Design Build Research Articles

A comparative analysis of project performance: Public–Private Partnership (P3) Highway Projects vs. Design-Build (DB) and Design-Bid-Build (DBB) Highway Projects

Public–private partnerships (P3) have become increasingly significant in both advanced and emerging economies in recent years. In the United States, P3 contracts have been utilized across a wide range of infrastructure sectors. However, it is crucial to evaluate how P3 projects perform in terms of cost and schedule compared to traditional project delivery methods to make informed decisions. This study focuses on comparing the performance of P3 highway projects with those delivered through design-build (DB) and design-bid-build (DBB) methods, particularly in terms of cost and schedule growth. Statistical analyses revealed that P3 highway projects showed a mean cost growth of 2.12%, whereas DB projects recorded 8.95% and DBB projects 7.27%. In terms of schedule growth, P3 projects had a mean growth of 0.59%, while DB projects experienced 37.94% and DBB projects 31.39%. These findings provide valuable insights to support decision-making for future projects, benefiting government agencies, private companies, and other stakeholders in infrastructure development. The results can assist in choosing the appropriate project delivery method, potentially minimizing disputes and project failures.

Literature Review on Collaborative Project Delivery for Sustainable Construction: Bibliometric Analysis

This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis and traditional literature review concerning collaborative project delivery (CPD) methods, with an emphasis on design-build (DB), construction management at risk (CMAR), and integrated project delivery (IPD) Methods. This article seeks to identify the most influential publications, reveal the advantages and disadvantages of CPD, and determine the most suitable CPD methods for sustainable construction. This research involves the application of bibliometric instruments in R, which is a powerful statistical computing language that can be used to perform complex data analyses and visualizations on bibliographic data to scrutinize academic journals retrieved from the Scopus database. Google Scholar is also utilized for an in-depth analysis as part of this study. Relevant articles are identified and screened for review. Our analysis is grounded on an extensive dataset of 927 journal articles collected from the year 2000 up to September 2023, providing a robust foundation for a comprehensive examination. Citation analysis identified highly cited publications that have significantly influenced the discourse on CPD. The analysis further established the advantages and disadvantages of CPD methods to suggest the most suitable CPD technique for sustainable construction. The results of this analysis offer insights into future directions and opportunities for further research through a comprehensive overview of the existing discourse on the subject. The paper classifies CPD through collaborative contracting, particularly through early contractor involvement (ECI), groups the design-build and construction manager at risk methods under CPD, and aligns their advantages with the critical success factors for sustainable construction in order to select the most suitable CPD technique. This research can serve as a guide for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers, providing a structured path for collaborative endeavors and facilitating coordinated efforts toward collaborative project delivery methods and sustainable construction.

Construction safety challenges and opportunities at design stage for building industry in Pakistan

The implementation of Design for Construction Safety (DfCS) at the early design phase can proactively identify and address potential hazards in construction projects. By integrating safety considerations into the design process, it becomes possible to eliminate or minimize risks before they become costly and dangerous issues can also be avoided during construction. To gain insights into the current practices and barriers faced by professionals in the construction industry of Pakistan regarding DfCS, a comprehensive study was conducted. This study utilized a combination of questionnaire-based surveys and interviews to gather data from various stakeholders involved in the design and construction processes. The research revealed that DfCS was absent in the standard design practice. The weaknesses identified for the implementation of DfCS were designers’ inevitable doubts about increasing cost, schedule problems, absence of contracts and regulations, designers’ lack of safety knowledge and skills. The largest influential factors were regulatory liability on the designer (29%) and increasing costs (27%). The study identified that less trained worker were rated 59% for site accidents. 87% of respondents suggested revision of contract and regulations. The study proposed a framework to check constructability with respect to safety standards. Alternative project delivery method i.e., Design Build (DB) was recommended to reduce health and safety accidents and barriers.

