Loss of Productivity Analysis Using Project-Specific Curves

Abstract

It is a difficult and challenging task to quantify lost labor productivity in construction claims. Project-specific studies, such as the measured mile analysis, for calculating loss of productivity are generally more preferred than project comparison studies, industry studies, and cost-based methods. Although the measured mile method is commonly considered as the most preferred approach, its application is often discouraged due to difficulties in identifying similar work for comparison and/or the impact-free or lightly impacted sections. This paper will discuss how to develop a project-specific productivity curve regarding the effect of a key project variable on productivity. If a reasonable productivity curve can be established using productivity data from the unimpacted periods or areas, this curve can then be used to determine the should-have-been productivity in the impacted periods or areas. The lost productivity is the difference between the impacted productivity and should-have-been productivity. This paper will then demonstrate the application of project-specific productivity curves to loss of productivity analysis through a case study. The goal of this paper is to inspire practitioners to innovatively develop and use project-specific productivity curves to perform project-specific loss of productivity analyses.