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- Use of outdated or overworked equipment.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
- Subcontractor implemented rigorous preventive maintenance programs.
- Prime contractor required equipment inspections before mobilization.
- Established quick-response repair teams and spare parts inventory.
- 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?