Lucko, G; Helinski, P O and Ballesteros-Pérez, P (2026) Universal model for performance and delay tracking of linear construction schedules. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(5): 04026035, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Project delays are pervasive in construction projects, frequently causing significant financial, operational, and contractual challenges for all stakeholders involved. Despite the existence of many delay analysis methods, very few are used in practice due to their limiting assumptions, as well as their overly simplistic (generally network-based) schedule inputs. This paper introduces a universal model to track work performance and project delays in linear construction schedules. The model leverages singularity functions to provide a mathematical quantification and graphical representation of delays, enabling real-time tracking and liability allocation. Capabilities of the model are demonstrated through its application to a series of varied performance scenarios and a representative realistic case study. This work contributes to the body of knowledge by offering a structured representation for delay analysis, capable of handling complex relationships within and between activities in dynamic project environments while facilitating computer calculations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | delay tracking; linear schedules; project delays; project management; singularity functions |
| Index terms: | construction project, delay analysis, linear construction, graphical representation, project delay, work performance, case study, real-time tracking, quantification, body of knowledge, liability, project management |
| Subjects: | project management theory and practice, operations management, knowledge management, liability law, project controls, visualization, measurement and scaling, production management, building construction, data management, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Time Control, Information Management, Legal Issues, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Digital Applications, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here