Engineering, Procurement And Construction Research Articles

Choosing the right path for AI integration in engineering companies: A strategic guide

The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) businesses operating within the energy sector are recognizing the increasing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many EPC companies and their clients have realized the benefits of applying AI to their businesses in order to reduce manual work, drive productivity, and streamline future operations of engineered installations in a highly competitive industry. The current AI market offers various solutions and services to support this industry, but organizations must understand how to acquire AI technology in the most beneficial way based on their business strategy and available resources. This paper presents a framework for EPC companies in their transformation towards AI. Our work is based on examples of project execution of AI-based products development at one of the biggest EPC contractors worldwide and on insights from EPC vendor companies already integrating AI into their engineering solutions. The paper covers the entire life cycle of building AI solutions, from initial business understanding to deployment and further evolution. The framework identifies how various factors influence the choice of approach toward AI project development within large international engineering corporations. By presenting a practical guide for optimal approach selection, this paper contributes to the research in AI project management and organizational strategies for integrating AI technology into businesses. The framework might also help engineering companies choose the optimum AI approach to create business value.

Leadership development through 360-degree multi-rater feedback—An experience sharing of need, approach, roll-out, and the impact

The organizational development (OD) interventions carried out by the assessment center identifying the competencies becomes effective only if the expectation of the stakeholders is met. A 360-degree multipurpose intervention is to assess and develop project director’s leadership capabilities and enable them to execute Mega Infrastructure Projects in India executed by Larsen and Toubro, the leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) players of India. Implementing such Mega Projects by maintaining time, cost, safety, and quality parameters require leadership skills of high order. To meet out this requirement implementation partner interacted with few project directors from each business verticals such as nuclear, hydel, metro, defense, special bridges and ports and harbor, to understand the role holders’ challenges and the expectations. L&T Heavy Civil Infrastructure (HCI) Leadership Competency framework was thus drafted looking into the role intensity and specific role-based challenges of the Mega Project Leaders. The questionnaires were designed to cover all dimensions and sub dimensions of 8 competencies, covering 40 behavioral Indicators. the questionnaires were hosted on the online platform to including self, supervisor, direct repartees, peers, customers, and other stakeholders. Validation to the assessment of each dimension and sub-dimensions as qualitative feedback is done with simple average scores and the range. The study found that execution leadership was the highest rated competency followed by customer engagement and talent management. The study also found that strategic orientation and decision making were rated low compared to other competencies, got validated by comments of customers as well. This is quite evident from the feedback that was taken after 9 months of the intervention. The study by using Delphi technique revealed that by providing feedback from all stakeholders supported by systematic coaching, 88% participants showed improvement in the low rated items. The study further proved that with proper feedback and coaching at an individual level with required trust and keeping development as the core agenda and without linking to any other HR processes like appraisal and promotion, majority of the participants took full ownership, interest and worked on their individual competency development showing their learning agility.

Research on Optimization of Project Design Management Process Based on BIM

With the rapid advancement of the informatization process of China’s construction industry, the requirements for the integration of engineering design and construction are getting higher and higher. The quality of engineering design and the level of design management directly affect the quality of construction. The emergence of the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional contracting model, but it is still not ideal in terms of work integration and information transmission. BIM (building information modeling) is a collaborative process of creating, managing and exchanging information throughout the construction project. BIM has revolutionized the construction, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. This paper examines the problems related to current project design management in China and their causes. On the basis of summarizing the existing research on design management, it introduces a form of BIM integrating design BIM and construction BIM, so as to better depict the leading role of design in the construction process. By analyzing the changes in organizational management and communication methods brought about by BIM, this paper optimizes and innovates upon the traditional project design process in view of the problems in project practice. It advances BIM design work, increases detailed BIM design work and enables the downstream participants to intervene in the design stage, so as to develop a more smooth and efficient design workflow, which provides operable work detail guidance for BIM-based design management in the future.

