Date of Submission

5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor

Byungik Chang, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Clifford Schexnayder, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Reihaneh Samsami, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jeffrey Russell, Ph.D.

LC Subject Headings

Risk management, Construction projects, Transportation—Planning, COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2023, Production management

Abstract

Construction projects are inherently complex and subject to significant uncertainty, making effective risk management essential for successful delivery. Risk identification is a critical first step, enabling proactive planning and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. While risk management is widely practiced by transportation agencies, limited research has focused on risks encountered during the construction execution phase. This dissertation examines risk factors and management practices across public sector construction projects, with a primary focus on transportation infrastructure and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of 146 Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) projects identified nine major categories of construction risks, including construction processes, design, utilities, environmental factors, partnerships and stakeholders, contracting, structural and geotechnical issues, railroads, and management. Construction-related risks were most prevalent, frequently involving weather-related delays, lane closures, differing site conditions, and traffic control challenges. A second study analyzed 205 CTDOT projects to assess construction performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen performance factors were evaluated, including schedule, material supply, workforce availability, site restrictions, and stakeholder coordination. Material shortages and schedule disruptions emerged as the most significant challenges, often intensified by workforce reductions. Train station rehabilitation projects were particularly susceptible to supply chain disruptions. The research also reviewed more than 8,800 transportation-related publications produced by U.S. State DOTs between 2010 and 2023 and compared trends with those in the European Union. While structural and geotechnical topics dominated, areas such as environmental sustainability and social equity were comparatively underrepresented. Common challenges across regions including aging infrastructure, climate impacts, congestion, and funding constraints highlight opportunities for collaborative research. To capture organizational responses to the pandemic, two surveys were conducted involving 26 U.S. State DOTs and 87 private engineering and construction firms. Both sectors reported widespread adoption of telework, increased reliance on digital technologies, and persistent project delays and cost overruns. Flexible work arrangements and enhanced health measures were common, while financial incentives were less prevalent. Overall, this dissertation emphasizes the importance of risk identification during construction execution, adaptive workforce and technology strategies, and expanded research focus on resilience to support future transportation infrastructure.

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