Time-cost relationship in road and highway construction

Abstract

Time-Cost relationship has been found to be valid for different construction types by many researchers. The purpose of this study is to validate this relationship, based on a model developed by Bromilow et al., for highway construction in Florida. Along with time and cost factors, the modified model included contract types to determine whether this variable also has an effect on project duration. Data related to 235 roads and highways construction projects was obtained for the study. SPSS® program was used for analysis of the data. The statistical technique used for the analysis was multiple regression. The results indicate that both actual construction cost and contract type have got a statistically significant relationship with construction time for highway construction projects, at the level of significance (p-value) of < 0.0001. A prediction model of construction time has been developed based on the results of the study. This model will be useful to both graduate and undergraduate students taking courses related to cost estimating and construction project scheduling, and also to professionals involved with the construction industry. A study such as this one will also be helpful to the students in Construction Management to understand the goals of statistical modeling.