Construction Technology and Management
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Item Web- Based Application for Activity-Based Construction Cost Control in Selected Building Projects in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2023) Hanna Hailemicheal; Abraham Assefa (PhD)Managing cost is the most important aspect in a construction project as it is an integral and sensitive part of a construction. The activities of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers are dependent on the consistency of cash flow management of a construction project as it helps in determining how much money is profited after a project completion. If not, it can induce financial constraint or may lead to subsequent claims. However, in Ethiopian Construction Industry, the cost estimation method is usually not linked to the cost management and control mechanisms. In addition the current practice does not offer insight how to value projects or predict price for future bids. Furthermore, it is limited in supporting decision-making and performance control during construction. Current construction projects are also characterized by cost overruns and delays due to inefficient cost controlling processes besides other factors. This study develops a web-based Activity-Based Cost Controlling System by recording actual costs of onsite activities, analyzing and comparing it with budgeted cost, throughout a construction project life cycle to improve the project cost performance. The system uses a centralized database system to store actual cost information collected for each activity using cost codes (of which many activities in building construction share, the system records the daily executed quantities, the material, labor, equipment, and subcontract costs of each activity and analyzes to calculate the direct costs). A backend program is developed using PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) that integrates the cost information and the tender price (unit price) of each activity to compare it with the actual cost performance and finally provide performance reports that are automated for control of cost. The web-based application is tested using data from three building projects from different contractors and was found to be close to actual cost. Aside from creating performance reports, the web-based application can provide data on the activities’ start and finish dates, and cost information for activities including labor productivity and composition. The result of the study has shown that this web-based application facilitates automation, control, and follow-up of the cost controlling process for contractors.Item Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Practices on Selected Buildings in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2023) Semhal Gebremedhin; Abraham Assefa (PhD)Construction and demolition waste accounts for a significant portion of global solid waste production, with the majority of it ending up in landfills. Parallel to the rise in environmental consciousness, there is a growing awareness of waste issues all over the world. As a result, developing some construction and demolishing waste management solutions has become important. The objectives of this study is on examining the major building construction and demolishing waste materials, current practice of building construction and demolishing waste recycling, and testing the identified major building construction and demolishing waste material on selected buildings in Addis Ababa. The quantitative data gathered from the questionnaire was analyzed by straight forward percentages and frequency using SPSS. All other categories of respondents' interviews and responses/opinions to open ended data have yielded qualitative data and were summarized. The findings of this research revealed that most contractors try to reuse materials before disposing them but do not consider recycling at the site as an option; in terms of recycling, 4% of contractors said they recycle the waste from building construction and demolishing. And as for the amount of wastage from building construction and demolishing, HCB and cement take the first and the second place with 30 and 26 percentages respectively. The study also carried out laboratory test to compare the density and compressive strength of HCB with 50% replacement of its course aggregate with recycled HCB and HCB with standard mix which the HCB with 50% replacement yielded approximately close result to the HCB with standard mix. The study also found that contractors believe that by raising awareness, building recycling plants, and providing government incentives, recycling building construction and demolishing waste could be taken as an option by most contractors also potentially attracting private investors to invest in recycling factoriesItem Study on the Impacts of Construction Technology Adoption on Risk Management, Accident Reduction and Insurance Premium in Ethiopian Construction Industry(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Girma Yibeltal; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)This study's main goal is to examine how the Ethiopian construction industry's use of construction technology affects risk management, accident rates, and insurance costs. The study looks into the effects of using cutting-edge construction technologies on insurance coverage and expenses. A thorough analysis of pertinent literature, including studies on risk management, insurance policies, and the adoption of construction technologies, is part of the research process. Disk studies, secondary documents, observation, surveys, and interviews with professionals in the field such as consultants, insurance firms, contractors, and clients are more methods used to gather data. The results demonstrate the intricate connection between insurance prices and the adoption of construction technology. It has been noted that using cutting-edge technologies might affect insurance costs in both positive and bad ways. Innovative building techniques and materials can, on the one hand, improve safety, lessen hazards, and possibly even save insurance costs. However, implementing new technology may bring with it unknown dangers like equipment failures and cyberattacks, which might raise insurance premiums. Recommendations for insurance companies and building industry stakeholders are