Research Article: Maintenance Strategy Optimization in Construction Projects: A Case Study of Mehr Housing in Rasht, Iran

Abstract

The construction industry faces significant challenges in maintaining heavy equipment and infrastructure assets. This study investigates maintenance and repair strategies in construction projects, with a particular focus on the Mehr Housing project in Rasht, Iran. The research evaluates three maintenance strategies—Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and a combined TPM-RCM approach—to determine their effectiveness in improving key performance indicators: Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). Using an experimental research design with 160 participants from four stakeholder groups (employers, consultants, supervisors, and contractors), the study employs Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, one-sample t-tests, paired t-tests, and intraclass correlation coefficients for data analysis. Results demonstrate that all three strategies positively impact MTBF and MTTR, with the combined TPM-RCM approach showing superior effectiveness. Additionally, organizational readiness assessment across management commitment, technological infrastructure, organizational structure, and cultural factors reveals moderate to high preparedness for maintenance system implementation. This research provides practical guidance for construction project managers in selecting appropriate maintenance strategies to enhance equipment reliability and operational efficiency.