Analyzing COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies in the Construction Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant operational disruptions in the construction industry. While a wealth of literature suggests best practices, a discernible gap still needs to be in gauging the consensus among industry professionals on these recommendations. Specifically, uncertainty arises regarding the degree to which construction engineers and managers align with these best practices during the pandemic. Additionally, there is a notable knowledge void concerning these strategies' real-world effectiveness and adaptability. Addressing these concerns and aiming to fill the identified gaps, the primary objective of this research is to elucidate the favoured mitigation strategies in the construction sector during the COVID-19 crisis. Survey responses from 131 construction engineers and managers were collected and analyzed to achieve this objective. The results revealed that establishing an effective communication system became a top priority among industry professionals. Furthermore, restructuring and diversifying supply chains, as well as the inclusion of a force majeure clause specific to COVID-19-related delays, were also highlighted by respondents. The study's contributions aim to enhance the construction sector's resilience, adaptability, and preparedness for both immediate and long-term challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study also offer comprehensive guidelines and position itself as a quintessential reference for engineers, managers, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders.