Failure Caused by Inappropriate Construction Methods: An Expensive Lesson

Abstract

Construction method selection, implementation, and improvement (CMSII) is a crucial and difficult task for construction projects, especially for large and complex projects, which often face constraints such as complex project environment, lack of information, and uncertainties caused by new technologies. Despite its importance, few research projects have been conducted in this field, especially from both technical and management points of view. Although cases of project failure caused by inappropriate construction methods are reported from time to time, studies of the detailed causes and lessons learned are rare. This research developed a CMSII workflow model and discussed the CMSII process in a drainage project that suffered multimillion-dollar losses due to problems associated with CMSII. By investigating the details of the CMSII, this study identifies the key technical and management issues to be considered in each CMSII stage, reveals the problems, and, most importantly, summarizes the lessons learned.