Data management of process plants as complex systems: systematic literature review and identification of challenges and opportunities

Abstract Led by the manufacturing industry, virtual replicas of production systems also known as digital twins (DTs) are gradually moving into all areas of industry. Their advantages are characterized by the possibility of product optimization, simulations, improved monitoring and prediction of downtimes and optimized maintenance, to name just a few. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of process plants as mechatronic systems is characterized by a high degree of project-specific modifications and interdisciplinary engineering effort with low reusability, in contrast to unit-production-driven areas such as automotive. This results in a high cost-benefit ratio for the creation of DTs over the life cycle of process plants, especially when suppliers are integrated into the value chain. The objective of this paper is to analyze the state of plant lifecycle management, data exchange and the possibilities of optimized supplier integration during the planning and EPC of process plants regarding DT creation and usage. Three research questions (RQs) were used to narrow down a total of 356 identified publications to 54, which were then examined. The papers covered a variety of topics, including combining discipline-specific models, plant management approaches and the combination of both.

An assessment of the economic feasibility of the floating PV technology in Aotearoa–New Zealand

Electricity generation from utility-scale solar facilities is projected to grow to between 5 and 16 TWh by 2050 in Aotearoa–New Zealand. The floating photovoltaic (FPV) technology is considered a viable option for the country, because of the good solar resource at existing hydropower schemes. This paper aims to inform the understanding of the economic feasibility of FPV systems through the analysis of specific cases – Maraetai Dam and Lake Tekapo. To do so, the solar resource and FPV outputs are obtained through the modelling of Solargis and using industry standard technical specification. As well as the normal uncertainties associated with (potential) FPV performance evaluations, the influence of water temperature is also considered. The overall FPV output is estimated to be between 1,115 and 1,497 kWh/kWp. Using available Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) costs, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) metric, for a 10 MW installation, is determined to be between NZ$176 and NZ$237 per MWh, with total electricity generation over 25 years between 263 and 353 GWh. In order to reach the required LCOE value of less than NZ$100/MWh for utility scale generation, the EPC costs will have to be reduced by a factor of 2 to around NZ$1,500/kWp.

Value network and firm performance: the role of knowledge distance and environmental uncertainty

PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine the relationships among perceived environmental uncertainty (EV), the level of knowledge distance (KD) and the impact of value network on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative analysis is based on data from 243 Chinese companies with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe two dimensions of value network [network centrality (NC) and network openness (NO)] have a different impact on firm performance [financial performance (FP) and market performance (MP)]. NC has a positive impact on FP, but not on MP. NO has a positive effect on MP, but not on FP. A reduced KD mediates the relationship between value network and firm performance. Moreover, it fully mediates the relationship between NC and MP, NO and FP. Finally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, only EV has a moderating effect on KD and MP.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited in terms of data set because it relies on a limited amount of cross-sectional data from one specific country. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.Practical implicationsThe present findings suggest that EPC professionals should pay more attention to the EV, which may be impacted by policy, technology and the economy. This research has actionable implications for the reform of EPC in the construction industry, and practical recommendations for EPC firms to improve their corporate performance.Originality/valueThe results measure the complementary effects of both dimensions of value network (NC and NO) on two distinct aspects of firm performance (MP and FP) and assess the moderating effect of EV and KD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemics.

A Review on the Critical Success Factors (CSF) Influencing Modular Integrated Construction

By sending some of the work done on-site to fabrication facilities, modularization, a new emerging approach, can improve the construction industry. Yet, there are few uses for it in the sector. To achieve higher degrees of modularization, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) business needs new strategies. The goal of this study is to ascertain what modifications to the current EPC procedures are required to establish the ideal conditions for a wider and more efficient application of modularization. The success criteria must be understood in order to create such an atmosphere. The success factors are to be obtained from various reputed journals. With the addition of CSF enablers, a research team with expertise in this area created a comprehensive list of the most important critical success Factors. CSF enablers are extra measures that can help

Sorting of Delay Factors in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects: An Integrated ANP-FANP Approach

Sorting of Delay Factors in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects: An Integrated ANP-FANP Approach

Millennials’ Avoidance of International Assignments in the Middle East: A Case in the EPC Industry

