A Synthesis of Literature on the Effects of COVID-19 on Construction Industry

The construction industry has always been prone to uncertainties due to its dynamic nature, but the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of its present challenges and their implications for the future of the industry. Despite numerous studies conducted on this topic, a comprehensive understanding of the factors stemming from COVID-19 that disrupted the industry is still lacking. This study aims to bridge that knowledge gap by identifying the challenges, categorizing them into four areas (cost overruns, schedule overruns, contractual implications, and health and safety issues), ranking them based on their frequency of occurrence in previous studies, and outlining management strategies to lessen their detrimental impacts on projects. A systematic literature review was conducted, and 284 publications were shortlisted for further review. The review revealed 26 challenges, of which shortage of labor, suspension or slowing of ongoing projects, force majeure confusion, and workplace safety concerns were among the most frequently cited, and offered strategies, such as workforce investment, supplier management, legal consultation, and transparent communication, for managing them. This research provides valuable insights for stakeholders and project managers in the construction sector that will help them comprehend and effectively manage the pandemic-induced challenges.