H. 2001. “Neural networks in civil engineering: 1989–2000.” Comput.-Aided Civ. Infrastruct. Eng. 16 (2): 126–142. https://doi.org/10.1111/0885-9507.00219.
Akinci, B., and M. Fischer. 1998. “Factors affecting contractors’ risk of cost overburden.” J. Manage. Eng. 14 (1): 67–76. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(1998)14:1(67).
Alwin, D. F., and R. M. Hauser. 1975. “The decomposition of effects in path analysis.” Am. Sociol. Rev. 14 (1): 37–47. https://doi.org/10.2307/2094445.
Baccarini, D. 2004. “Accuracy in estimating project cost construction contingency-a statistical analysis.” In Proc., Cobra 2004: RICS International Construction Conf., Responding to Change. Bentley WA, Australia: Curtin Research Publications.
Baccarini, D. 2006. “The maturing concept of estimating project cost contingency: A review.” In Proc., AUBEA2006. Sydney: Univ. of Technology.
Bakhshi, P., and A. Touran. 2009. “Comparison of current probabilistic approaches for budget estimating for transportation projects.” In Proc., 7th Int. Probabilistic Workshop, 479. Delft, Netherlands: Dirk Proske Verlag.
Bakhshi, P., and A. Touran. 2014. “An overview of budget contingency calculation methods in construction industry.” Procedia Eng. 85 (2014): 1–580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.10.528.
Bhargava, A., P. C. Anastasopoulos, S. Labi, K. C. Sinha, and F. L. Mannering. 2010. “Three-stage least-squares analysis of time and cost overruns in construction contracts.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 136 (11): 1207–1218. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000225.
Brown, A., J. Adams, and A. Amjad. 2007. “The relationship between human capital and time performance in project management: A path analysis.” Int. J. Project Manage. 25 (1): 77–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2006.07.011.
Browne, M. W., and R. Cudeck. 1989. “Single sample cross-validation indices for covariance structures.” Multivariate Behav. Res. 24 (4): 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327906mbr2404_4.
Chan, A. P., D. W. Chan, and J. F. Yeung. 2009. “Overview of the application of ‘fuzzy techniques’ in construction management research.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 135 (11): 1241–1252. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000099.
Chen, D., and F. T. Hartman. 2000. “A neural network approach to risk assessment and contingency allocation.” AACE Int. Trans. RI7A (2000): RI7.1–RI7.6.
Cheng, Y.-M. 2014. “An exploration into cost-influencing factors on construction projects.” Int. J. Project Manage. 32 (5): 850–860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.10.003.
Chester, M., and C. Hendrickson. 2005. “Cost impacts, scheduling impacts, and the claims process during construction.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (1): 102–107. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:1(102).
Choi, H.-H., H.-N. Cho, and J. Seo. 2004. “Risk assessment methodology for underground construction projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 130 (2): 258–272. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2004)130:2(258).
Choi, K., Y. H. Kwak, J.-H. Pyeon, and K. Son. 2012. “Schedule effectiveness of alternative contracting strategies for transportation infrastructure improvement projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 138 (3): 323–330. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000431.
Choi, K., Y. H. Kwak, and B. Yu. 2010. “Quantitative model for determining incentive/disincentive amounts through schedule simulations.” In Proc., 2010 Winter Simulation Conf., 3295–3306. New York: IEEE.
Choi, K., Y. Yin, D. Goehl, and H. D. Jeong. 2021. “Alternative contracting methods: Modeling and assessing the effects of contract type on time-cost-change performance.” J. Manage. Eng. 37 (1): 04020096. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000863.
Cooper, D., D. MacDonald, and C. Chapman. 1985. “Risk analysis of a construction cost estimate.” Int. J. Project Manage. 3 (3): 141–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/0263-7863(85)90065-1.
Creedy, G. D., M. Skitmore, and J. K. W. Wong. 2010. “Evaluation of risk factors leading to cost overrun in delivery of highway construction projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 136 (5): 528–537. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000160.
Dey, P., M. T. Tabucanon, and S. O. Ogunlana. 1994. “Planning for project control through risk analysis: A petroleum pipeline-laying project.” Int. J. Project Manage. 12 (1): 23–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/0263-7863(94)90006-X.
Ehsan, N., E. Mirza, M. Alam, and A. Ishaque. 2010. “Notice of Retraction: Risk management in construction industry.” In Proc., 2010 3rd Int. Conf. on Computer Science and Information Technology, 16–21. New York: IEEE.
Ellis, R. D., Jr., J.-H. Pyeon, Z. J. Herbsman, E. Minchin, and K. Molenaar. 2007. Evaluation of alternative contracting techniques on FDOT construction projects. Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board.
ENR (Engineering News Record). 2018. Top 250 international contractors. New York: ENR.
Fayek, A. R., M. Dissanayake, and O. Campero. 2003. “Measuring and classifying construction field rework: A pilot study.” Res. Rep.
Fayek, A. R., and A. Oduba. 2005. “Predicting industrial construction labor productivity using fuzzy expert systems.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (8): 938–941. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:8(938).
