The design-build project delivery system

The design-build project delivery system possesses fundamental advantages over other project delivery methods practiced in the United States. Design-build is a project delivery system wherein a single entity provides comprehensive design and construction services to an owner, under one contract. When properly applied and administered, design-build has the potential to improve quality, lower costs, lessen delivery time, reduce adversity, and foster innovation in the design and construction industry.

The purpose of this research study was to analyze cost and schedule performance of the design-build delivery system for highway and building construction projects. The research also identified important aspects of design-build projects such as communication, teamwork, insurance, bonding, and areas were potential problems can occur.

The study showed that design-build highway and building construction projects saved time and money over the design-bid-build project delivery system. Project delivery speed was increased for the design-build bridge projects studied. Unit prices were slightly higher for design-build bridge construction projects than the design-bid-build bridge construction projects analyzed. Cost savings are incurred by life-cycle costs and user costs. There was also reported higher level of commitment, communication, and teamwork for the design-build projects than the design-bid-build projects.