Investigating construction delay factors and their causes on reservoir projects in Vietnam

Abstract

Currently, irrigation and hydropower are important economic and social development sectors that improve the quality and efficiency of people's life in the world as well as Vietnam. Vietnam has constructed around seven thousand reservoirs to date for many purposes such as water supply, flood control, or hydroelectric power. These reservoir construction projects play an important role in using water resources effectively and efficiently. However, many of these projects have been facing construction delays or increasing investment capital. This study aims to investigate the main causes of construction delay of reservoir projects through data collected from 310 valid respondents. Based on comprehensive literature review, this study identified and assessed a total of 37 primary causes which were grouped into six categories, namely, design phrase (six causes), construction phrase (five causes), human factors (five causes), technical factors (10 causes), legal factors (three causes), and external factors (eight causes). The results of regression analysis indicated that causes of technical, external, and human categories were the main causes of construction delays in reservoir projects. In conclusion, this study was useful for both academics and practitioners in exploring the important causes in reservoir construction projects which can help decision-makers reduce construction delays and use resources efficiently.