Forecasting labor productivity changes in construction using the PMV index

To many, a construction project is considered successful if it is completed within its scheduled duration and estimated cost. Considering the various elements of cost, there would be general agreement among estimators that the element subject to most variability is the labor cost which is a function of two factors namely, unit cost of labor and labor productivity. The latter is subject to most variability due to being dependent upon many factors including thermal environment variations. Therefore, a proper evaluation of the effect of thermal environment on labor productivity is needed to estimate construction costs and schedule or to quantify damages resulting from productivity losses in construction claims.