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CAUSES AND
EFFECTS OF DESIGN VARIATION IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
ABSTRACT
Variation is
one of the most severe problems in the construction industry. This variation
occurs in every construction project and the magnitude of these variations
varies considerably from project to project. As such, the client had to spend
more than what was initially estimated in most cases, sometimes, disputes and
unnecessary delays occur due to variations. This study focused to investigate
causes and effects of design variation in road construction project in Akwa
Ibom State. The objectives were to examine the causes of design variation, to
investigate the effects of design variation in road construction projects and
examine measures to minimizing its occurrence. Relevant literature review on
causes and effects of design variation in road construction projects were
carried out and an elaborate field survey was undertaken to verify the
objectives of this study. A total of 62 questionnaires were collected against
68 questionnaires distributed among professionals in the construction industry,
representing 91% response rate. The data collected through a structured
questionnaire administered to the professionals were analysed using simple
random sampling technique. The results revealed that change in client’s
opinions was the most predominant cause of variation. Others are consultant and
contractors’ factors were also seen as the severe causes. The results also
revealed that the most common effects of design variation on construction
projects were increase in project cost, delays in completion and disputes among
stakeholders. The study pointed early interaction between the design team and
the client to ensure that client’s requirements are clarified and communicated
effectively into the design to reduce variations. The study recommends team
work spirit amongst stakeholders involved in the project and respect to
original design by the client as the key ingredients for a successful project
delivery.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The
complexity of the construction industry due to different stakeholders’
involvement makes it differ from other industries. This complexity leads to
unwanted situations like variations with their associated effects. And
presently, it is almost becoming a rare thing for a construction project not to
have variation. Most contracts these days must make provisions for possible
variations given the nature of road construction project (Finsen et al., 1999).
(Uff, 2005) further pointed out that a clause permitting variation of works is
an essential feature of any construction contract because without it the
contractor is not bound to execute additional work or to make omissions or
changes. In line with these, the nature and approach to the conception,
planning and subsequent actualization of construction projects are dynamic,
complex, sophisticated and capital intensive in recent times. In consequence,
these projects are subjected to adequate appraisals by the sponsors on the
basis of political, social, projects relatives’ benefits, externalities,
etcetera, with a view of ascertaining the values of money (Onwusoye, 2005). The
certification for the realization of this objection through various techniques
and other implied factors by the potential owner of the projects leads to the
eventual take off of a construction project. Therefore, design variation need
to be critically addressed as this continue to be a frequent problem that gets
worse often in construction project. Though of recent, it is a common
phenomenon for design variation to occur on construction project. But under
normal circumstance, it is possible for a complex set of drawings and
specification to be available for preparation of fully described and accurate
bill of quantities for tendering purposes. These would deplete further charges
as a result of design changes during the construction stage.
According to
the J.C.T. 80, design variation in road construction refers to a change in the
works initiated by the engineers, consultants, employer or other factors as the
case may be which involves the alteration of any kind or standard of materials
to be used in the work. A design change is regarded as any change in the design
or construction of a project after the contract is awarded and signed, and such
changes are related not only to matters in accordance with the provision of the
contract but also changes to the work conditions. Akinsola et al (1997) also
noted that these changes as any additions, omission or adjustment to the
contract price or contract time, and it occurs regularly on construction
projects. Park (2002) defined design variation as a change to the work
state, processes or methods that differ
from the original construction plan or specification and usually resulted from
different in work quality and condition, scope changes or uncertainties that
make construction dynamic and unstable. Affirmed that design variations are
inevitable on major construction projects particularly on road construction
where the project is complex, the ground conditions variables or the employer
desire to incorporate the latest technology into the project. And the more
design changes on a project, the greater effect which become time consuming and
costly in construction projects (Mohamed, 2001). It is therefore of greater
concern regarding the adverse effects of the design changes in both public and
private construction in Akwa Ibom State.
According to
Arian and Pheng (2005), design variation on road construction project resulted
into a substantial increment in amount of funding budgeted for the work, hence
caused the inability to complete and handover the work as agreed initially at
the commencement of the work. As a result of this, it is extremely noticeable
that time and cost overrun occurs due to variation in many construction
projects especially road construction. Similarly, variation order which
contains a set of instructions that allows changes or modifications to be made
to as earlier agreement in terms of volume or nature of task to be carried out,
(O’Brien, 1998). These changes are however occur after the award of the initial
contract or after work might have commenced at the construction sites. The
changes may be due to various reasons such as the modification of original
design and scope, schedule, costs and methods.
Variation
from the original project design is seen as the major causes of project
failure, though project monitoring and control could cause corrective actions
to bring deviation during construction but failed to take cognizance of identifying and analyzing the
root cause of such variation (Ubani,
Nwanchukwu and Nwukonkwo, 2010). The performance objectives defect due to
variation of many completed and ongoing road projects resulted in employer’s
dissatisfaction, project time extension and cost overrun, low quality and
substandard outputs, project conflicting between the contractors and employers
arising from variation in contract sum. And the unusual thing about it is the
extent of such differences as well as the frequency occurrence. The causes and
cost implication of variation needs to be assessed and analysed at the onset of
the project, and it is on this background that the study was carried out.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
All road
construction projects undergo various degrees of design variations throughout
the project life cycle. Changes in construction projects are inevitable
particularly when the actual work commences to correct or modify original
design or scope of work (Alnuaimi et al., 2010). The research study by Naoum
(1997) highlighted the lack of time and effective communication, lack of
integration, uncertainty, a changing environment and increasing project
complexity as the drivers of design changes.
According to
a study by Ogunlana, Promkuntong and Jearkjirm (2000), construction owners are
the major causes of design variations due to changing plans in line with the
changing economic climate to meet customer demands or for making marketing
reasons. Design variation need to be constantly monitored to avoid escalation
(Olawale and Sun, 2010).
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