Time-Cost Optimization of a Multistory Building Project Using Primavera Software: A Case Study

Abstract

Construction projects frequently experience schedule delays and cost overruns because of complex activity interdependencies, resource limitations, and uncertainties during execution. Effective optimization of project duration without significantly increasing project cost has therefore become a major concern in modern construction management. This study presents a comprehensive time–cost optimization framework for a multistory government building using Primavera Software Professional. The research is based on the CM Block of the VVIP Guest House Project at Ayodhya, India, comprising 422 construction activities with an estimated project cost of ?18.86 crore. A detailed baseline schedule was developed using the Critical Path Method (CPM) within Primavera Software. Critical activities were identified through float analysis, and schedule crashing was performed by selectively allocating additional resources to activities having the lowest cost slopes. The proposed optimization framework integrates project scheduling, critical path analysis, cost-slope evaluation, and systematic resource allocation to minimize project duration while maintaining economic feasibility. The baseline schedule required 463 days for completion. Following optimization, the project duration was reduced to 408 days, representing an 11.88% reduction while increasing the total project cost by only 0.82% (?15.58 lakh). The findings demonstrate that targeted crashing of selected structural and finishing activities provides substantial schedule acceleration with minimal financial impact. The proposed methodology offers a practical decision-support framework for contractors, consultants, and project managers involved in multistory building construction. Beyond demonstrating Primavera Software scheduling capabilities, the study highlights how integrated schedule optimization techniques can improve project delivery, reduce contractual risks associated with delays, and support more effective resource utilization in complex construction projects.

Introduction

This study presents an integrated framework for time–cost optimization of a multistory government building project using Primavera Software Professional, the Critical Path Method (CPM), and cost-slope-based schedule crashing. Effective planning and scheduling are essential in construction projects because project success depends largely on balancing time, cost, quality, and scope. Delays increase project costs and contractual risks, while accelerating construction generally requires additional resources. Therefore, optimizing the trade-off between project duration and cost is a major objective in construction management.

Previous studies have shown that optimization techniques such as genetic algorithms, CPM, and decision-support frameworks can improve resource allocation, scheduling efficiency, and project performance. However, relatively few studies have demonstrated practical time–cost optimization using Primavera Software on real government construction projects. This research addresses that gap by developing a detailed Primavera scheduling model for a 422-activity VVIP Guest House project in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and integrating CPM with cost-slope analysis to identify economical schedule-crashing opportunities.

The study introduces several key contributions, including the development of a comprehensive Primavera schedule, systematic identification of critical activities, practical resource allocation, and evaluation of schedule compression under actual construction conditions. The optimized schedule reduced the project duration from 463 days to 408 days, representing an 11.88% reduction in completion time, while increasing the total project cost by only 0.82%, demonstrating the economic feasibility of targeted schedule acceleration.

A quantitative case study methodology was adopted, involving six stages: project data collection, baseline schedule development, CPM analysis, schedule crashing using cost-slope evaluation, project optimization, and comparison of baseline and optimized schedules. The case study focused on the CM Block of the VVIP Guest House project, a large government infrastructure project with an estimated cost of approximately ?18.86 crore, covering 6,732.92 m² and comprising 422 construction activities.

Project scheduling was carried out in Primavera using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), logical activity sequencing through the Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), and resource allocation for labour, equipment, and materials. Primavera computed critical scheduling parameters such as Early Start, Early Finish, Late Start, Late Finish, and float values to identify critical activities. Schedule crashing was then applied only to critical activities after evaluating technical feasibility, resource availability, cost implications, construction sequence, and safety, with priority given to activities having the lowest crash cost.

Conclusion

This research presented a comprehensive framework for time–cost optimization of a multistory government building project using Primavera Software Professional, Critical Path Method (CPM), and schedule crashing techniques. A detailed baseline schedule consisting of 422 construction activities was developed using Primavera Software. Critical Path Method analysis identified the sequence of activities governing project completion, enabling systematic selection of crash activities based on cost-slope evaluation. The optimization process reduced the overall project duration from 463 days to 408 days, resulting in a schedule reduction of 55 days (11.88%). This improvement was achieved with only a 0.82% increase in total project cost, demonstrating that significant schedule acceleration can be accomplished without substantial financial impact. The study confirms that effective schedule optimization depends on three major factors: 1) Accurate project scheduling, 2) Proper identification of critical activities, 3) Economical allocation of additional construction resources. The findings demonstrate that Primavera Software is an effective decision-support tool for planning, monitoring, and optimizing complex construction projects. The proposed methodology is practical, replicable, and suitable for application in government as well as private sector construction projects. Overall, the research contributes to the field of construction project management by providing a practical and industry-oriented framework for achieving an optimal balance between project duration and project cost.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Er. Nazim Khan, Er. Vinod Kumar Sonthwal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.