Selection of construction methods for construction projects: A knowledge problem

Appropriate selection of construction methods used in the execution of a project is a decisive factor for its development and the achievement of the desired results. In many cases, this process is undertaken without suitable attention, generating negative consequences for the project. It is therefore necessary to search for different approaches that would accomplish greater efficiency in the realization of this process. This requires a deep understanding of current practices for implementing the process for construction methods' selection and the major problems that affect this selection process. The purpose of this article is to report the results of a study oriented to identify the main features of this process such as is currently the standard practice in construction firms. The results obtained allowed the identification of current practices, process problems, and information involved, and the knowledge required for carrying out the selection of construction methods for a construction project. A map of the knowledge associated with this process is proposed. It is concluded that the selection of construction methods is highly intensive in knowledge and that this knowledge is held mainly in the mind of professionals of construction companies, a fact that limits the availability of this knowledge and its use by the construction company in new projects. The main reason for this situation is that construction companies do not have formal systems to collect, process, and manage this kind of knowledge.