Innovative strategic multicriteria decision-making selection model of infrastructures projects delivery systems using multiobjective optimization, case of Egypt

Purpose To help decision-makers choose appropriate infrastructure project delivery systems (IPDS) and keep up with the construction industry’s rapid growth, this study aims to develop a goal optimization technique.This looks into team integration, large production and optimum sustainability. The suggested approach for meeting several infrastructure project objectives is flexible and expandable. This research overcomes the significant discrepancy between the construction industry’s progress and the rate at which project delivery methods evolve. Design/methodology/approach This study examined pertinent literature to choose an appropriate project delivery method and gave information on several elements that affect that decision. After optimization using a genetic algorithm (GA), a Pareto front of solutions has been found. The three construction goals of sustainability, mass production and team integration are all met by the chosen best solution. The four most popular possibilities for studying the suggested approach are five primary categories, each of which has 22 variables, and the weight of each variable was established using Simo’s procedure. This is optimized, demonstrating the accuracy of the optimization model. Findings Sustainability, mass production and team integration are the major goals of selecting the finest IPDS. The Pareto-optimal solutions discovered through analysis demonstrated that the created GA is reliable and generates solid outcomes. In fact, it enables decisions that were based on a single criterion to be overturned. The process has therefore demonstrated its efficacy in identifying the ideal answer. First integrated project delivery (IPD), second design-build (DB), third design-bid-build (DBB) and last construction manager at risk (CMR) are the best options. The weight of the aims function has found these rankings to be satisfactory. Practical implications The findings demonstrate that the suggested strategy can lead to optimization, providing the government with a wide range of options for attaining certain project objectives. The ability of this study to evaluate the combined effects of three objectives in choosing the best IPDS, the production of optimal selection solutions (IPDS), which can help with better decision-making when many objectives are present, and the flexibility and extendibility of the suggested approach for achieving priorities in infrastructure projects are what make it unique. This approach was able to select IPDS to meet developments in the construction project. Originality/value To confirm the validity of the GA, the factor of error was calculated, which is equal to 1.7599e-08.

Influential factors for risk assessment and allocation on complex design-build infrastructure projects; the Texas experience

Introduction: The design-build (DB) delivery method is used to deliver increasingly complex transportation infrastructure projects associated with higher uncertainty. As such, allocating risks in the contract between the owner and design-builder becomes challenging and often leads to higher initial bids, increased contingency, or claims. Learnings from implementation worldwide have underlined the need for improving risk allocation in DB contracts. Most existing studies address risk allocation mechanisms to manage contingency at the contract level. Other studies have recognized the need for owners to adapt their processes to better allocate risks in DB contracts. This study explored the influential factors for risk assessment and allocation for complex DB infrastructure projects, addressing the opportunity to improve transportation owners’ risk allocation processes before the design-builder is selected and the DB contract is awarded.Method: The objectives of this work were achieved by utilizing empirical data collected through 20 interviews with Texas Department of Transportation and private sector experts. The interview data were analyzed using inductive and axial coding. Inductive coding allowed themes to emerge without a pre-existing framework, identifying six influential factors and six pertinent risks on complex DB projects.Results: These factors include the (i) Quality of DB teams, (ii) Level of up-front investigation, (iii) Limitations on the timing of letting, (iv) Design optimization opportunities, (v) Project-specific requirements, and (vi) Relationships with third parties. Through axial coding, the interaction and frequency between the factors and risks were also examined. The coded interactions demonstrated how the identified factors influence allocation for six pertinent risks including right-of-way acquisition, stakeholder approval, site conditions, permits and third-party agreements, railroad interaction, and utility adjustments and coordination. Findings indicate that the evaluation of these interactions can shift the risk allocation from baseline norms established by an agency to correspond to project-specific needs.Contribution: In contributing to the infrastructure project management, this is the first study to examine the factors that influence risk allocation in complex DB projects and examine interactions with pertinent risks, setting the foundation for optimizing allocation based on project-specific needs. In practice, the findings presented in this study can guide owners in adapting their allocation practices, managing, and developing their strategic plan for delivering complex DB projects. The findings can also assist contractors in pricing risks more efficiently and increase competitive bidding.

DECISION SUPPORT MODEL FOR SELECTING PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Selecting the appropriate delivery approach holds a huge significance level, especially in sustainable construction projects, which exhibit unparalleled attributes compared to traditional counterparts. This paper introduces a novel decision support model aimed at assisting owners in this crucial nomination process. Critical review analysis was used to identify 36 important nomination factors for project delivery methods and categorized into traditional and sustainability-specific factors. In order to determine how well typical delivery methods—Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), and Construction Management at Risk (CMR)—meet the nomination factors, a poll was subsequently sent to construction experts in the United Arab Emirates. Paired analyses of the three delivery systems were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The results showed that DBB, the traditional delivery technique, is not up to the increased needs for integration and collaboration in sustainable construction projects. Alternative delivery techniques, like CMR and DB better meet these needs. Three functions make up the suggested decision support model: screening of nomination factors, evaluation of project delivery methods, and strategic alignment of project goals and project delivery methods nomination factors. Users of this model can alter the weights assigned to the nomination factors that are essential to accomplishing the objectives of their green construction projects. It also offers an extensive set of nomination factors, enabling choice determiners to formulate a convincing argument for pinpointing the best delivery method for their green construction project.

