ABSTRACT
In the U.S., the construction industry is one of the largest industrial sectors. The expenditure on construction between 1996 and 1999 was estimated at $416.4 billion dollars, which amounts to about 4.5% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) [Lum and Moyer, 2000]. The construction industry’s share increased from 4 to 4.5% between 1996 and 1999. In addition, over 6.8 million people are employed in the construction industry, including design, construction, remodeling, maintenance, and equipment and materials suppliers. This number represents 5.2% of the nonagricultural labor force of the U.S. [BLS, 2001]. Clearly, this enormous capital investment and expenditure and large number of employees highlight the crucial role that the construction industry plays to enhance the overall national economy of the U.S.
