Study of Construction Delays in Design-Build Contracts

Abstract

Design-Build contracts are commonly employed in large public and private construction projects to expedite project completion and shift all risk to the contractor, but their use may result in issues. This study aims to scrutinize project details and procedures and examine the factors contributing to construction delays in two case study projects, namely the Intercity Motorway M6 Project (Bang Pa-In - Nakhon Ratchasima) and the Intercity Motorway M81 Project (Bang Yai - Kanchanaburi). A survey was conducted to determine project particulars, design and construction procedures, and factors leading to construction delays. Interviews with contractors revealed two levels of management, namely main and sub-contractors, with the former handling project management and the latter responsible for design and construction, hiring a foreign designer for the construction works. Issues arose from internal coordination of the design and construction working group, design delays and errors, insufficient personnel, lack of expertise, and inadequate management of the design and construction group. Cultural differences and working systems in foreign companies were also sources of conflict. Further problems included issues with the handover of the construction area and modifications to the construction design by the project owner. The study identified several factors contributing to construction delays, including delays in design processes, insufficient financial liquidity of subcontractors, errors in construction design drawings, unclear details in construction drawings, and non-payment to the sub-contractors.