COST AND TIME OPTIMIZATION IN CONSTRUCTION: PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF EARTHWORKS AND RETAINING WALLS

This study investigates cost and time optimization practices in earthworks and retaining wall projects within Saudi Arabia’s construction sector, a critical driver of national socio-economic development. Using a descriptive correlational design, data were synthesized from structured questionnaires administered to 20 construction professionals, including engineers and project managers, alongside site observations and project record reviews. The research evaluated how project planning, budgeting, and construction technology relate to overall performance. Findings, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, identified inefficient equipment utilization (Mean = 4.15), unforeseen site conditions (Mean = 4.0), poor stakeholder coordination (Mean = 4.0), and rework due to errors (Mean = 4.0) as the primary drivers of delays and overruns. Statistical analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed weak negative relationships between the identified challenge categories and project performance, with budgeting and cost estimation emerging as the most significant predictors of performance variance (p < 0.05). These results suggest that while technical construction methods are foundational, financial accuracy and adaptive planning are the most critical levers for optimization. This study contributes to the field by providing Saudi Arabian practitioners with a data-driven framework for improving resource utilization and quality management, ultimately advocating for holistic coordination to mitigate the moderate but persistent negative effects of planning and financial inaccuracies on project success.