Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Fei Dai

Committee Member

Dimitra Pyrialakou

Committee Member

Yoojung Yoon

Abstract

Roadway and bridge construction projects are often complex, necessitating high quality schedules to ensure the work is completed on time and within budget. The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) utilizes scheduling procedures and policies outlined within the Prosecution and Progress section of its Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges to ensure timely and cost-effective project deliveries. Recently, concern has risen that the existing language within this section is outdated and fails to cater to modern scheduling techniques, technologies, and industry practices. In turn, WVDOH personnel question whether schedules that follow the existing specifications align with the complexities, types, values, and delivery methods of modern construction projects.

This study involved a multi-phased approach in which the outputs from each phase were utilized as the inputs for the next. Throughout the process, information was collected from existing WVDOH documentation, meetings with WVDOH personnel, relevant documentation from other state transportation agencies, and interviews with contractors. The existing WVDOH project scheduling specifications and schedule review practices were strategically analyzed to develop a series of considerations for updates that address current needs, available technology, and practical operational concerns. A project scheduling decision matrix framework was also established that has the ability to be adopted into official WVDOH documentation. The final form of this matrix could be used by WVDOH project schedule creators and reviewers to identify the scheduling requirements that must be met for any work that is pursued.

The outcome of this study was a list of 20 straightforward recommended updates to the Prosecution and Progress section of the WVDOH standard specifications together with a series of advanced update considerations that demand deeper, more critical analysis and a project scheduling decision matrix framework. Every component of the standard specifications that was highlighted as an area requiring future revisions was based on stakeholder feedback, common industry practices, or discrepancies within the existing documentation. Addressing the issues highlighted in this study will yield enhanced clarity and consistency for WVDOH project scheduling practices. These improvements are anticipated to result in project schedules being submitted with appropriate levels of detail, modernized formats, proper time extension requests, and improved coordination capability across all parties involved on a project. Consequently, contractors and agency staff are expected to see enhanced efficiency, aligned expectations, effective early risk detection, and less economic loss due to project scheduling. The established project scheduling decision matrix framework will also serve as a vehicle for future work and iterations. Ultimately, implementing the changes set forth in this study is anticipated to yield WVDOH projects with more accurate timelines and a high level of clarity. The management and distribution of public funding for WVDOH projects is likely to also improve, benefiting the public in addition to those working with the project schedules.

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