included in the study's conclusion. These suggestions center on the necessity of cooperation and information exchange between insurers and construction industry professionals, the creation of specialized insurance plans that address technological risks, and the application of risk management techniques that keep pace with the changing construction environment.Item Value Stream Mapping Integrated with Discrete Event Simulation for Productivity Improvement of Aluminum Window and Door Production(Addis Ababa University, 2025) Yoseph Animaw; Abraham Assefa Tsehayae (PhD)Aluminum window and door manufacturing sector in Ethiopia plays a critical role in supporting the country’s construction and infrastructure development. However, this sector faces several productivity challenges, including long lead times, inefficient resource use, unbalanced workloads, equipment downtime, and limited adoption of modern tools and methods. This research investigates the integration of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) with Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to identify and mitigate these inefficiencies in a real-world manufacturing setting. A case study was conducted at Vision Aluminum Manufacturing PLC located in Sululta, Ethiopia. The current state production process was mapped using VSM to visualize material and information flow, identify wastes, and propose improvement alternatives. Simphony CYCLONE was used to develop and validate a DES model, which simulated proposed changes before physical implementation. Three improvement scenarios were tested: (1) application of lean tools such as Kanban, 5S, TPM, and cellular manufacturing; (2) strategic upgrades like CNC machine repair and using cutting optimization software; and (3) labor optimization to balance production lines. Simulation results revealed that Scenario 1 improved productivity by 22.11%, Scenario 2 raised it to 31.96%, and Scenario 3 added a 5.8% gain by optimizing bottlenecks. Combined, the improvements enhanced overall productivity by 49.87%, reducing production time from 6,670.02 to 3,333.51 minutes, increasing the production rate from 0.222 m²/min to 0.386 m²/min, and enhancing labor productivity from 0.579 m²/man-hour to 1.287 m²/man-hour. The study demonstrates that integrating VSM with DES provides a practical, data-driven framework for continuous improvement in aluminum window/door manufacturing. It enables manufacturers to make evidence-based decisions, reduce waste, and optimize operations efficiently.Item Application Of 4D/5D Bim in Construction Project Management: The Case of Selected Building Projects in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Eyerusalem Melese; Abraham Assefa (PhD)This thesis investigates the application of 4D and 5D Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction project management, focusing on selected building projects in Addis Ababa. It addresses challenges faced by the Ethiopian construction industry, including low productivity, inadequate schedule control, and ineffective cost management due to traditional project management methods. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review outlining the theoretical framework of construction project management and the limitations of conventional practices. It emphasizes how technological advancements, particularly BIM, can significantly enhance project outcomes through improved visualization, coordination, scheduling, and cost estimation. A developed 4D/5D BIM framework is applied to three projects: the New Ethiopian National Theatre (Project A), Addis Capital Goods Mixed-Use Building (Project B), and Ethiopian Petroleum Station Mixed-Use Building (Project C). The research highlights how the framework integrates 3D modeling with time (4D) and cost (5D) dimensions to boost project efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. Key BIM objectives identified include improving design quality, transitioning from conventional designs to integrated BIM workflows, ensuring quality control, and facilitating effective stakeholder communication. By utilizing advanced BIM tools like BEXEL Manager, the study demonstrates the benefits of automated processes such as clash detection, quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and progress monitoring. For Project A, the implementation of a federated BIM model resulted in significant advancements in collaboration, data management, and construction planning. However, challenges were noted in Projects B and C, including incomplete mechanical systems, undefined model elements, and inconsistencies in work planes. These issues were attributed to deviations from ISO 19650 standards, Ethiopian Standard ES and the lack of critical documents like the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The findings indicate that while the projects reached basic BIM maturity (Level 2), substantial gaps remain in achieving higher levels of integration and optimization. Limitations include a shortage of skilled personnel, incomplete data for 4D/5D processes, and reliance on generic models. To address these gaps, the study emphasizes the need for adherence to ISO 19650 standards, the development of robust BEP and EIR documents, and targeted training programs for stakeholders. The research concludes with a roadmap for improving BIM maturity, transitioning from basic 3D modeling to fully integrated 4D/5D workflows. By addressing identified gaps, the Ethiopian construction industry can fully realize BIM’s potential, thereby setting a benchmark for large-scale public infrastructure projects. This study contributes to the knowledge on BIM implementation, offering practical insights and recommendations for advancing BIM adoption in resource-constrained environments.Item The Practices of Project Management Offices in Public Building Construction Projects: The Case of Selected Organizations in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa Universiy, 2025-06) Marsimoyi Weyuma; Abraham Assefa (PhD)Project Management Offices (PMOs) have emerged as key institutional mechanisms in Ethiopia's public construction sector for improving project governance and execution. Despite their growing prominence, many PMOs are not fully integrated into enterprise-level governance structures, and project outcomes are frequently below expectations. This study investigates PMO practices, challenges, and