Purpose – Working in the Middle East used to be a “must-have” experience in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry. However, these days, millennials are not willing to accept such assignments. By adopting expectancy theory, this study explores the antecedents causing their reluctance.
 Design/Methodology/Approach – We adopt consensual qualitative research method with 21 in-depth interviews of expatriates with working experience in the Middle East from three EPC companies in South Korea. In particular, our study covers expatriates working in Qatar, Morocco, Algeria, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait, which are rarely studied in the existing literature.
 Findings – We find that millennial expatriates are sensitive to harsh working environments that lead to limitations in their personal lives. Our study also shows that millennials perceive the reward as too low, especially when compared to expatriates in other countries or those at headquarters. Furthermore, they think working in the Middle East is not helpful to their future career.
 Research Implications – South Korean EPC companies should identify the characteristics of these millennials and make adjustments to current HR practices, such as pay raises and career support. Allowances for long-term employees in remote parts of the Middle East should also be increased. It is necessary to give extra points to promotion for those who have worked in secluded areas.

A Risk Assessment Framework of Photovoltaic Poverty Alleviation Projects under EPC Mode in China

Due to the characteristics of poverty alleviation and cleanness, the photovoltaic poverty alleviation project (PPAP) plays an important role in consolidating the link between poverty alleviation and “rural revitalization” in China, which has attracted the attention of all sectors of society. In practice, EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) mode is widely used in PPAP, which brings considerable benefits, but also has many risks. To ensure the successful development of the project, it is necessary to carry out risk assessment when selecting the scheme. However, this complex multi-attribute decision-making problem can be improved. First, the risk of PPAP is lack of targeted research; second, the uncertainty in the evaluation process has not been fully solved; third, the method of sorting is unreasonable. To solve these problems, this study establishes the risk assessment framework of PPAP. Firstly, a comprehensive index system suitable for PPAP risk assessment is established, including 5 first-level indexes and 22 second-level indexes. Then, the ANP method based on fuzzy environment is used to determine the weight. Finally, the cloud model and PROMETHEE are combined to select a higher priority solution. Case study and sensitivity analysis prove the robustness and feasibility of the framework. This study puts forward the corresponding risk response measures, to provide reference for the future practice of risk prevention and control.

Contractor’s Risk Analysis of Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts Using Ontological Semantic Model and Bi-Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Technology

The development of intelligent information technology in the era of the fourth industrial revolution requires the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) industry to increase productivity through a digital transformation. This study aims to automatically analyze the critical risk clauses in the invitation to bid (ITB) at the bidding stage to strengthen their competitiveness for the EPC contractors. To this end, we developed an automated analysis technology that effectively analyzes a large amount of ITB documents in a short time by applying natural language processing (NLP) and bi-directional long short-term memory (bi-LSTM) algorithms. This study proposes two models. First, the semantic analysis (SA) model is a rule-based approach that applies NLP to extract key risk clauses. Second, the risk level ranking (RLR) model is a train-based approach that ranks the risk impact for each clause by applying bi-LSTM. After developing and training an artificial intelligent (AI)-based ITB analysis model, its performance was evaluated through the actual project data. As a result of validation, the SA model showed an F1 score of 86.4 percent, and the RLR model showed an accuracy of 46.8 percent. The RLR model displayed relatively low performance because the ITB used in the evaluation test included the contract clauses that did not exist in the training dataset. Therefore, this study illustrated that the rule-based approach performed superior to the training-based method. The authors suggest that EPC contractors should apply both the SA and RLR modes in the ITB analysis, as one supplements the other. The two models were embedded in the Engineering Machine-learning Automation Platform (EMAP), a cloud-based platform developed by the authors. Rapid analysis through applying both the rule-based and AI-based automatic ITB analysis technology can contribute to securing timeliness for risk response and supplement possible human mistakes in the bidding stage.

