Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Using a multi-criteria decision-making system to identify and prioritize conflicts between the client (employer) and contractor in road construction projects

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mahdi Bagheri 1
Seyed Ali Ziaee 2
hoseyn mohamadi 3
1 Department of civil engineering . Road and Transportation . Ferdowsi university of Mashhad
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty,Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran And School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University
10.22075/jtie.2026.41047.1760
Abstract
Differences between the client (employer) and contractor in road construction projects, as a significant problem, can substantially impact project efficiency, scheduling, and quality. This research aims to identify, prioritize, and provide practical solutions for managing and reducing these differences. Initially, twenty of the most important factors contributing to disputes were extracted through literature review and interviews with road construction experts. These factors were evaluated and ranked using fuzzy hierarchical analysis, considering criteria such as probability of occurrence, impact on time and cost, repeatability, and complexity of resolution. The findings revealed that delays in completion due to general factors (weight 0.087), unrealistic schedules and inaccurate estimates (weight 0.073), and disputes arising from changes in work and overtime (weight 0.063) ranked first to third. Finally, based on the results obtained, practical and tailored solutions are provided for each of the prioritized conflicts, aiming to focus on the main factors and enhance collaboration and success in road construction projects .
Keywords
Conflict
Road Construction Projects
Fuzzy Hierarchical Analysis
Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 June 2026

  • Receive Date 01 May 2026
  • Revise Date 09 June 2026
  • Accept Date 09 June 2026
  • Publish Date 09 June 2026