Challenges of the Engineering Design Partnership Group in Design-Build Contracts

Abstract

Despite many advantages of design-build method and its proven effectiveness, performing projects by this method still faces numerous challenges. Some of these challenges concern the relation between the contractor and the owner and others about the relationship between the contractor and the designer/consultant who are chosen to perform the engineering tasks of the project. In essence, it is undoubtedly easier and less costly to mitigate these challenges than having to deal with them later. Because design/engineering tasks are prerequisite for all subsequent tasks of the project, challenges and problems must be mitigated in this stage. In the present study, which was conducted in Iran, 105 challenges of design/engineering team have been identified through a comprehensive literature survey and interviews with experts. Then, based on the results of previous step, a questionnaire was designed and distributed among the experts to analyze and specify the most significant challenges, and solutions were provided. The findings reveal that the most significant problems in the design/engineering section arising from this kind of implementation system originate from the owner’s organization and regulations.