Model for prediction of highway construction production rates

Construction production rates are important in many construction management functions. Cost estimating, cost control, scheduling and resource allocation all rely upon production rate data. The prediction of future production rates is essential. Construction production rates are extremely variable. Historically the prediction of production rates has been difficult and often inaccurate. This dissertation presents the concept of a factorial model for explaining the variance associated with construction production rates. Production rates are affected by many influencing factors. Identification and quantification of the influencing factors allow a more complete understanding of the work process. The considerations of factor identification and data collection systems are discussed. Model development and statistical procedures are presented. A comprehensive approach for developing a production rate prediction model is developed. A demonstration prediction model is developed from a survey data base of production rate observations taken from 60 different highway construction projects in the state of Florida.