Concurrent 10. Presentation for: Unlocking Gippsland reserves with a minimum kit solution – West Barracouta

Presented on Wednesday 18 May: Session 10 The West Barracouta (BTW), field one of the largest proven undeveloped gas fields off the south-eastern Australian coast, commenced production in April 2021. The project was developed by Esso-BHP Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (JV), a 50–50 JV between ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Australia and BHP Petroleum. The BTW gas field is situated ~6 km south west of the existing Barracouta gas field and platform, the first Gippsland Basin Joint Venture platform in Bass Strait. The BTW development involved drilling two subsea production wells, installation of umbilical controls from the existing platform and installation of a ~6 km subsea flowline to connect to existing gas pipeline via a hot tap. The BTW team will share insights on how it: (1) utilised minimum kit solution and verification of existing asset condition; subsea hot tap into operational gas pipeline and re-use of existing platform J-tube to minimise works on and around the Barracouta Platform (including diving work). (2) Managed an Operator first – co-mingled wet gas subsea pipelines while operating in hydrate regions; via detailed water detection metre/software solution, downhole zone isolation and systematic operating guidelines. (3) Leveraged Installation Contractor competitive Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) enabling optimisation of facilities design/execution strategies to align with strengths and maximise overall project value. (4) Leveraged the OneSubsea/Subsea 7 Subsea Integration Alliance and global worldwide network to execute the subsea design (including qualification), manufacture and installation. (5) Utilised the incumbent Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor to integrate the subsea and topsides control systems to support a single operation system linked to the existing to Distributed Control System (DCS). To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here

Unlocking Gippsland reserves with a minimum kit solution – West Barracouta

The West Barracouta (BTW), field one of the largest proven undeveloped gas fields off the south-eastern Australian coast, commenced production in April 2021. The project was developed by Esso-BHP Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (JV), a 50–50 JV between ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Australia and BHP Petroleum. The BTW gas field is situated ~6 km south west of the existing Barracouta gas field and platform, the first Gippsland Basin Joint Venture platform in Bass Strait. The BTW development involved drilling two subsea production wells, installation of umbilical controls from the existing platform and installation of a ~6 km subsea flowline to connect to existing gas pipeline via a hot tap. The BTW team will share insights on how it: (1) utilised minimum kit solution and verification of existing asset condition; subsea hot tap into operational gas pipeline and re-use of existing platform J-tube to minimise works on and around the Barracouta Platform (including diving work). (2) Managed an Operator first – co-mingled wet gas subsea pipelines while operating in hydrate regions; via detailed water detection metre/software solution, downhole zone isolation and systematic operating guidelines. (3) Leveraged Installation Contractor competitive Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) enabling optimisation of facilities design/execution strategies to align with strengths and maximise overall project value. (4) Leveraged the OneSubsea/Subsea 7 Subsea Integration Alliance and global worldwide network to execute the subsea design (including qualification), manufacture and installation. (5) Utilised the incumbent Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor to integrate the subsea and topsides control systems to support a single operation system linked to the existing to Distributed Control System (DCS).

Hierarchical structure and transfer mechanism to assess the scheduling-related risk in construction of prefabricated buildings: an integrated ISM–MICMAC approach

PurposeUnder the background that engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracting model is introduced to adapt to the highly fragmented characteristics of prefabricated construction, the schedule management of general contractor is faced with the challenge of dynamic transmission and interaction of construction scheduling-related risk. The purpose of this paper is to develop the hierarchy of prefabricated construction scheduling-related risks from the perspective of the general contractor, and to analyze the transmission mechanism between risks. The paper also aims to further distinguish the difference of the impact degree of scheduling-related risks, and provide reference for formulating the strategy to alleviate the construction delay.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the literature on prefabricated buildings, this paper identifies 22 scheduling-related risks in construction from the perspective of the general contractor. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to obtain experts' views on the interrelationships among these risks. Following this, their overall structure was determined by using a hierarchical structure established by using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) technique was applied to classify them into four groups according to their driving and dependence powers.FindingsThe results indicate that the 22 scheduling-related risks in construction followed the inherent path of step-by-step transmission, and all of them could cause different degrees of delays in prefabricated construction. Among them, general experience in contracting projects, the use of emerging technologies and the completeness of the relevant standards and specifications were strong drivers of scheduling delays in construction, and should be prioritized by the general contractor in schedule management. The transitive link between scheduling risks can guide them in developing prevention strategies.Research limitations/implicationsData quality and reliability risks are the major drawbacks of semi-structured interviews. These were minimized by engaging experts with rich theoretical and hands-on experience in prefabricated construction projects. The hierarchical model only reflects static influence relationships, and so dynamic interactions among scheduling-related risks should be studied in future.Originality/valueThe primary value of this study is in its development of a hierarchical model by using the integrated ISM–MICMAC approach that reflects the interaction between scheduling risks in the construction of prefabricated buildings. The hierarchy of these risks and the results of a “driving-dependence power” analysis can guide the general contractor in taking targeted preventive measures to avoid scheduling delays in the construction of prefabricated buildings.

