Construction Management Problems Causing Delays in Power Plant Construction Project

Abstract

The construction of power plants is critical to the stability of the power system. The construction project will be unable to meet public demand if it is delayed. The purpose of this research is to investigate the non-excusable delays caused by power plant construction management over the last five years, which were divided into two phases: project operation and project closure, by gathering data from (1) secondary data: progress reports and correspondences between the construction project management team and contractors from project inception to completion; and (2) primary data: in-depth interviews with members of the sample group who have knowledge of and work in the management of power plant construction projects. According to the study, the secondary data revealed that the erection and commissioning works take longer than expected, accounting for the majority of non-excusable delays during the project implementation phase. Most of the non-excusable delay during the project closure phase is caused by repair work taking longer than expected. The delays in both phases are caused by the project management factors in terms of method and management as follows: 1) Improper construction methods are used due to a lack of coordination. 2) Misinterpretation of construction drawings, which results in deviation from the drawings. 3) Due to an incorrect estimate or a desire to cut costs, insufficient labor is provided for the workload. The work is then concentrated on the main equipment. If the management improves by coordinating among related parties to plan together the operation schedules, conduct continuous monitoring of work progress, and adapt work plans appropriately to operating conditions, it may reduce delay problems and benefit future power plant construction projects.