Practical risk management in design phase of design-build powerplant projects in Vietnam

Design-build (DB) project delivery is increasingly adopted inVietnam’s powerplant sector due to its potential to reduce costsand accelerate project timelines. However, the DB approach alsointensifies design-related risks that can critically affect projectoutcomes. This study investigates the design phase risks specificto DB powerplant projects in Vietnam through an integratedmethodology combining literature review, expert interviews, anda field survey of 106 construction professionals. A total of 37design risk factors were identified and assessed using a structuredquestionnaire. Statistical analyses, including reliability testing,ANOVA, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), were conducted toevaluate the significance and interrelationships among the risks.The results reveal that owner-driven design changes, defectiveor omitted designs, design changes due to poor interdisciplinarycoordination, budget overruns, and design delays are the mostcritical risks. EFA grouped the risks into six latent categories. Acase study of the Nhon Trach 3 & 4 combined-cycle powerplantfurther validated the findings and demonstrated the applicability ofspecific risk mitigation strategies. The study enhances stakeholderunderstanding of design risks and proposes practical mitigationmeasures to improve DB project performance in Vietnam’s energyinfrastructure development.