Labor productivity assessment using activity analysis on semi high-rise building projects in Pakistan

Abstract

Construction organizations strive to increase their competitiveness by reducing the project costs especially labor cost. Optimizing labor productivity will ensure value for money. In the face of no guidelines available for local construction industry, research must be directed to benchmark construction labor productivity in building projects of Pakistan. Based on a thorough review of established productivity assessment methods, Activity Analysis is performed on five local semi high-rise building projects. Statistical analysis is carried out to identify labor productivity trends in seven standard areas. Further, sensitivity analysis is carried out to characterize the positive and negative influencers. It is revealed that labor spends a little more than one-third of working time in direct and support activities each, and one-quarter in delay activities. Furthermore, delay and support activities are correlated with direct work. Direct work is observed at its peak during midday hours, and lowest during the start and end of workday. The study is an original effort in benchmarking the labor productivity in construction projects of Pakistan. Based on the findings, productivity improvement strategies are proposed from which projects can benefit in the form of optimized costs and schedules. Results are of relevance towards understanding the labor productivity in developing countries.