Analyzing COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies in the Construction Industry

Nikhitha Adepu, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Apurva Pamidimukkala

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant operational disruptions in the construction industry. While a wealth of literature suggests best practices, a discernible gap remains in gauging the consensus among industry professionals on these recommendations. Specifically, uncertainty arises regarding the degree to which construction engineers and managers align with these best practices during the pandemic. Additionally, there is a notable knowledge void concerning the real-world effectiveness and adaptability of these strategies. Addressing these concerns and aiming to fill the identified gaps, the primary objective of this research is to elucidate the favored mitigation strategies in the construction sector during the COVID-19 crisis. To achieve this objective, survey responses from 131 construction engineers and managers were analyzed using relative importance index (RII). The results revealed that establishing an effective communication system emerged as a top priority among industry professionals. Furthermore, restructuring, diversifying supply chains, and the inclusion of a force majeure clause specific to COVID-19-related delays were also highlighted by respondents. The study’s contributions aim to enhance the construction sector’s resilience, adaptability, and preparedness for both immediate and long-term challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers comprehensive guidelines and positions itself as a quintessential reference for engineers, managers, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInternational Conference on Transportation and Development 2024
Subtitle of host publicationTransportation Planning, Operations, and Transit - Selected Papers from the International Conference on Transportation and Development 2024
EditorsHeng Wei
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages421-430
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780784485521
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventInternational Conference on Transportation and Development 2024: Transportation Planning, Operations, and Transit, ICTD 2024 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Jun 15 2024Jun 18 2024

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Transportation and Development 2024: Transportation Planning, Operations, and Transit - Selected Papers from the International Conference on Transportation and Development 2024

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Transportation and Development 2024: Transportation Planning, Operations, and Transit, ICTD 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period6/15/246/18/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Transportation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analyzing COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies in the Construction Industry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this