effectiveness in three public building construction organizations in Addis Ababa: the Mega Projects Construction Office (MPCO), Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), and Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU). An exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory multiple-case study design was employed, along with a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach. Data were triangulated across 21 semi-structured interviews, 33 structured survey responses, and a review of organizational documents. The data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis supported by descriptive statistics. The findings show that PMOs have improved cost control and schedule adherence, but their impact is limited by departmental boundaries, fragmented governance structures, poor risk management practices, and low stakeholder engagement. Capacity gaps remain due to a lack of a structured recruitment framework, an overreliance on experience-based staffing, a low adoption of professional certifications, and inconsistencies in training provision. Systemic challenges, including fragmented regulatory frameworks, and frequent leadership turnover, continue to inhibit PMO effectiveness. The study concludes by proposing policy- and practice-oriented recommendations to strengthen PMO governance, institutionalize competency-based staffing, enhance structured training systems, and adopt global project management standards and frameworks to the specific context of Ethiopia’s public construction sector. The findings contribute to a better understanding of PMO practices in developing country contexts, addressing a critical gap in empirical research and providing practical insights for improving project governance in Ethiopia's public construction sector.Item Experimental Investigation of Aloe Vera Gel as a Self-Curing Agent in Concrete Production(Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Meron Tadesse; Biruktawit Taye (PhD)Nature-based admixtures are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic additives, promoting sustainable practices in construction by replacing depletable resources. Aloe Vera gel is easily accessible and low-cost plant extract that has the potential to be used as a bio-admixture in concrete, improving workability and enhancing compressive strength. Due to the viscose nature of the plant, it is desired to examine the self-curing effect of aloe vera gel in concrete. The research examined the effects of using Aloe Vera gel as a self-curing agent for the concentration of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement. The investigation started with selecting the appropriate concrete making ingredients such as cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. The important physical tests, parameters useful for categorizing the ingredients and helpful for designing concrete, have been conducted in a laboratory. ACI mix design method was the procedure followed for designing C-30 grade concrete. Workability, split tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete samples at specified time intervals. Additionally, mortar samples were cured under two conditions—water-cured and sealed-cured—and their compressive strength was evaluated. The study also analyzed the effect of Aloe Vera gel on the consistency and setting time of cement paste. The addition of Aloe Vera gel improved workability and strength, with 1% gel showing optimal mortar compressive strength, and 2% gel yielding the best overall performance in concrete. On the long term, this natural additive has had an increasing drying shrinkage with the increase in dosage, however the change in length was marginal laid within the allowable limit. Additionally, the natural additive has a retarding effect on the setting time of cement paste. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of Aloe Vera gel as a sustainable alternative to conventional additives, warranting further research on optimization and large-scale applicationsItem Study of Price Adjustment Practices in Medium Building Projects of Ethiopia Over the Last Ten Years(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Abenezer Abera; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)Price adjustment clauses in construction contracts serve to account for fluctuations in material and labor costs, helping to maintain fairness and financial stability for all parties. These clauses typically adjust contract prices based on economic indicators such as inflation, exchange rates, or key commodity prices. Their use reflects the inherently volatile nature of construction projects, where unexpected economic shifts can cause significant cost deviations. Incorporating such mechanisms allows stakeholders to manage risks and uphold contract balance amid changing market conditions. This study focuses on medium-sized building construction projects in Ethiopia, aiming to evaluate the causes and impacts of price escalation, and to assess current price adjustment practices. The research highlights the importance of managing price fluctuations effectively to support sustainable construction and economic development. Data were collected using a combination of desk studies, self-administered questionnaires (both open- and closed-ended), unstructured interviews, and archival records. Cronbach‘s alpha, Spearman‘s correlation coefficient and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were employed to analyze survey data and rank contributing factors. Results show that internal issues such as inaccurate cost estimation, poor planning, and unclear contract clauses significantly contribute to price escalation. External factors include volatile material prices and exchange rate instability, particularly affecting items like cement, fuel, and ceramics. These fluctuations result in project delays, cost overruns, cash flow problems, and contractual disputes. Findings indicate that while the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) contract form is generally effective in addressing price adjustments, concerns remain regarding contractors‘ understanding of the mechanism and the accuracy of applied indices. Recommendations include enhancing contractor awareness, refining tender estimates, improving price databases, and encouraging regulatory oversight. These measures aim to reduce the negative effects of price escalation and strengthen the resilience of Ethiopia‘s construction industry.Item A Study on the Performance of Housing Projects: A Post Project Evaluation of Branch Two 40/60 Housing Projects in Ethiopia.