Difference in S-Curve for Different Types of Construction Projects

Abstract

Project cash flow and contractor S-curve are tools that can be used to measure, control and anticipate project progress. Few studies dedicated to evaluate and judge the behaviour of the original S-curve. This study aims to evaluate the similarities and changes of construction projects S curves between different project types. More than 40 S-curves were collected from the state of Kuwait for different types of construction projects. The list of collected curves divided into six groups based on the type of client, no of buildings and number of floors. Statistical analysis used to compare the curves inside each group of projects. Statistical analysis using test of normality, T-paired test then Standard Euclidean Distance were applied to evaluate the similarity and changes between groups. This study revealed that there is a level of similarity of S-curves for high rise buildings and there is no similarity of S-curves for one or multi-building projects. The maximum gap between S-curves for one and high rise building laying in the middle part of project duration, while the maximum gap between S-curves for multi-building project laying in 70% to 80% of project duration. This study revealed that the variance of S-curve behaviour indicating there is no common attitude for all types of construction project types. This study can help construction stakeholders to anticipate their expected expenses and help in project cash flow management.