DECISION SUPPORT MODEL FOR SELECTING PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Selecting the appropriate delivery approach holds a huge significance level, especially in sustainable construction projects, which exhibit unparalleled attributes compared to traditional counterparts. This paper introduces a novel decision support model aimed at assisting owners in this crucial nomination process. Critical review analysis was used to identify 36 important nomination factors for project delivery methods and categorized into traditional and sustainability-specific factors. In order to determine how well typical delivery methods—Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), and Construction Management at Risk (CMR)—meet the nomination factors, a poll was subsequently sent to construction experts in the United Arab Emirates. Paired analyses of the three delivery systems were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The results showed that DBB, the traditional delivery technique, is not up to the increased needs for integration and collaboration in sustainable construction projects. Alternative delivery techniques, like CMR and DB better meet these needs. Three functions make up the suggested decision support model: screening of nomination factors, evaluation of project delivery methods, and strategic alignment of project goals and project delivery methods nomination factors. Users of this model can alter the weights assigned to the nomination factors that are essential to accomplishing the objectives of their green construction projects. It also offers an extensive set of nomination factors, enabling choice determiners to formulate a convincing argument for pinpointing the best delivery method for their green construction project.

Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Project Delivery Method on Project Performance in the Yemen Construction Industry

This empirical paper analyzed the relationship between project delivery methods on project performance within the Yemen construction industry (YCI). This research incorporated two distinct project delivery methods (PDM) namely the traditional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) and Design-Build (DB) and gauging project performance (PP) through the lens of the triple constraints (time, cost, and quality) as the criteria for measuring success. A conceptual model was theorized and operationalized in a survey of 375 project managers and consultants from two Yemeni governorates, Aden and Hadramout. The questionnaire employed a 5-point Likert Scale. Subsequently, the data were evaluated using multivariate regression. The empirical findings revealed a significant relationship between the choice of project delivery method and project performance. Thus, exerting a positive influence on project success. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in two significant ways. First, by scrutinizing the dynamic mechanisms through which project delivery methods impact project performance. Secondly, offers valuable insights for decision-makers in the Yemeni construction industry (YCI) to plan their objectives and achieve the requisite project performance levels.

Development Expectation Gap of Design-Build Contract Delivery in China's Civil Aviation Infrastructure Projects

Despite the reduction in cost and schedule, and the improvement of quality and safety, the design-build (DB) method in China’s civil aviation infrastructure projects (CAIPs) has not been widely used and not reached the full value. To know what the development expectation gap is,it is necessary to determine the disparity in developmental prospects of the DB method in China's CAIPs. To this end, this paper first conducted a survey to know what the development expectation is through 69 subjects working in CAIPs. After that, 25 cases data were collected to get the actual development of the DB in CAIPs.The key findings from the comparison between the expectation and actual development show that the design institutes play a leading role in the popular form of consortium in the DB mode, and the DB method is mainly used in CAIPs with small investment. In addition, this paper also analyzes how some causes contributed to the development gap and presents three strategical actions. This study not only shows the development status of the DB method in CAIPs, but also presents the reasons contributing the development expectation gap, along with the potential strategic actions, which can be as a reference for scholars and practitioners.

Comparing time and cost performance of DBB and DB public construction projects in Kuwait

Kuwait is an enormous construction site as many vital public projects are under construction or in preparatory stages to achieve the vision of a New Kuwait by 2035. However, the new Public Tenders Law No. 49 of 2016 authorized the sole operation of the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) method as the delivery system method, preventing the employment of Design-Build (DB). Hence, this research undertook a comparative analysis of cost and time performance of DBB and DB public construction projects in Kuwait for the first time, marking the originality of this study. Moreover, 160 projects were collected from four government entities. Then, the total collected projects were categorized based on contract types and project sizes depending on contract cost. This research has recognized that DB has superior performance compared to DBB regarding cost growth for all collected projects, both contract types, projects of less than 300,000 KD, and projects between 300,000 and 12 million KD. No statistically significant differences between DBB and DB projects regarding schedule growth were found for all collected projects, both contract types and project sizes. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the DBB projects’ construction intensity was faster than that of DB projects with a value between 300,00 KD and 12 million KD. For projects that had a value of more than 12 million KD, the DB projects’ construction intensity was faster than that of DBB projects. Hence, it is concluded that the issue is not with the DB delivery systems themselves, but rather with the deployment of these systems.

