A benchmark model for construction duration in public housing developments

Construction time has been perceived to be one of the most essential performance indicators among numerous successful projects. Considerable effort has been dedicated to the issue of how to benchmark best practice measures of construction time performance (CTP) for use in the construction industry. An industry-wide survey was launched to identify a set of critical factors affecting construction durations of high-rise public housing projects in Hong Kong. Data was derived from a representative sample of 56 standard ‘Harmony’ type residential blocks via mailed standard questionnaires. A multiple regression technique was applied to data analysis and model development. The results indicated that a benchmark model for predicting the durations of various primary work packages could be generated based on a group of significant variables identified. The testing and validity of the developed model was conducted using further project data obtained from the client organisation and confirmed significant. The model usefulness to future public housing developments was also highlighted. The regression model serves as an essential tool for benchmarking an optimum time estimate for delivery of a public housing project. A comprehensive study is currently being undertaken for private sector housing blocks in Hong Kong by adopting similar research methodology, for national and international comparisons.Department of Building and Real Estat