FDOT (Florida DOT). 2007. Annual performance and production review of the department of transportation. Tallahassee, FL: FDOT.
FDOT (Florida DOT). 2017. Construction project administration manual. Tallahassee, FL: FDOT.
Flyvbjerg, B., M. S. Holm, and S. Buhl. 2002. “Underestimating Costs in Public Works Projects: Error or Lie?” J. Am. Plann. Assoc. 68 (3): 279–295. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944360208976273.
Flyvbjerg, B., M. K. Skamris Holm, and S. L. Buhl. 2003. “How common and how large are cost overruns in transport infrastructure projects?” Transp. Rev. 23 (1): 71–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441640309904.
Flyvbjerg, B., M. K. Skamris Holm, and S. L. Buhl. 2004. “What causes cost overrun in transport infrastructure projects?” Transp. Rev. 24 (1): 3–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144164032000080494a.
Garson, G. D. 2013. Path analysis. Asheboro, NC: Statistical Associates Publishing.
Gkritza, K., and S. Labi. 2008. “Estimating cost discrepancies in highway contracts: Multistep econometric approach.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 134 (12): 953–962. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2008)134:12(953).
Gunhan, S., and D. Arditi. 2005. “Factors affecting international construction.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (3): 273–282. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:3(273).
Hsieh, T. Y., S. T. Lu, and C. H. Wu. 2004. “Statistical analysis of causes for change orders in metropolitan public works.” Int. J. Project Manage. 22 (8): 679–686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2004.03.005.
Humphreys, K. K., K. M. Curran, M. W. Curran, C. O. Gruber, S. S. Patil, F. Wells, and J. G. Zhao. 2008. International recommended practice No. 41 R-08 risk analysis and contingency determination using range estimating TCM framework: 7.6—Risk management. Morgantown. Morgantown, WV: American Association of Cost Engineering.
Ibbs, W. 2012. “Construction change: Likelihood, severity, and impact on productivity.” J. Leg. Aff. Dispute Resolut. Eng. Constr. 4 (3): 67–73. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)LA.1943-4170.0000089.
Irfan, M., M. B. Khurshid, P. Anastasopoulos, S. Labi, and F. Moavenzadeh. 2011. “Planning-stage estimation of highway project duration on the basis of anticipated project cost, project type, and contract type.” Int. J. Project Manage. 29 (1): 78–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.01.001.
Isidore, L. J., and W. E. Back. 2002. “Multiple simulation analysis for probabilistic cost and schedule integration.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 128 (3): 211–219. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2002)128:3(211).
Jahren, C. T., and A. M. Ashe. 1990. “Predictors of cost-overrun rates.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 116 (3): 548–552. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1990)116:3(548).
Kermanshachi, S., and E. Safapour. 2020. “Gap analysis in cost estimation, risk analysis, and contingency computation of transportation infrastructure projects: A guide to resource and policy–based strategy establishment.” Pract. Period. Struct. Des. Constr. 25 (1): 06019004. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)SC.1943-5576.0000460.
Kim, J.-L., and R. D. Ellis Jr. 2006. Accurate cost contingency model for transportation construction projects. Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board.
Korman, R., and S. Daniels. 1998. “Audit Notes’avoidable’changes.” ENR 240 (13): 14.
Lhee Sang, C. 2014. “Finding significant factors to affect cost contingency on construction projects using ANOVA statistical method -focused on transportation construction projects in the US.” Archit. Res. 16 (2): 75–80.
Li, G., G. Zhang, C. Chen, and I. Martek. 2020. “Empirical bid or no bid decision process in international construction projects: Structural equation modeling framework.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 146 (6): 04020050. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001830.
Magnussen, O. M., and N. O. Olsson. 2006. “Comparative analysis of cost estimates of major public investment projects.” Int. J. Project Manage. 24 (4): 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2005.11.011.
Marsh, H. W., J. R. Balla, and K.-T. Hau. 1996. “An evaluation of incremental fit indices: A clarification of mathematical and empirical properties.” In Advanced structural equation modeling: Issues and techniques, 315–353. New York: Psychology Press.
Molenaar, K. R. 2005. “Programmatic cost risk analysis for highway megaprojects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (3): 343–353. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:3(343).
Moselhi, O. 1997. “Risk assessment and contingency estimating.” AACE Int. Trans. 90: 90–95.
Olumide, A. O., S. D. Anderson, and K. R. Molenaar. 2010. “Sliding-scale contingency for project development process.” Transp. Res. Rec. 2151 (1): 21–27. https://doi.org/10.3141/2151-03.
Paek, J. H., Y. W. Lee, and J. H. Ock. 1993. “Pricing construction risk: Fuzzy set application.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 119 (4): 743–756. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1993)119:4(743).
Park, J., and Y. H. Kwak. 2017. “Design-bid-build (DBB) vs. design-build (DB) in the US public transportation projects: The choice and consequences.” Int. J. Project Manage. 35 (3): 280–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.10.013.