Multi-objective joint optimization for concurrent execution of design-construction tasks in design-build mode

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is suitable for evaluating schedule optimization of DBB (Design-Bid-Build) projects based on serial execution of design and construction. However, it is not suitable for evaluating the multi-objective joint optimization of DB (Design-Build) projects based on concurrent execution of design and construction. Therefore, focusing on the unique construction method and construction objective under DB mode, this study adopts the multi-parameter grey GERT (Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique) based on z-tag to construct a multi-objective joint optimization model of concurrent execution of design-construction tasks. The research methods adopted are as follows: Firstly, based on the modeling idea of PERT, a multi-parameter grey GERT was constructed, which was composed of sub-GERTs representing the execution flow of design-construction tasks. Second, based on discussing the functional relationship between time, cost and quality in normal execution and rework execution, a method of constructing a moment generating function for concurrent execution time, cost and quality to characterize the uncertainty of input and output parameters is proposed. Thirdly, on the basis of analyzing the solving methods of each parameter of the multi-parameter GERT, the solving methods for starting execution time, information transmission duration, and total execution duration of the critical time nodes are given. Finally, according to the requirements of DB projects, the multi-objective joint optimization models based on progress oriented and quality oriented are constructed respectively, and the gamultiobj algorithm is used to solve the models. The proposed approach provides a scientific quantitative analysis method for evaluating the progress, cost and quality objectives of the concurrent execution of design-construction tasks, and also lays theoretical guidance for further efficiency popularization of DB mode.

Critical Success Factors Framework of Value Management for Design and Build Infrastructure Projects

The Design Build (DB) approach is gaining popularity in many countries as it allows a single entity to handle both design and construction, making it a preferred choice for infrastructure projects. With the design process carried out by a team to achieve design constructability, implementing Value Management (VM) in Design Build projects is advantageous and can lead to cost-effective designs. While most studies have concentrated on identifying the important criteria that lead to the effective deployment of VM in infrastructure projects in general, the success factors of VM in DB delivery systems remain unknown. This study aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) in the three main stages of the VM workshop and their supporting factors in infrastructure projects delivered under DB system. To achieve the research aim, a questionnaire was distributed to DB contractors involved in infrastructure projects in Indonesia. The Relative Important Index approach was applied to 28 factors, and the analysis revealed the CSFs for each stage of the VM workshop, along with a critical supporting factor. The analysis revealed that there are three CSFs for the pre-study and study stages and one for the post-study stage. The identified CSFs provide a framework for VM success in Design Build projects. The three CSFs in the pre-study stage relate to VM objectives, project information completeness, and personnel involved in the VM workshop. At the study stage, VM success depends on the VM process, the development of alternative designs, and the VM team's innovation. In the post-study stage, VM success is linked to the VM implementation process and developing an execution plan. The cooperation of all stakeholders in implementing the VM workshop results is a critical supporting factor for VM in a DB project.

Exploring Unit Cost Performance for Water Infrastructure Delivery

Various delivery methods are used in the water industry for delivering treatment plant projects, which include the traditional design-bid-build (DBB) method as well as alternative project delivery methods (APDM), such as construction manager at risk (CMAR) and design-build (DB). Research has shown that APDM may improve water infrastructure project delivery performance when compared to DBB. However, utilizing an APDM does not guarantee a project’s successful delivery; other project variables also influence project delivery performance. The objective of this study is to develop exploratory mathematical models to investigate the impact of project-specific delivery factors and attributes on a water project’s success. The authors assess unit cost performance, which is a measure of a water treatment plant’s capacity in million gallons per day, over a project’s total cost. This study consisted of holding an industry expert workshop to review and develop a data collection questionnaire. Information on a total of 15 water treatment plant projects delivered in the US was collected and used to develop multiple linear regression models that explored project-specific key factors and attributes that impact unit cost performance. Results of the regression models revealed four critical variables: (1) use of GMP; (2) project team experience; (3) level of design completed before constructor engagement; and (4) project complexity, to have a statistically significant impact on the unit cost performance of water projects. The findings and contributions of this study can aid water stakeholders in understanding the unit cost performance impact of key project variables on their projects and support them in their project delivery method decisions.

