Case Study: Subcontractor Equipment Failure Causes Excavation Delay in Nevada (2018)

Project Overview
• Name: I-15 Widening Project
• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Year: 2018
• Project Size: $340 million
• Scope: Highway widening with significant earthwork and excavation
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Nevada DOT /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Subcontractor Management
• Equipment Reliability

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
Excavation subcontractor’s heavy machinery experienced repeated breakdowns due to inadequate maintenance, causing significant delays in earthmoving operations.

Root Cause Analysis

• Poor maintenance schedules and recordkeeping by subcontractor.
• Use of outdated or overworked equipment.
• Insufficient spare parts inventory and delayed repair response.
• Lack of prime contractor oversight on subcontractor equipment condition.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge

• 4-week delay in excavation and grading phases.
• Increased costs due to rental of replacement equipment and overtime labor.
• Cascading effects on subsequent construction activities.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Subcontractor implemented rigorous preventive maintenance programs.
2. Prime contractor required equipment inspections before mobilization.
3. Established quick-response repair teams and spare parts inventory.
4. Regular equipment condition reporting to prime contractor.

Lessons Learned

• Equipment reliability is critical for maintaining schedule in heavy earthwork.
• Preventive maintenance and proactive oversight reduce downtime.
• Clear reporting mechanisms between subcontractor and prime contractor improve equipment management.

Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation

• Are subcontractor equipment maintenance schedules documented and followed?
• Is equipment inspected regularly before deployment?
• Are rapid repair and spare parts systems in place?