Pietlock, B. A., D. W. Leo, J. K. Hollmann, and H. E. Hani. 2001. “Review draft: Proposed revisions/additions to AACE International Standard No. 10s-90 ‘Standard Cost Engineering Terminology’ (October 17, 2001).” Cost Eng. 43 (12): 35.
Roberds, W., and T. McGrath. 2006. “Quantitative cost and schedule risk assessment and risk management for large infrastructure projects.” In Proc., Project Management Institute Conf. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
Rowland, H. J., Jr. 1981. The causes and effects of change orders on the construction process. Fort Belvoir, VA: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta School of Civil Engineering.
Ryu, K. R. 2018. “Quantitative analysis on schedule, cost, and contingency: Performance implications of innovative contracting strategies.” Ph.D. dissertation, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M Univ.
Sachs, T., and R. L. Tiong. 2009. “Quantifying qualitative information on risks: Development of the QQIR method.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 135 (1): 56–71. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2009)135:1(56).
Schreiber, J. B., A. Nora, F. K. Stage, E. A. Barlow, and J. King. 2006. “Reporting structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis results: A review.” J. Educ. Res. 99 (6): 323–338. https://doi.org/10.3200/JOER.99.6.323-338.
Shane, J. S., K. R. Molenaar, S. Anderson, and C. Schexnayder. 2009. “Construction project cost escalation factors.” J. Manage. Eng. 25 (4): 221–229. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(2009)25:4(221).
Shrestha, P. P., and H. Zeleke. 2018. “Effect of change orders on cost and schedule overruns of school building renovation projects.” J. Leg. Aff. Dispute Resolut. Eng. Constr. 10 (4): 04518018. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)LA.1943-4170.0000271.
Simtette, J. 2004. “Accounting for megaproject dollars.” Public Roads 68 (1): 40–47.
Smith, G. R., and C. M. Bohn. 1999. “Small to medium contractor contingency and assumption of risk.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 125 (2): 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1999)125:2(101).
Sonmez, R., A. Ergin, and M. T. Birgonul. 2007. “Quantitative methodology for determination of cost contingency in international projects.” J. Manage. Eng. 23 (1): 35–39. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(2007)23:1(35).
StataCorp LP. 2017. Stata statistical software: Release 15 (2017). College Station, TX: StataCorp LP.
Touran, A. 1993. “Probabilistic cost estimating with subjective correlations.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 119 (1): 58–71. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1993)119:1(58).
Touran, A. 2003. “Calculation of contingency in construction projects.” IEEE Trans. Eng. Manage. 50 (2): 135–140. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2003.810824.
Touran, A. 2006. “Owners risk reduction techniques using a CM.” Constr. Manage. Assoc. Am. 1–55.
Touran, A., and P. Bakhshi. 2010. “Effect of escalation on large construction programs.” Assoc. Adv. Cost Eng. Int. Trans. Risk 14.
Wang, L., X. Fan, and V. L. Willson. 1996. “Effects of nonnormal data on parameter estimates and fit indices for a model with latent and manifest variables: An empirical study.” Struct. Equation Modell. Multidiscip. J. 3 (3): 228–247. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519609540042.
Wichern, S. 2004. “Protecting design-build owners through design liability coverage, independent construction managers, and quality control procedures.” Transp. Law J. 32 (1): 35.
WSDOT (Washington State DOT). 2016. A + B bidding. Washington, DC: WSDOT.
Yeo, K. 1990. “Risks, classification of estimates, and contingency management.” J. Manage. Eng. 6 (4): 458–470. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)9742-597X(1990)6:4(458).
Zayed, T., M. Amer, and J. Pan. 2008. “Assessing risk and uncertainty inherent in Chinese highway projects using AHP.” Int. J. Project Manage. 26 (4): 408–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2007.05.012.
Zhang, Y., A. Chini, R. E. Minchin Jr., L. Ptschelinzew, and D. Shah. 2018. “Performance of seven highway construction contracting methods analyzed by project size.” Front. Eng. Manage. 5 (2): 240–250. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FEM-2018040.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149Issue 2February 2023

History

Received: Jan 24, 2022
Accepted: Oct 26, 2022
Published online: Dec 15, 2022
Published in print: Feb 1, 2023
Discussion open until: May 15, 2023

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

Authors

Affiliations

Ph.D. Student, Dept. of Civil Engineering, The Univ. of Texas at Arlington, 416 S. Yates St., Arlington, TX 76010. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5238-7273. Email: [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, The Univ. of Texas at Arlington, 416 S. Yates St., Arlington, TX 76010 (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8555-6558. Email: [email protected]
June Young Park [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, The Univ. of Texas at Arlington, 416 S. Yates St., Arlington, TX 76010. Email: [email protected]
Cecil Windsor Endowed Associate Professor, Dept. of Construction Science, Texas A&M Univ., 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0184-2977. Email: [email protected]

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share