Modeling the variability of labor productivity in masonry construction

This paper proposes a methodology to model the variability of masonry labor productivity. The theoretical basis of baseline productivity relied upon the analysis of 14 projects sharing similar exogenous conditions and being similar in scope, size of components, specifications, quality requirements and design features. The data were collected using standardized data collection procedures that focused on task-level labor productivity; specifically, the measurement of work accomplished by a single crew in a single shift. Analysis showed that when daily productivity values fall between the control limits, loss of productivity is within normal variation while daily productivity values falling above the upper control limit imply a loss of productivity that is due to the work environment factors as within the normal variation, and in particular to certain significant influential factors that can be cited during that day. These results could have significant implications for construction managers seeking to improve overall project performance.