Factors Causing the Delay of Foundation Work for Residential Building Projects in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Abstract

     The paper aims are 1) to identify the major factors causing the delay in foundation construction process of residential buildings in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR);  2) to explore the relationships among these influencing factors; and 3) to propose guidelines to mitigate the aforementioned delay.The sample consisted of 376 key players involved in construction projects, including supervisors, construction engineers, project managers and project executives. A questionnaire served as the quantitative data collection tool. Statistical methods for analyzing data were mean, standard deviation, p-value analysis, risk percentage, correlation coefficient, and confirmatory factor analysis.

     As results, 1) The most important factor affecting the delay was pile foundation construction process, followed by site preparation, foundation concrete casting,  plugging holes and concrete foundation leveling, alongside foundation excavation and and backfilling respectively; 2) The model reveals that factors involving the delay comprised  6 components and 21 variables. The most significant factor was the foundation of concrete casting, containing 4 principal variables, i.e. site access, formwork installation,  severe weather conditions, and reinforcement laying;   3) With regard to the guidelines on delay-avoidance practices from the construction personnel’s perspectives, special emphasis should be placed on these aspects: site supervisory qualities regarding job  readiness, attention to detail,  meticulousness at work, skills in supervising the preparation of construction materials and equipment, as well as preparedness and monitoring of severe weather conditions that can affect construction projects  and future delays.