(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Helen Woldeselassie; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)Integrated Housing Development Program was created as part of the nation's economic development strategy, In order to boost local companies, encourage the use of locally produced building materials, and provide job opportunities. The 40/60 housing scheme is one of the initiatives. The Addis Ababa city administration started the 40/60 saving housing project at reasonable costs for middle-class city citizens in order to address the housing issue. The country's largest city Addis Ababa, is home to a sizable population, and it is anticipated that this population will continue to grow in the near future. This has occasionally led to an increase in the demand for housing, which has resulted in the most complex socioeconomic issues in the city. Since 2013, the IHDP lottery registration system has been inaccessible to new applicants, as there is a waiting list that currently stands more than 800,000. Additionally, previously scheduled IHDP construction developments have been postponed.Ex post evaluation is an assessment technique that emphasizes the project's long-term results. The lack of a system for evaluating building performance is one of the causes for our inability to obtain crucial data on our buildings, which leads to reoccurring errors and ineffective projects. Project assessment can be helpful in demonstrating openness and accountability as well as in allowing lessons learned to be shared in the construction of knowledge and expertise. In this regard this research is conducted to evaluate the performance of the 40/60 housing projects. Beside observed information this research identify and analyse data to determine the performance of the housing projects, to identify the underperformance areas in the housing projects, to investigate factors contributing to underperformance of the housing projects and to identify the post occupation issues or defects of the housing projects.The data is collected from customers, brokers and employees of the organization that are involved in the building construction projects through an interview, questioner , project reports and documents. The housing projects under this research construct in total of 14,724 houses and 4932 shops. Among these buildings 158 of them are delivered and 7,963 numbers of keys are transferred to the owners. In total 737 people benefited from this project employment opportunity and among them 139 of them are women. This projects helps landlords in creating wealth And also help as an option for the peoples who can’t afford the rent and the cost of real-estate apartments. However there is a difference between the number of blocks constructed and transferred, there is also price increment on the buyers in each round which makes accountability and affordability of these condominium houses questionable and also Water leakage, dampness and mold growth are among the common quality problems observed in these projects. Delayed design, delayed contractor payments and time estimates that are unrealistic compared to the actual work are some of the reason mentioned for the observed delays. And the reasons for the difference in quantity among the materials given to the contractor by the government and actual consumption were the standard being not prepared back then, due to inefficient uses of material by contractors, in some cases due to robbery issues and also the change in supervisor in different times from the client side causing a gap in information.Item Assessment of Facility Management Practices in Addis Ababa’s Central Business District High-Rise Buildings: Challenges and Opportunities(Addis Ababa University, 2025-02) Henok Berhane; Biruktawit Taye (PhD)High-rise buildings in Addis Ababa’s central business district address urban density and land scarcity but face significant facility management challenges. These include limited adoption of advanced technologies, inadequate training, and the absence of standardized practices, leading to inefficiencies, safety risks, and reduced building lifespans. This study assesses current facility management practices, identifies key challenges, and explores opportunities for improvement to enhance efficiency and sustainability. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with facility managers and building occupants. Data analysis revealed a predominant reliance on corrective maintenance, with limited preventive strategies due to budget constraints. Energy efficiency initiatives, such as LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems, are in place but need expansion to incorporate renewable energy solutions. Technology adoption varies, with some buildings utilizing Building Management Systems while others struggle with financial limitations. Key challenges include gaps in regulatory compliance, particularly in fire safety, environmental standards, and accessibility, necessitating investment and training. While tenant satisfaction is high for cleanliness and safety, parking and elevator services require improvement. The study underscores the need for proactive maintenance strategies, increased technology adoption, and sustainability-focused initiatives. Strengthening facility management policies, investing in training programs, and encouraging government incentives for sustainable practices can enhance building performance. These findings provide a roadmap for aligning Addis Ababa’s facility management practices with global standards, fostering long-term efficiency and resilience while informing future policies and research.Item Investigating Determinants of Lean Construction Implementation in Building Construction Projects: The Case of Selected Construction Companies in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2025-02) Gahsaw Kibru; Girmay Kahssay (PhD)Lean Construction involves applying lean manufacturing principles, or lean thinking, to the construction industry with core concept of delivering the right things to the right place at the right time, in the right quantity, while minimizing waste and remaining adaptable to change. However, In Addis Ababa, lean implementation is still in its early stages, primarily relying on push planning systems and so far there is very few or no revealed study has been observed with regards of LC challenges. