In the heart of Iran’s construction industry, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we perceive and manage risks in high-rise building projects, particularly in the city of Mashhad. Led by Mahdi Jahanshahi Javaran from the Nour Department at Iran University of Science & Technology, this research is not just an academic exercise; it’s a practical tool that could save millions in construction costs and enhance project outcomes.
Javaran and his team have turned their attention to the often-overlooked risks that can make or break high-rise construction projects. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, they’ve identified and ranked these risks, providing a clear roadmap for project managers. “The construction industry is fraught with uncertainties,” Javaran explains. “Our research aims to bring clarity to these uncertainties, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.”
The study, published in the journal ‘مهندسی و مدیریت ساخت’ (translated to English as ‘Engineering and Construction Management’), reveals that risks in high-rise construction projects can be broadly categorized into internal and external factors. Through a comprehensive survey of Mashhad’s construction managers and advanced analytical methods like Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the research pinpoints the most critical risks. The findings are eye-opening: internal risks, such as project management issues and labor productivity, are more significant than external risks like market fluctuations and regulatory changes.
For the energy sector, which is increasingly intertwined with construction—think smart buildings and renewable energy integration—this research is a game-changer. Understanding and mitigating risks can lead to more efficient project timelines and cost savings, ultimately making high-rise buildings more sustainable and economically viable. “By addressing these risks proactively, we can enhance the commercial viability of high-rise projects,” Javaran notes. “This is particularly relevant for the energy sector, where every delay or cost overrun can have cascading effects.”
The implications of this research extend beyond Mashhad. As urbanization continues to drive demand for high-rise buildings worldwide, the insights from this study can be adapted to different contexts, shaping future developments in construction risk management. It’s a reminder that in an industry as dynamic as construction, knowledge is power—and sometimes, it’s the difference between a project’s success and failure.