Karan Desai
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Construction delays represent one of the most significant challenges in the built environment, impacting both project cost and schedule performance. This manuscript examines the multifaceted causes and consequences of delays, focusing on projects executed up to the year 2017. By reviewing existing literature, analyzing three representative case studies from 2010–2017, and applying a mixed-methods approach, the study identifies key delay factors, quantifies their effects on cost overruns and schedule slippage, and proposes mitigation strategies applicable within the engineering discipline. The findings highlight that contractor-related issues, design modifications, and site conditions account for over 60% of delays, leading to average cost escalations of 15–25% and schedule extensions of 20–30% across sampled projects. The study concludes with recommendations for proactive risk management and stakeholder coordination to minimize the impact of delays.
Keywords
Construction delays; cost overruns; schedule slippage; risk management; engineering projects
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