Understanding the Causes of Design Errors in Construction Projects: A DEMATEL-Based Framework

• Published in: Journal of legal affairs and dispute resolution in engineering and construction Vol. 16; no. 2
• Main Authors: Lee, Chia Kuang, Chai, Changsaar, Bujna, Marián, Fauzi, Muhammad Ashraf, Boo, Ying Qi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston American Society of Civil Engineers 01-05-2024
• Subjects: Algorithms; Decision analysis; Errors; Project development
• ISSN: 1943-4162; 1943-4170
• DOI: 10.1061/JLADAH.LADR-1118

The design phase plays a crucial role in project development by providing a structured plan that transforms a vision into a tangible entity. Consequently, any errors detected during the design phase can have a profound impact on the overall project performance. Numerous researchers have identified design errors as one of the most critical factors contributing to disputes and project failure. However, they failed to investigate the direct factors, indirect factors, and interdependencies among the factors associated with construction design errors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the interrelationships among the causes of design errors. Nine causes of design errors were extracted and synthesized from the literature. Subsequently, 15 experts were interviewed, and the data collected was analyzed using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) algorithm. The critical factors and their relationships were then presented in an impact-relation map diagram. The findings confirm that the top three important causes of design errors are inadequate design experts (C1), lack of skills and experience (C2), and poor communication in a design team (C4). This study suggests that adoption of building information modeling (BIM), trainings, and design review may address these issues. The conclusions of this study can assist major players in the construction sector, as well as the government sector in establishing intervening strategies to mitigate errors and improve the quality of design.