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the critical factors influencing the implementation of lean construction (LC) in building projects, focusing on four independent variables: Project Complexity, Management Support, Training and Education, and Cultural Attitudes. Convenience sampling was used to selecting a sample of 170 respondents from four selected construction companies in Addis Ababa and a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 95% was used to collect 160 valid data points. Descriptive research designs as well as a quantitative research approach were used to conduct the study. The Statistical Process for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27) was used to conduct statistical analyses. Utilizing regression analysis, the study reveals that all four variables exhibit significant positive associations with lean construction implementation, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.659 to 0.719. Notably, Training and Education demonstrate the strongest relationship (0.719), followed by Management Support (0.705), Cultural Attitudes (0.684), and Project Complexity (0.659). The model fitness analysis indicates an R² value of 0.597, suggesting that approximately 59.7% of the variance in lean construction implementation is explained by these factors. However, 40.3% of the variance remains unexplained, indicating potential influences from other unexamined variables. The significance of the regression model, evidenced by an ANOVA significance value of 0.00, confirms its effectiveness in predicting the barriers to lean construction implementation. Standardized coefficients further reveal that Training and Education (Beta = 0.250) is the most influential factor, followed by Management Support (Beta = 0.236), Cultural Attitudes (Beta = 0.229), and Project Complexity (Beta = 0.181). These findings highlight the necessity of knowledge, skills, and management commitment in overcoming barriers to lean practices. The study emphasizes that a lack of training and awareness can hinder the effective application of lean methodologies, as noted in prior research. Management support emerged as a crucial element, with top management's commitment being vital for fostering a lean culture. Cultural attitudes were identified as barriers, wherein personal preferences and trust issues between management and employees can impede lean implementation. Additionally, the complexities associated with construction projects, including stakeholder interdependencies, pose significant challenges. In conclusion, the study identifies Training and Education, Management Support, Cultural Attitudes, and Project Complexity as key drivers in the successful adoption of lean construction. Recommendations for construction companies include investing in training programs, enhancing management support, fostering positive cultural attitudes, and effectively managing project complexities. By addressing these factors, construction firms can improve project efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately enhance profitability and project delivery outcomes.Item Enhancing Building Construction Project Management in Addis Ababa through the Implementation of Extended Reality Technology: A Preliminary Feasibility Study and Implementation Framework(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Kidaneab Tekalign; Abraham Assefa (PhD)The construction industry in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia faces numerous challenges in project management, including design errors, communication issues, visualization difficulties, delays, rework, and cost overruns. This thesis explores the feasibility and implementation framework of integrating Extended Reality (XR) technology into construction project management practices to address these challenges. XR technology, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), offers significant potential to enhance design visualization, improve stakeholder communication, and increase overall project efficiency. The methodology employed in this study involves a mixed research approach, including surveys and interviews with construction professionals to identify current practices, challenges and assess their awareness and acceptance of XR technology. Case studies of three construction consulting firms—A, B, and C and one technology company D, provided insights into the practical implementation and outcomes of XR technology in construction projects. The data were analyzed to evaluate the technical, economic, operational, and organizational feasibility of adopting XR technology in the local context. The findings reveal that XR technology can significantly improve project management processes. For instance, consulting firm B reported a 30% reduction in design errors and a 25% increase in stakeholder engagement through the use of VR and AR in two completed projects, a medium hospital and a private school. Notably, the internal rate of return (IRR) for implementing XR technology is estimated at 30.04%, highlighting its financial viability. The economic feasibility analysis indicates that the initial cost of implementing XR technology is approximately 1,007,424.00 Birr, with ongoing annual operational costs estimated at 307,660 Birr. Despite the high initial investment, the potential for cost savings through reduced errors and rework, improved efficiency, and enhanced communication suggests a positive return on investment within three to five years. However, challenges such as limited local suppliers for XR hardware and the need for significant training and technical support must be addressed. In conclusion, the integration of XR technology in construction project management in Addis Ababa is feasible and offers substantial benefits in addressing current challenges. The developed implementation framework provides a comprehensive guide for successful adoption, outlining necessary steps, resources, and strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to further quantify the long-term benefits and explore the impact of XR technology on different types of construction projects.Item Assessment Of Current Administrative Practices On Reducing The Occurrence And Impact Of Variation Orders: (A Case Study On Federal Housing Corporation Mixed-Use Apartment Projects)(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08) Meskerem Mengistie; Abraham Assefa (PhD)This study investigates the current administration practices of variation orders within the Federal Housing Corporation (FHC), highlighting the reduction of occurrence and negative impacts and also assessing best practices essential for effective administration. Findings reveal that variation orders frequently arise due to factors such as material unavailability, design changes, and discrepancies in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), leading to significant cost overruns and schedule delays. Current administrative practices at FHC are found to be inadequate, characterized by unclear documentation, inconsistent risk assessments, and insufficient stakeholder engagement during the planning phase. