Assessing Strategies for Mitigating Critical Risk Factors for Successful Delivery of Building Construction Projects

This study assesses the strategies for mitigating Critical Risk Factors (CRFs) for successful delivery and sustainability of Building Construction Projects (BCP) in Lagos State Nigeria. The study is necessitated by incessant building collapses and other risk vulnerabilities during the implementation and habitation stages of BCP. The study adopted field survey research design and cluster sampling techniques. Distinct administrative divisions of Lagos State formed the clusters used in the study. The primary data used for the study were obtained from respondents of each division consisting of; quantity surveyors, project managers, architects, construction and civil engineers. The instruments of data collection and measurement were well-structured questionnaire modelled in weighted scoring scales. The identified CRFs and Risk Mitigation Strategies (RMS) formed the decision variables and constructs used in designing the questionnaire. The methods of data analysis were Relative Severity Index (RSI), which investigated the extent of vulnerability of CRFs and Pearson correlation analysis used for inferential decision support on the effectiveness of RMS to minimize or avoid the CRFs as to enhance BCP success and sustainability. The findings from the data analysis indicate structural risk with RSI =89.62% is severest CRFs threatening the success and sustainability of BCP. Also, the most significant correlated and effective RMS is evaluating design effectiveness and quality of inputs (with R = 84.30%) as to correct errors in design and inputs defects prior to implementation of BCP. The work recommends thorough risk investigation and management be carried out with mitigation strategies in place prior to BCP implementation. Also, other RMS have to be in combination with evaluation of design effectiveness when necessary as to achieve higher levels of BCP success and sustainability throughout the implementation and habitation life cycle.