Forecasting Design‐Related Problems—Case Study

Abstract

The goal of an owner is to have a project that incorporates the latest technology with timely completion. This goal has resulted in fast‐track construction. The trade‐offs for this are design‐related problems that are often not found until the construction phase of the project. The results of these problems are work stoppages or rework and increased costs. This paper uses an industrial‐project case study to identify the number, type, and time of occurrence of design‐related problems. This information is used to develop a model to forecast potential design‐related problems. Results of this study show that design‐related problems can be traced back to the design phase of a project and that design complexity is the main cause of these problems. Profile curves are presented for specific disciplines that predict the pattern of problems throughout that discipline's progress. Forecasting models using design or construction man‐hours are developed to predict the potential number of design‐related problems that can be expected during the construction of an industrial project.