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting comprehensive strategies, including the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other technological tools to enhance communication and streamline processes. It underscores the necessity of clearly defined roles and responsibilities among stakeholders, promoting prompt decision-making and trust-based relationships as vital components for effective variation management. Recommendations include enhancing documentation practices, implementing proactive risk management, and investing in continuous professional development for staff. By addressing these recommendations, FHC can significantly improve its capacity to manage variation orders, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and heightened stakeholder satisfaction in future construction projects.Item Study on Price Estimating Method in Selected Ethiopian Road Administration Construction Projects(Addis Ababa Univesrity, 2024-05) Gediyon Addis; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)Road construction is a major sector for national income growth and generates employment within a country. Accurate road construction project price estimation solves the project finance problem for country by providing efficient resource allocation. Hence, identification and analysis of price estimation accuracy is important for successful project completion. Accordingly, this research attempts to identify the major shortcoming and limitation during price estimation, factors leading to price estimation inaccuracy road construction sector, computer price estimation software used for price estimation; which can serve as the way to provide structured approach for price estimation stakeholder. Literature review and desk study were done to investigate price estimation method in road construction projects. The questionnaire survey was conducted with stakeholders from contractors, client and consultants. The questionnaire include total of fourteen major factor affecting price estimation process. In addition, other questions which enable to achieve the objectives of the research were developed. The result of the desk study indicated that out of ten investigated road construction projects eight projects encounter price variance. All projects have encountered project delay. There is lack of database technique and advanced price estimating method like ANN and 74% of respondent indicates existence of price estimation inaccuracy. The survey result of respondent indicates project size, project location, market condition and external event are major factor affecting price estimation accuracy. In order to improve price estimation accuracy data availability and documentation should be improved; identify each factor affecting price estimation accuracy and document it; implement advanced computer price estimating software. In addition, use specialized group for each road work and finally check estimate with independent estimator.Item Assessment of Pacing Delay in Construction Contracts (A Case on Selected Roads under Ethiopian Roads Administration)(Addis Ababa University, 2024-11) Kenaw Maru; Abraham Assefa (PhD)Delay is one of the major sources of claims and disputes in construction and the impact of construction delays is not limited to the construction industry, but it also affects the entire economy of the nation. In construction contracts, Though employers are obligated to provide extra time for project completion they are not responsible for delay costs resulting from concurrent delays caused by contractors. When the contractors know the employers contention, contractors may argue that the delays dependent the were a deliverate decision following the employers independent delay. However, many Contractors failed to sufficiently demonstrate that the Contractor’s pacing of the works were intentional, concurrent delays following the employers’ delays. The purpose of the research is to assess existance of pacing delay in construction contracts and its relation with concurrent delay, highligh the practice of pacing delay provisions in the International contracts, identify the required procedures during implementation of pacing delay. To this end the review of related literatures, shows that pacing delay is not a concurrent delay which instead is characterized by the contractor's proactive approach to adjust the schedule of the works in response to delays caused by the Employer or external factor and it is a recognized business in the international construction contract, particularly in USA and UK. However, the case has not been researched in Ethioipian and broad African context and as a result, the existance of pacing delay has not been fully undrstood. Further, the questionnaire survey shows that 93.3% of the repondants agreed on importance of pacing delay clauses for effective management of delays under federal road projects in Ethiopia. Besides, the survey further sugests, the provision of pacing delay clauses in the Contract document along with enhancing communication, keeping comprehensive records, and establishing consensus on delay criteria, can significantly mitigate the risks of project Finally, further research should be done to get an in depth understanding on the practical application of pacing delays.Item Root Causes and Impacts of Frequent Excavations to existing City Infrastructure: A case of Addis Ababa Street and Utility Assets(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Fufa