Choosing the Right Construction Method: A Comparative Study of Cost and Timeline for Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate construction method stands as a pivotal decision in ensuring the success of any building project. This paper undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of cost and timeline implications between the top-down and bottom-up construction methodologies. The research focuses on ten distinct underground structure models, each characterized by varying depths and base areas. Through rigorous design and analysis, the cost and projected duration for each model are meticulously evaluated under the lens of both top-down and bottom-up construction techniques. The findings reveal that while the bottom-up approach emerges as the most cost-effective alternative at a depth of 8 m, the top-down method exhibits superior cost efficiency with increasing depth. Interestingly, alterations in the structure’s base area exert a minimal influence on the cost differentials between the two methodologies. Moreover, the top-down construction method consistently outshines its counterpart in terms of project duration across all ten models examined, with the percentage increase in base area yielding insignificant impacts on project timeline discrepancies. This study furnishes construction project managers with invaluable insights to navigate the complexities of method selection. By judiciously considering parameters such as project scale, depth, and base area, managers can strategically optimize both cost and timeline outcomes, thereby facilitating the seamless execution of construction projects.