Forecastng Engineering Manpower Requirements for Highway Preconstruction Activities

Abstract

This paper presents statistical models for forecasting the engineering manpower requirements for highway preconstruction activities. Two sets of models were developed in this study. In the first set of models, the independent variable used was estimated construction cost, and in the second set of models the estimated construction cost and project type were the independent variables. The models forecast engineering manpower requirements in terms of engineering man-hours as well as engineering cost. The data used to derive the models were collected from projects awarded for construction by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Simple linear-regression and multiple-regression techniques were used to derive the models. Curves developed from the models illustrating design man-hours per million dollars of construction as well as engineering as a percentage of construction cost are also presented. This study found that project construction cost and project type are excellent predictors of engineering manpower requirements.