A Probabilistic Fuzzy Logic Approach to Identify Productivity Factors in Indian Construction Projects

Preeminent performance of construction industry are unattainable with poor productivity resulting in time and cost over runs. Enhancement in productivity cannot be achieved without identifying and analyzing factors that adversely affect productivity. The objective therefore is to propose a productivity analysis model to quantify the probability of effect of factors influencing productivity by using fuzzy logic incorporated with relative importance index method, for various types of construction projects. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire survey was carried out targeting respondents of Indian construction industry, from four distinct projects, namely, residential, commercial, infrastructure and industrial projects. Based on questionnaire administered, the relative importance and ranks of factors demonstrated using relative importance index method. Probability assessment model to analyze productivity was then developed by using Fuzzy Logic Toolbox of MATLAB. The applicability of the proposed model was tested in seven construction projects and the probability of impact of factors on productivity evaluated. The results of application of model in the construction firms infers that the most contributing factor groups for most of the projects were discerned to be manpower, motivation and time group.