Understanding the Causes of Design Errors in Construction Projects: A DEMATEL-Based Framework

The design phase plays a crucial role in project development by providing a structured plan that transforms a vision into a tangible entity. Consequently, any errors detected during the design phase can have a profound impact on the overall project performance. Numerous researchers have identified design errors as one of the most critical factors contributing to disputes and project failure. However, they failed to investigate the direct factors, indirect factors, and interdependencies among the factors associated with construction design errors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the interrelationships among the causes of design errors. Nine causes of design errors were extracted and synthesized from the literature. Subsequently, 15 experts were interviewed, and the data collected was analyzed using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) algorithm. The critical factors and their relationships were then presented in an impact-relation map diagram. The findings confirm that the top three important causes of design errors are inadequate design experts (C1), lack of skills and experience (C2), and poor communication in a design team (C4). This study suggests that adoption of building information modeling (BIM), trainings, and design review may address these issues. The conclusions of this study can assist major players in the construction sector, as well as the government sector in establishing intervening strategies to mitigate errors and improve the quality of design.

The Malaysian construction industry can use BIM during the design phase as the studies identified insufficient design experts (C1), lack of skills and experience (C2), and poor communication in a design team (C4) as the top three causes of design errors due to their prominence value and influencing power on other factors. BIM improves communication within the design team as well as between the design team and clients. BIM enables a more integrated and collaborative approach to design, which lowers mistakes and misunderstandings. The Malaysian construction industry should invest in BIM training programs for design professionals as it continues to develop its training blueprints. This actionable initiative can improve the self-efficacies and proficiencies of design experts, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle complex design challenges. Practically, the industry can significantly increase project performance, productivity, and overall success while minimizing design errors by concentrating on critical causal factors, implementing cutting-edge technologies like BIM, providing training and support to design professionals, and putting in place robust review processes. For those working in the engineering and construction fields, and professional practitioners who are involved in the settlement of construction disputes, this study’s contribution is extremely important. It provides useful guidelines for enhancing project success while lowering the risks of legal and contractual issues caused by design errors.