A systems dynamics approach to the management of material procurement for Engineering, Procurement and Construction industry

The importance of managing material procurement and logistics towards the success of construction projects cannot be overemphasized. This is especially true to the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industry. Project management in EPC often encounters the problems such as cost overrun, schedule overrun, delay in material supply, and loss of productivity. To overcome these problems for achieving a sustainable EPC system, it is necessary to explore the underlying causes of these problems and study policies to tackle them. In this connection, this paper presents a systems dynamic model of the construction material supply chain (CMSC) in EPC, capturing the attributes relevant to the foregoing problems and the policies that are expected to overcome these problems. The model was validated with several standard tests assisted by the industrial manager of the CMSC in EPC. After that, a simulation study based on the model was conducted, which shows that the model can be a useful tool for decision makers for the CMSC in EPC to streamline their policies in managing a particular CMSC to overcome the foregoing problems. The main contribution of this paper is the provision of a comprehensive tool for quantitatively assisting in the management of the CMSC in EPC. A secondary contribution is that some specific knowledge is obtained to overcome the foregoing problems from the simulation study.

Root Cause Analysis of Project Delay in BGC-TEG Project

PT WEI is a company that the main business as fabricator contractor for oil and gas and renewable energy industry located at Batam, Indonesia, they have operate for more than 15 years. The company produce types of facilities such as Process Packages module, FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) Topside Modules, E-house module and Sub-Station packages for client from all over world. The problem on this research is the delivery delay issue during execution of the BGC-TEG project. the project that have scope of EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) contract for delivery process module include mechanical equipment, piping and accessories for client at middle east, the delivery project delay is 21 months from original contract 11 months. The research to determine main factor that contribute to the delay by quantitative method, to gain information and identify alternative for improvement action. The primary data gathered from interview with some person in charge team member of the project. The secondary data gain from internal company document, project record and report, and project repository data base. Study literature of some similar case of project delay from various papers and articles reviewed. Fishbone diagram as analysis method with framework based on PMBOK by Project Management Institute to gain the root cause factors and propose solution alternative action to prevent same issue happen on future.

Multi-criteria decision-making model for EPC contractor prequalification: a hybrid approach

PurposeNowadays, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts are being widely used to perform industrial and infrastructure projects because of several reasons like high speed of implementation. However, these contracts are always accompanied by high risks and uncertainties. Thus, selection of the right EPC contractor has significant importance. This paper aims to present a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for EPC contractor prequalification.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the EPC contractor prequalification criteria are defined by using literature review and interviewing experts. Second, the weights of criteria are determined by interviewing experts. Then, each EPC contractor is evaluated in each criterion. Finally, fuzzy weighted average (FWA) approach is employed to select the right contractor among potential EPC contractors.FindingsThe proposed model is prepared as an applicable model for clients to select the right EPC contractors among contractors who want to conduct the project.Originality/valueAs a lack of applicable model does exist to assign the prequalification of EPC contractors, this study is one of the first research studies which proposed a fuzzy MCDM model for evaluation of EPC contractors. To cope with the uncertainty of the prequalification problem, fuzzy logic has been used. Using fuzzy sets leads to reaching more reliable results. Also, a real case study is provided to explain the proposed model.

