Root Causes of Design-Construction Interface Problems in Iranian Design-Build Projects
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 145, Issue 12
Abstract
This article aims to identify design-construction interface problems and their causes in design-build projects to present solutions to resolve these problems. Accordingly, through a qualitative multiple–case study approach in four Iranian design-build projects, 26 problems were identified, some of the most important of which are too much employer interference in design and construction, poor planning and scheduling, and poor decision making by employers. Knowing the causes and their causation, which are related to all project phases, can help practitioners consider them and avoid their unfavorable consequences in future projects, improve the interface integration, and make better decisions that can potentially enhance project performance. In addition, the problems were prioritized to determine the top 10 problems. Eventually, the experts recommended 10 solutions according to the most important causes and two main root causes, including poor public culture and misunderstanding of the design-build term. In conclusion, it is worth bearing in mind that this study opens a new perspective in exploring the root causes of design-construction interface problems.
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Data Availability Statement
Data generated or analyzed during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the participating experts for their generous and feedback. The authors gratefully acknowledge the following those who made valuable suggestions or who have otherwise contributed to the preparation of this research: Mohsen Ansari, Hamid Soltanmohammadi, Marzi Kahnamelli, Mohammad Hossein Mahmoudi Sari, Moslem Darabi, Hadi Mahami, Mehdi Delavari, Ali Khatmimaab, Hesam Barhemmat, Ehsan Forsatkar, and Kazem Tabatabayi. The views expressed and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the people.
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Nov 7, 2018
Accepted: Apr 26, 2019
Published online: Oct 15, 2019
Published in print: Dec 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Mar 15, 2020
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