Lencho; Robeam Solomon (PhD)Frequent excavation to existing city infrastructure (FEECI) imposes an adverse health and safety, aesthetic and economic in general, sustainability impacts on individual and community of a given environment particularly, city and country at all. Despite its impacts on economic and/or sustainability issues and hence human welfare in cities around the globe in general and in Addis Ababa city in particular, FEECI was overlooked or neglected by researchers and almost all individuals and/or communities (i.e. instead of being considered as problem, rather it has been accepted just as a ‘normal’, ‘expected’ or ‘allowable’ and ‘unavoidable’ practices). Therefore, being motivated by an overarching characteristics of city and its infrastructure, and hence with inquiry and curiosity for root causes and impacts of FEECI, the author investigated the root causes and subsequent impacts of the problem (FEECI), on city, exist infrastructure and community particularly, that of Addis Ababa (the capital city of Ethiopia which also further assumed as ‘capital city of Africa’). To achieve this main goal and specific objectives of the research, data were collected via field observation with photographs, videos, note taking; face-to face interview survey with experienced professionals of infrastructural companies as well as questionnaire survey which was used as supplementary tool. The data were analyzed under the mixed research—combination of both quantitative and qualitative approach, using appropriate and corresponding analysis techniques for each category of data. Descriptive (frequency distribution, measurement of central tendency such as mean/average, mode, median) and inferential statistics (Spearman’s correlation coefficient) were used for analysis of quantitative data obtained via questionnaire survey. Qualitative data collected by face-to face interview, secondary documents and field observations were analyzed by techniques such as narration, thematic analysis (TA) and Content analysis (CA). Findings from all used methods of the study were triangulated. Results of the study indicated that intentional and unintentional human (infrastructure stakeholders) actions are root causes of FEECI in Addis Ababa city which in turn impose economic and sustainability impacts in terms of: repairing cost, operational cost, societal (health & safety/convenience) and environmental and/or aesthetics (ROSE) impacts on the city and users. These root causes were manifested by 20 indicators whose relative importance (RI) was found ranging from 0.86 to 0.59. ‘Poor/ inappropriate infrastructure construction/ installation methods/ techniques’, ‘Absence/ inapplicability of reliable specifications, standards, guidelines and legal frames for infrastructural related works and Management’ and ‘Overload/miss-utilization of infrastructures beyond their design capacity or their purpose’ were identified as the most important factors manifesting the root causes of FEECI. Empirical equation & regression model used to estimate impacts were also developed. Finally, the researcher has drawn conclusion and forwarded recommendations to concerning bodies based on the results of the research.Item Study on the Practices of Price Adjustment in Ethiopian Building Construction(Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Abebe Jima; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)Price adjustment refers to a provision in a contract which calls for an adjustment in price in the event of an increase or decrease in certain costs. Price adjustment clauses are becoming increasingly common in building construction contracts as a means to cover unexpected costs resulting from fluctuations in the prices for raw materials, fuel and labor during the course of the construction project. However, Lack of properly designed standard procedures for price adjustments and lack of clear understanding on price adjustment clauses and formula to implement the price adjustments when necessary has been a problem to the construction industry and the time associated with cost of construction could not be maintained and managed in a proper way for the successful accomplishment of projects. Therefore, this research paper aims in examining the price adjustment practices being currently implemented in the Ethiopian Building Industry, knowing the construction industry has the big share of the country’s budget every physical year, with reference to international good practices and attempts to develop a draft standard procedure of Price Adjustment formulae.Item Comparative Study on The Impact of Materials Wastage on Project Cost Between Prefabricated and On-Site Building Construction Methods: The Case of Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation(Addis Ababa University, 2024-04) Meseret Asefa; Abebe Dinku (Prof.); Bedru Merhaba (Mr.) Co-AdvisorConstruction material waste is produced due to construction work progress, type of work being done and site procedure on traditional methods of construction projects. As a result, using prefabrication is one of the options for decreasing the waste produced by using prefabricated elements. Prefabrication is the conversion of construction activities from on-site construction methods that produce a lot of waste to industrial procedures that produce little waste. This study aims to analyze the effects of construction material waste on project costs in Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation between prefabricated and on-site building construction methods. A literature review was carried out to identify sources of construction material waste, prefabricated and on-site construction methods and their material wastage extent, construction material wastage and project cost and waste minimization technics being used in the construction industry. A questionnaire survey, on-site observation, and case studies based on document analysis were carried out in this research. The data obtained from the questioner were analyzed using Microsoft excel. The study focused on the five main materials which are concrete, mortar, reinforcement bar, hollow concrete block and formwork for the greatest influence on the project cost. Based on the respondent answer from contractor and consultant ranked the variable and by document analysis estimate the amount of material waste