Development of an Introductory Course in Design Phase Management for Constructors

Collaborative construction delivery methods such as Design-Build (DB), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Construction Management at Risk (CMR) have a need for a person that manages the design phase of a project made up of many different stakeholders. A course was recently developed for a construction-based Design and Construction Integration (DCI) program that focuses on the unique role of managing the construction project during the design phase. The course covers a number of issues including: 1) effectively building and managing a team that is made up of owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and sub-contractors that have diverse educational and experiential backgrounds, 2) building team expertise by bringing in key subcontractors and specialty designers under various contract methods, 3) risk management of the different types of delivery methods are explored along with the legal issues associated with the delivery methods, and finally 4) managing the design phase costs and how stakeholders are compensated during the design phase to ensure a quality designed project that will be on budget and has a feasible construction schedule. The course introduces many of these topics with the underlying concepts of lean design and construction best practices. This paper details the development of the course, class activities associated with the course, and lessons learned from implementing the course in a DCI program.

Modeling and optimization of concurrent execution process of coupled design-construction tasks under design-build mode

Concurrent execution of design and construction tasks is an important way to realize the integration of them in design-build (DB) mode, but it may bring about period risk due to multiple rework and frequent information transfer in local scope. To solve this problem, this study constructs a concurrent execution strategy model from the perspective of quantitative analysis with the decision goal of minimizing the total execution duration. The results show that: first, when the probability of information change between design and construction tasks decreases gradually, the optimal overlap degree increases and the optimal parallelism decreases. Second, learning effect can effectively shorten the minimum duration corresponding to the optimal overlap degree under any degree of parallelism. Thirdly, with the decrease of the probability of information change between design and construction tasks and the strengthening of learning effect, the shortening rate of the actual execution duration corresponding to the optimal parallelism will be gradually greater than the increasing rate of the actual execution duration. The findings of the study provide suggestions for exploring the mechanism of concurrent execution in DB mode, and also provide countermeasures for better realization of integration of design and construction in DB mode.

A Comprehensive Appraisal of the Factors Impacting Construction Project Delivery Method Selection: A Systematic Analysis

ABSTRACT Construction projects may be procured by various means: design-build (DB), design-bid-build (DBB), construction management at risk (CM-at risk), and integrated project delivery (IPD), among many others. Each approach must be considered in selecting the most appropriate procurement strategy for any specific project. Thus, in making that choice, a selection approach along with selection criteria need to be considered. This study seeks to reassert clarity by consolidating the available literature on factors impacting project delivery selection and presenting a definitive, comprehensive list of those factors. The approach relies on systematic analysis. An initial retrieved 224 papers across 53 journals was reduced to 45 papers relevant to construction projects. These each offered between four to 39 factors. An examination and rationalization of themes distilled to a definitive 22 criteria and 35 sub-criteria. Chief among these, in descending order of reported frequency, were: owner related issues, contractor issues, time, cost, quality, contract disputes, risk, market conditions, regulation, complexity, innovation, scope, site, community support, project size, project type, resource availability, natural disasters, political impact, sustainability, culture, and safety. The factors will vary project-to-project, and a discussion of the impacts of these factors on the project delivery method selection is offered.

Critical Factors Influencing Early Contract Termination in Public Design–Build Projects in Developing and Emerging Economies

Public projects continually face multiple difficulties for their satisfactory completion. One of the most complex challenges is early contract termination (ECT), which delays social goods delivery and exhausts public resources. This study aimed to determine the root causes of the critical factors that lead to ECT in public building projects. We studied 20 kindergarten construction projects in Chile through a multi-case study. It addressed a pattern-matching analysis of symptoms associated with risks of design–build (DB) contracts and a five whys analysis to determine the root causes of the symptoms identified in the units of analysis. The results show that ECT projects’ most common symptoms are labor force shortage, materials shortage, and non-payment claims. In addition, the root-cause analysis exposed that the main causes of ECT’s symptoms were deficiencies in the bidding evaluation process, which led to an inadequate selection of the general contractor, lack of experience of the owner, and regulatory limitations of the legal framework for public projects. The construction projects faced ECT and cost and time overruns associated with poor risk management due to the owner’s and general contractor’s lack of experience in DB contracts.

