THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Construction documentation is a critical component in ensuring the efficient planning, execution, and sustainability of lift irrigation projects under the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (DWRI) in Nepal. This study analyzes the practices, influencing factors, and performance impacts of construction documentation management in lift irrigation projects. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods—including Mean Response Analysis (MRA), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing—the study evaluates documentation effectiveness and its impact on project outcomes. Findings indicate significant gaps in documentation compliance. Although 59.6% of contractors and 53.2% of employers rated documentation as adequate, no project achieved full compliance. The highest compliance recorded was 87.88% in 8 projects, while 42 projects had only 84.88% compliance, with at least four to five critical documents missing—including Compensation Event Approvals, Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs), Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals, and Site Investigation Reports. These gaps contribute to project delays, mismanagement, and quality control issues. The analysis of factors influencing documentation quality found that external regulatory factors had the highest influence (MRA = 4.021), followed by financial and operational factors (MRA = 3.917) and project-specific factors (MRA = 3.826). ANN analysis ranked external policies (100%), human resource capacity (72%), and technology adoption (51%) as the most significant determinants of effective documentation. Kendall’s Tau correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship between poor planning and lack of skilled personnel (τ = 0.447, p = 0.000) and budget constraints with insufficient government regulations (τ = 0.388, p = 0.000). Hypothesis testing found no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between employers' and contractors' perceptions, confirming shared concerns about documentation inefficiencies. The study assessed the impact of documentation quality using the Relative Importance Index (RII). Proper documentation improves stakeholder coordination (RII = 0.817), ensures compliance with regulations (RII = 0.790), and reduces disputes (RII = 0.788). In contrast, inadequate documentation leads to cost overruns (RII = 0.510), poor construction quality (RII = 0.502), and miscommunication among stakeholders (RII = 0.458). Survey results showed that 54.2% of viii respondents identified project delays as the most common consequence of poor documentation, followed by cost overruns (43.8%) and rework (37.5%). To address these issues, the study recommends practical solutions such as mandatory training for engineers and contractors, deploying a dedicated documentation officer for each project, developing a digital database for document storage and retrieval, and establishing joint review committees for monitoring compliance. By implementing these measures, DWRI can significantly enhance documentation efficiency, reduce project risks, and ensure long-term sustainability in Nepal's lift irrigation projects.

Keywords

Construction Documentation Compliance, Lift Irrigation Project Management, Documentation Challenges in Infrastructure, Digitalization of Construction Records, Project Performance and Documentation.