analytically. From 13 Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation prefabricated and on-site construction project sites, the study show that design change, lack of onsite material control, rework and ordering errors were the main reasons of construction materials wastage. Finally, according to the results of this study, sand and hollow concrete blocks are largest source of waste in prefabricated and on-site project sites but formwork wastage is only showing on on-site construction and the cost of waste generated at these two sites are 6.23% and 13.84% in prefabricated and on-site construction, respectively. The result of this study recommends that, uses of construction element, proper detail during designing, attention to material control and reduce rework and material ordering errors are the main reasonable technics in Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation construction sites to increase profits and reduce waste.Item Modeling Raw Material Inventory Control and Delivery of Ready Mixed Concrete to Sites in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Seyfe Yihenew; Abrham Assefa (PhD)Due to the city's booming construction, ready-mixed concrete is gaining wide recognition and has a high demand in Addis Ababa. Since these operations are performed in a highly uncertain environment, making planning and operating difficult and complex. So a supply chain management system is needed to form a consumption pattern for the raw materials of RMC and delivery of RMC. Inventory and delivery are the most important among the several management plans and decisions in RMC batching plants, such a raw material inventory control system of RMC batching plants could be applied as an approach for optimal estimation of the reservoirs required for storage of raw materials and to reduce the effect of uncertainties on delivery operations. This research aims to develop an integrated raw materials inventory model with a simulation model for the delivery of RMC to sites in Addis Ababa. The data sources used in this research are observation and financial reports using a case study plant and delivery sites. A raw material inventory model was developed through Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model and the developed models are predicted using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). As a result, the testing predictive analysis results confirmed that the ANN predictive had higher accuracy in the prediction of the optimal order quantity and reordering point (ROP) of raw materials with an accuracy measurement value of 0.98 R and 0.2935 MAE and 0.9998 R and 0.2935 MAE for EOQ and ROP of Aggregate, 0.9831 R and 0.418 MAE and 0.9999 R and 0.1673 MAE for EOQ and ROP of Sand, and 0.9951 R and 1.6512 MAE and 0.9828 R and 6.1731 MAE for EOQ and ROP of Cement. Additionally, 63.35%, 76.47%, and 11.27% reductions have been obtained in the estimation of the optimal size of the required reservoirs for aggregate, sand, and cement respectively. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) was used to develop RMC to site delivery model. The study involved close observation of 182 concrete truck delivery cycles taken from two sample projects, which cover 50.89% of the overall yearly (2014 E.C.) concrete delivery of the case study plant. And EOQ-based ANN predictive analysis maximum consumption output results were used to get the maximum delivered amount of concrete used for the analysis of DES, the predictive output result was 1307.33 m3. Finally, an overall simulation output result, which is optimal by assigning 8 numbers of trucks, with an overall production rate of 0.025 TL/min (10.74m3/hr.) and 0.032 TL/min. (13.75 m3/hr.) respectively for the truck and mixer are established.Item Identification of Determinant Factors for Contract Administration in Ethiopian Roads Administration Gambella Area Projects Management Office(Addis Ababa University, 2023-11) Yeshidinber Ketema; Abraham Assefa (PhD); Derese Birbirsa (Mr.) Co-AdvisorThe objective of the study is to identify the Determinant Factors for Contract Administration in Ethiopian Roads Administration Gambella Area Projects Management Office. The study prepared five scale based questionnaires and distributed to 141 sample populations and was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. The descriptive and frequency analysis, interview response, meta-analysis and case study showed that documentation, resources, claim and dispute management, risk management, project process management, communication, project closure and stake holders are important in contract administration. The correlation analysis also showed that at significance level of 0.000 contract administration has high positive correlation with claim and dispute management (.769), moderate positive correlation with documentation (.651), project closure (.622), Risk Management (0.616) and project process management (.543) and low positive correlation with communication (.488), resource (.398) and stakeholder management (0.052). The regression analysis on the other hand showed that documentation, project closure, claim and dispute management and project process management have significant effects on Contract Administration with significance value of 0.001, 0.000, 0.000 and 0.006 respectively and, the coefficient significance value of communication (.134), resource (.147) and stake holders (.101) are significant at above 10% significant level and that of Risk Management (0.416) at 41.60% in which the variables have a significant relation with contract administration. In addition the foregoing; meta-analysis has been carried out to identify the best suit study among the similar perspective studies. Finally, the study recommends that recently launched ERA‘s various Manuals, Guidelines and Reports shall be properly implemented by the parties in the contract, better Communication scheme shall be devised among the parties, timely certification of Payments, assignment of qualified personnel for the works, establishment of strong Workshop, deployment of proper machineries both in number and quality, proper Stakeholder Management, Proper Risk Management, due consideration shall be given for the road at the Design Stage notably Design shall be done in due consideration of the actual site scenario, and last Security issue shall be resolved in the project vicinities.