Exploring the Barriers to Implementing the Integrated Project Delivery Method

The willingness of Kuwait’s construction industry to implement the new and emerging delivery system, the Integrated Project Delivery method (IPD), was explored in this research. As general conclusions to the barriers to IPD are already established by existing literature, this research aims to identify the specific barriers to IPD by evaluating the willingness of non-IPD teams to implement the principles of IPD. Data was collected from members engaged in multiple construction projects located in Kuwait. Statistical analyses were performed on the collected data to examine differences and similarities in their responses. A Delay Index variable revealed that ongoing Design-Bid-Build (DBB) projects are suffering a delay that amounts to half their original construction duration and that is almost double the delay incurred on Design-Build (DB) projects, which suffered a lesser delay. The data was further analyzed based on the respondents’ project delivery system, project sector, years of experience, and project party. The results indicated that the majority of the respondents working in Kuwait were willing to implement most of IPD’s principles. Astonishingly, respondents working on DBB projects were more willing to implement the principles of IPD than those working on DB projects. The respondents from both the public and private sectors were equally willing. The main contractors were found to be less willing to implement IPD than all the other project parties. Moreover, the most prominent barriers prohibiting most respondents from implementing IPD was their unwillingness to sign a contract that includes liability waivers and one that includes IPD’s organizational hierarchical structure. The findings of this research contribute to the current body of knowledge by exploring the construction industry’s willingness to implement IPD and by simultaneously identifying the specific barriers to its implementation, as well as identifying where these barriers lie. These findings may be used as evidence by owners or industry pioneers in promoting the implementation of IPD in their respective organizations.

MANAGING INCONSISTENCIES IN THE CONDITION OF ENGAGEMENT OF AN ARCHITECT IN DESIGN-BUILD PROCUREMENT

The Client, especially the Malaysian Public Sectors has commonly been using the Standard Condition of Engagement (COE) of an Architect stipulated in the Architects Act 1967 (Act 117) & Rules. It set the terms for Architect’s appointment in any construction projects. However, this is only applicable in the traditional procurement method as the Architect is appointed by the Client. Design-Build (DB) procurement which has been widely used in Malaysia offered a different method of Architect’s appointment. The Architect is appointed by the DB Contractor instead of the Client and the agency concept is claimed to be compromised. Currently, there is no standard COE of an Architect appointment under DB procurement in Malaysia as practiced in United Kingdom. Thus, the terms in the standard COE tend to be modified to serve the needs and requirements of the DB Contractor. This study deliberates a comprehensive discussion on the modification made to the salient terms of standard COE of an Architect in DB procurement in order to identify risks related to the inconsistencies. This paper employed (1) Documentary Analysis and (2) semi structured interviews on personnel from three different case studies in identifying inconsistencies of terms in the COE. The findings in this paper highlighted on the most modified salient terms of the COE of the three selected DB projects and the risks associated to the modification. The results of this study will be beneficial to stakeholders in the DB procurement especially Architect in understanding and managing inconsistencies in the COE.

Innovation outcomes and processes in infrastructure projects – a comparative study of Design-Build and Design-Build-Maintenance contracts

Innovation is often seen as essential for long-term development in the construction industry, but its actual outcomes and processes in construction projects require more attention. Many studies on procurement strategies and delivery systems have focussed on the public transport infrastructure sector, whereas most construction innovation scholars have addressed the innovation phenomenon in construction generally. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare how two delivery systems, design-build (DB) and design-build-maintenance (DBM), influence project-level innovation. Findings are based on empirical data from a multiple case study of six infrastructure projects, three with DB contracts and three with DBM contracts, in which 12 innovations are identified, described, and compared. The findings show that various kinds of innovations in terms of outcomes and processes are implemented in infrastructure projects, and that the delivery system do effect both dimensions. Long maintenance responsibilities tend to spur contractors to engage in early exploration of sustainable solutions that could be of long-term benefit. The research contributes to procurement literature by exemplifying how delivery systems influence both the outcomes and processes of project-level innovations. It also increases our knowledge about construction innovation as a multi-dimensional phenomenon.