Quantifying the Impact of Schedule Compression on Labor Productivity for Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractor
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 133, Issue 4
Abstract
In a typical construction project, a contractor may often find that the time originally allotted to perform the work has been severely reduced. The reduction of time available to complete a project is commonly known throughout the construction industry as schedule compression. Schedule compression negatively impacts labor productivity and consequently becomes a source of dispute between owners and contractors. This paper examines how schedule compression affects construction labor productivity and provides a model quantifying the impact of schedule compression on labor productivity based on data collected from 66 mechanical and 37 sheet metal projects across the United States. The model can be used in a proactive manner to reduce productivity losses by managing the factors affecting productivity under the situation of schedule compression. Another useful application of the model is its use as a litigation avoidance tool after the completion of a project.
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© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 22, 2004
Accepted: Mar 31, 2006
Published online: Apr 1, 2007
Published in print: Apr 2007
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