International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Research Scholar Gauri Verma, Professor Dr. Manoj Kumar Trivedi
Abstract: Bridge construction projects combine structural complexity, long delivery periods, multi-party coordination, and exposure to uncertain geotechnical and hydrological conditions. This study identifies and prioritizes the risks affecting bridge projects in the Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional questionnaire measured 30 risk factors across technical, financial, construction, environmental, managerial, and legal/regulatory categories. Valid responses from 150 contractors, consultants, government engineers, project-management consultants, and other professionals were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index (RII), Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlations, and one-way ANOVA. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency (alpha = .915). Technical risk ranked first (mean = 3.7773; RII = .7555), followed by environmental and construction risk. Design errors and changes were the highest individual risk (RII = .8427), followed by inappropriate construction methods (RII = .8253); delayed payments, poor site management, and flooding each recorded an RII of .8080. Construction and environmental risks were strongly correlated (r = .769), as were financial and legal/regulatory risks (r = .768). Risk effects were greatest for time (RII = .7947) and quality (RII = .7846). Perceptions were stable across organization, designation, experience, and project type, but differed partly by the number of completed projects. The resulting framework links regional evidence, statistical priority, assigned responses, and continuous monitoring, offering a practical basis for more resilient bridge delivery.
