Twelfth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a realistic model to estimate costs and schedules for Georgia highway construction projects. By integrating variables into the developed model, it can improve the initial estimating process and accuracy of conceptual level estimates for planning and budgeting for future fiscal years. Tasks in the proposed project will include 1. Identify current practices of GDOT to estimate costs at conceptual stage or at planning stages. So that it can also identify limitations and causes of differences between actual cost estimates and conceptual stage estimates. 2. Collect information about project scope and as-built project costs and schedules. 3. Collect historical data including job site weekly logins, schedules, and pay estimates. Conduct field trip data collection using GSU-owned equipment including video cameras and drones. 4. Identify possible variables that affect project delay or cost overruns based on historical data and survey of DOT personnel. The collected data is analyzed using regression analysis, identifying the most influential variables for cost overruns and project schedule delays. 5. Develop models based on final estimates to estimate project-level costs and schedules. 6. Develop an estimating tool for continuous improvement. The estimating tool is developed using an Excel spreadsheet. 7. Validate the accuracy and applicability of different models by conducting a case study.