Evaluation of Cost Drivers for Field Canals Improvement Projects Haytham H. Elmousalami 1 & Ahmed H. Elyamany 1 & Ahmed H. Ibrahim 1 Received: 21 November 2016 /Accepted: 5 June 2017 # Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2017 Abstract Field Canals Improvement Project (FCIP) aims to conserve fresh water. Several methods are existed to predict project preliminary cost. However, identification of model inputs remains a challenging task during model development. This study utilizes two proce- dures, Traditional Delphi Method (TDM) and Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), which are used for collecting and initially ranking cost drivers. According to the second approach, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is used for finally ranking the screened parameters by FDM. Delphi rounds and Likert scale are conducted to determine the most important factors from the viewpoint of consultant engineers and contractors. Regression analysis and R square is used as a comparison criteria between traditional technique and fuzzy techniques. The study suggests using Fuzzy theory and Delphi method with Analytic Hierarchy Process in order to identify cost drivers efficiently. Paper contribution is proposing a methodology to evaluate cost drivers of FCIP using qualitative data such as experts’ opinions. Keywords Traditional Delphi Method . Fuzzy Delphi Method . Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process . Cost drivers . Field Canals Improvement Projects 1 Introduction Field Canals Improvement Project (FCIP) aims to decrease water losses due to water seepage and evaporation losses. This is achieved by constructing a burden PVC pipeline instead of earthen field canal. FCIP consists of many simple structures and components. The mechanism of FCIP starts with a plain concrete intake to take water from the water source (branch canal) where water is passing through suction pipes to a plain concrete sump, the objective of the Water Resour Manage DOI 10.1007/s11269-017-1747-x * Ahmed H. Elyamany drahmedelyamany@yahoo.com 1 Department of Construction and Utilities, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519 Sharkia, Egypt