Factoring in rain delay to a construction project

Question

I have heard that some users will build in a rain delay factor into their project.  What is the best way of doing this?

Answer 1

that would be a hard one to estimate since you would never really know how long the delay would be so trying to factor it in ahead of time would be rough. As far as dealing with in in your schedule as the rain happens:

Lets assume you are in 2010.

Task A is a successor to task B. You have them linked. Now insert a task called Rain Delay between then. so that Rain delay is a successor to Task A and a predecessor to Task b and A and be are still linked. Now mark the Rain Delay task as Inactive. Then if it rains make it Active and then estimate the delay. This will then push out Task B.

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Brian Kennemer - Project MVP
DeltaBahn Senior Architect
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Answer 2

I would take a more generalist approach. Better to schedule each task as if the weather was good enough (but not perfect). Do some risk analysis. One risk is obviously rain will stop work. Calculate a contingency delay (not cost) in days and tehn add a contingency task to the area affected. For example a house build might have contingency for rain whilst constructing foundations, but not for interior work once the building is closed in.

Rain is just one risk that needs factoring in. If the rain doesn't happen, set actual duration to zero and remaining duration to zero (or Inactive if you have 2010 Pro). If more rain than expected happens then extend the contingency task. Your schedule now clearly shows where the delay occurred: in contingency task which for this part of the job is mostly from Rain. I assume your site diary will also record which days?

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Rod Gill

The one and only Project VBA Book

Rod Gill Project Management

Answer 3

I have been away for a few days and have only now checked the site for answers. Thank you for your help.  I hadn't thought of using the inactive feature in 2010.

Regards

fitzhay

Answer 4

Thanks for your help.  I have been away for a few days and have only now had a chance to check the board for replies. 

regards

fitzhay