Effects of project’s physical characteristics on cost deviation in road construction

This study is conducted to investigate the effect of projects’ physical characteristics on cost deviation in road construction using data from road construction projects awarded in the West Bank – Palestine over the years 2007–2010. The study is based on a sample of 74 road construction projects. Based on these data, regression models are developed. A questionnaire survey is also conducted to determine the impact of projects’ physical characteristics on cost deviation in road construction. The questionnaire survey included 14 owners, 30 contractors, and 25 consultants. The considered characteristics are: project size (i.e. small, medium, and large), estimated cost, road length, road width, terrain conditions, soil and rock suitability, and soil and rock drill ability. The results reveal that the average of cost deviation in road construction is 16.73%, ranging from −20.33% to 56.01%. The correlation between cost deviation in road construction projects and the above mentioned parameters is investigated.