SCHEMATIC APPROACH TO IMPROVE TIME PERFORMANCE OF HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

This paper presents incentive application strategies and delay prevention strategies as schematic approaches to improve time performance of highway construction contracts. This research recognizes the importance of improving time performance during highway construction. Strategic solutions of the most core issues on time performance incentive contracting are identified. The suggested incentive application strategies develop criteria for applying time classification to projects, for assigning project time classifications to contractors and designers, and for determining appropriate incentive values in A (cost) + B (time cost) and other performance incentive contracts. The suggested delay prevention strategies develop criteria for determining the appropriate subsurface utility engineering (SUE) level and to develop best practices for avoiding utility relocation delays. A schematic approach for each strategy is developed. This paper also introduces current incentive contracting practices in Florida. The researchers obtained the information from experienced persons in the highway construction industry, including key highway contractors, designers, and Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) personnel. The major focus of this research is to develop strategies and suggest approaches to improve time performance of highway construction contracts. For future study, practical tools to facilitate implementation of the suggested strategies should be developed, so that the criteria, implementation processes, and best practices developed may contribute to the current industry-wide effort to improve time performance.