Error Management in the Construction Industry

Project Duration: 01.05.2026 to 30.04.2027

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Error management is currently not very well developed in the construction industry. Construction workers are good at finding quick solutions—they often see themselves as “firefighters.” However, there is no methodical, structured standard procedure or state-of-the-art processes in the industry for this purpose. Compared to other industries, such as aviation, the construction industry performs very poorly in this area. In many cases, simply addressing errors is already viewed negatively.

Research Areas

Digital Innovation, Engineering, and AI

Research Center

Research Center Building and Design

Mistakes cost money; they can endanger human lives. However, mistakes are more than just a spanner in the works – every mistake points to potential. Mistakes highlight structural weaknesses. Analysing them could reveal opportunities for improvement, whilst addressing them systematically can be used to boost productivity.

Accordingly, the project will address the following topics:

  • What constitutes a mistake throughout the entire construction process? Keyword: definition of a mistake.
  • Comparison with the aviation industry in terms of prevention. Keyword: industry comparison.
  • What is the cost impact of the timing of error detection? Keyword: error costs.
  • What impact do errors have on productivity in the sector? Keyword: impact on productivity
  • What potential exists for error documentation, knowledge databases and the exchange of experience within the sector? Keyword: knowledge management.

The project will be carried out in five phases: preparatory work, concept development, field research (in the form of master’s theses), analysis and recommendations for action, and feedback to the participating companies.

Funding Partners

ZAB – Zukunftsagentur Bau

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Writing SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production

SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Project Lead