A new blockchain system design to improve the supply chain of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies – a case study in the oil and gas sector

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a new blockchain system design to improve engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies’ supply chain for constructing oil and gas infrastructure, by mitigating cost and time inefficiencies.Design/methodology/approachA case study analyses the supply chain of a sample EPC company. First, a literature review is conducted to explore the subject in academic literature. Second, information flows are mapped using responsible, accountable, consulted and informed analysis and cross-functional process mapping. Third, inefficiencies are identified. Fourth, the root causes of the inefficiencies are pinpointed using fishbone and five-times-why analysis. Fifth, a comparison is made between the linear and the blockchain information system via force-field analysis. Sixth, a specific blockchain system design is identified based on three external expert interviews. Finally, the new system is designed and a cost-benefit analysis is conducted.FindingsMajor cost and time inefficiencies in oil and gas infrastructure developments are caused by a poor information flow in the supply chain. The new blockchain system design is a feasible solution, reducing cost inefficiencies by 12.4% and operation lead-times by 36.5%.Research limitations/implicationsThe confidentiality of the sample EPC company’s information represents a limitation.Originality/valueThe research introduces a new blockchain system design, reducing cost and time inefficiencies in the project-development supply chain, including implementation processes.

The Engineering Machine-Learning Automation Platform (EMAP): A Big-Data-Driven AI Tool for Contractors’ Sustainable Management Solutions for Plant Projects

Plant projects, referred to as Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC), generate massive amounts of data throughout their life cycle, from the planning stages to the operation and maintenance (OM) stages. Many EPC contractors struggle with their projects due to the complexity of the decision-making processes, owing to the vast amount of project data generated during each project stage. In line with the fourth industrial revolution, the demand for engineering project management solutions to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in big data technology is increasing. The purpose of this study was to predict the risk of contractor and support decision-making at each project stage using machine-learning (ML) technology based on data generated in the bidding, engineering, construction, and OM stages of EPC projects. As a result of this study, the Engineering Machine-learning Automation Platform (EMAP), a cloud-based integrated analysis tool applied with big data and AI/ML technology, was developed. EMAP is an intelligent decision support system that consists of five modules: Invitation to Bid (ITB) Analysis, Design Cost Estimation, Design Error Checking, Change Order Forecasting, and Equipment Predictive Maintenance, using advanced AI/ML algorithms. In addition, each module was validated through case studies to assure the performance and accuracy of the module. This study contributes to the strengthening of the risk response for each stage of the EPC project, especially preventing errors by the project managers, and improving their work accuracy. Project risk management using AI/ML breaks away from the existing risk management practices centered on statistical analysis, and further expands the research scalability of related works.

Triggers of Delays in International Projects Using Engineering Procurement and Construction Delivery Methods in the Belt and Road Initiative: Case Study of a High-Speed Railway Projects

Since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been put in practice by the Chinese government, several High-Speed Railways (HSR) have been built by Chinese Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms. However, many delays have created severe detrimental consequences on the progress of most HSR projects. This study sought to explore the essence of the recurring triggers of delays in international EPC HSR projects under the BRI, and a structured questionnaire survey approach was applied to compile the first-hand dataset from Chinese EPC firms working for BRI infrastructure projects. The data were evaluated, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) was adopted to assess the magnitude of the important delay triggers. The findings suggest that HSR projects are still susceptible to unavoidable delays in global construction infrastructure projects. In the engineering phase, improper management of the design, unsustainable land acquisition, and insufficient use of EPC joint venture are the salient trigger of delays. In the procurement phase, the leading causes of unsuitable procurement, undervalued procurement cost, inefficient logistics in labor and materials, improper planning, unqualified site supervisors, inefficient technical standard management, and inefficient constant payment terms are likely to trigger delays in the construction phase HSR projects. Five critical groups of delay factors are identified by this study, which has an essential primary contribution to the body of knowledge and is helpful to EPC contractors working for HSR projects under BRI.