1. Introduction

In the current social context, civil engineering is vital for improving public living standards and promoting urban development. However, effectively managing projects and controlling construction costs remains challenging. Project cost control affects not only the economic benefits of engineering projects but also directly influences the overall success of civil engineering. To achieve effective control over construction costs, reduce expenses, and enhance project efficiency, exploring scientific, reasonable, and practical management methods is essential. While traditional civil engineering management has attempted various cost-control strategies and achieved partial success, limitations within management models often result in budget overruns and schedule delays, presenting significant challenges for project cost control. Therefore, investigating effective ways of controlling civil engineering project costs remains a persistent issue in the engineering industry and the primary focus of this paper.

2. Concept and importance of civil engineering management

2.1. Concept of civil engineering management

Civil engineering management refers to the use of scientific organization, planning, coordination, and control methods within civil engineering projects to manage and control project quality, schedule, and costs effectively. It is a multidisciplinary, comprehensive management activity [1]. Its scope encompasses the entire process, from project planning to project implementation and subsequent maintenance. Throughout this process, management must ensure construction quality, control project schedules, rationally allocate resources, and accurately forecast and control costs. Engineering management permeates all civil engineering aspects, including design management, construction management, material and equipment management, and quality and safety management. Effective civil engineering management requires reasonable technical-level project planning and implementation strategies and feasible managerial strategies for responding to unpredictable risks and market fluctuations. Continuous management and optimization strategies are provided at various project stages. Implementing civil engineering management can enhance overall project effectiveness, reduce resource waste, and achieve predetermined project and socio-economic goals. These management methods and concepts continually evolve and hold significant implications for the future of the civil engineering industry.

2.2. Importance of civil engineering management

Civil engineering management is crucial throughout construction, directly affecting project timelines, quality, and cost-efficiency. Effective management ensures optimal resource allocation through systematic planning and precise control over the entire project process [2]. Amidst intensifying market competition, the increasing complexity and uncertainty of projects highlight the importance of scientific and efficient management models. Introducing advanced management tools and methods can improve construction efficiency, reduce resource waste, and minimize project risks. Additionally, standardizing project management enhances overall project quality, ensures functional performance, and extends service life, thereby maximizing return on investment and enhancing corporate competitiveness. The importance of civil engineering management lies in its comprehensive impact throughout the entire project lifecycle, becoming a pivotal factor for achieving sustainable development.

2.3. Relationship between civil engineering management and project cost

Civil engineering management closely relates to project costs, being a crucial link in controlling expenditures. By optimizing construction processes, rational resource allocation, and scientific management practices, unnecessary expenditures can be significantly reduced, ensuring budgets remain within reasonable limits. Efficient management systems minimize resource waste and enhance funding efficiency, thus lowering overall project costs. Closely integrating schedule management, quality control, and risk mitigation strategies helps prevent cost overruns and ensures smooth completion within budget. Effective civil engineering management provides essential support and guarantees for project cost control.

3. Cost control strategies in civil engineering management

3.1. Application of economic principles in civil engineering management

Economic principles represent one of the core theoretical foundations for cost control in civil engineering management, and their application spans the entire project lifecycle. Civil engineering projects typically require substantial capital investment. Appropriate application of economic principles effectively optimizes resource allocation, reduces resource wastage, and maximizes project efficiency [3]. By establishing a scientific decision-making framework and refining the cost-control process, economic principles can be effectively integrated into specific engineering practices. Specifically, during the preliminary design phase, cost-benefit analyses guide the selection of optimal solutions. In the construction phase, human resources, materials, and equipment are reasonably allocated to prevent idleness or misuse. In the final phase, emphasis is placed on completion settlements and post-project evaluations to ensure actual expenses align with budgetary provisions.

Economic principles in civil engineering management also emphasize balancing quality and cost. Implementing advanced construction technologies and equipment not only ensures project quality but also reduces costs and enhances resource utilization. Introducing competitive pricing mechanisms during contract management and tendering stages leverages market regulation, further driving down construction expenses. From a life-cycle perspective, the rational application of economic principles fosters a more scientific and meticulous approach to civil engineering management, laying a robust foundation for effective cost control.

3.2. Rational resource utilization in civil engineering management

Rational resource utilization plays a crucial role in civil engineering management and is key to achieving cost control and enhancing project efficiency. Resource management encompasses the optimal allocation and scientific scheduling of labor, materials, equipment, and funds to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. Specifically, attention should be focused on resource allocation during the construction phase to synchronize resource use with project timelines, avoiding material surplus or shortage. Enhancing calculation accuracy and procurement management of construction materials clearly defines material requirements, thereby preventing increased costs due to redundant purchases or idle inventory [4]. Regarding equipment management, proper selection and maintenance extend equipment lifespan and reduce depreciation costs. Similarly, rational allocation of financial resources through accurate budgeting and efficient cash flow management avoids unnecessary capital occupation and waste, further lowering project costs. These strategies effectively control resource-related expenses, contributing significantly to the optimization of civil engineering project costs.

3.3. Detailed project budgeting, strengthened cost accounting, and enhanced cost management methods

Detailed project budgeting involves clearly defining specific project requirements and resource allocation, ensuring every expenditure is allocated rationally. Strengthened cost accounting demands accurate recording and detailed analysis of various cost data, promptly identifying and correcting deviations. Enhanced cost management requires implementing rigorous monitoring measures to guarantee the attainment of cost-control objectives, optimizing resource utilization efficiency to reduce overall costs. Through these methods, project budgeting becomes more detailed, management practices more scientific, and overall project cost control is effectively realized.

4. Application of scientific and rational civil engineering management in reducing project costs

4.1. Implementing scientific and rational civil engineering management

Scientific and rational civil engineering management plays a vital role in reducing project costs. Implementing such management involves several critical aspects. Initially, applying comprehensive planning and design schemes ensures accurate predictions of resource requirements and potential risks at the project's early stages. Combining detailed budgeting methods allows early identification and elimination of unnecessary expenditures. Enhancing supervision and coordination during construction through onsite management techniques and information technology enables real-time monitoring of project progress and resource utilization, allowing timely adjustments to inefficient processes, thereby reducing resource waste and project delays. Additionally, encouraging technological innovation and flexible engineering practices enhances construction efficiency and lowers material and labor costs. Utilizing advanced management tools and methods, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management software, significantly improves information transparency and communication efficiency. Ultimately, scientifically and rationally managed civil engineering projects effectively control costs, ensure construction quality, and enhance overall efficiency, providing solid assurance for project success.

4.2. The impact of scientific and rational civil engineering management on reducing project costs

The role of scientific and rational civil engineering management in cost reduction primarily involves optimizing resource allocation, improving construction efficiency, reducing waste costs, and minimizing unnecessary expenditures. Through meticulous lifecycle management, scientific management effectively coordinates resources such as labor, finances, and materials, thereby preventing waste resulting from poor planning or inefficient scheduling. Enhanced real-time monitoring of budgets and cost accounting enables prompt identification and control of cost overruns during construction, thus mitigating financial risks at their source. Modern information management tools, such as BIM technology, facilitate transparency and collaboration in project data, significantly enhancing cost control efficiency. Rigorous quality control further reflects scientific management, as it reduces rework and future maintenance costs, thus optimizing expenditures. Overall, scientific and rational civil engineering management significantly improves capital efficiency, enhances project economy and sustainability, and provides a viable pathway to effective project cost control.

4.3. Influence of scientific and rational civil engineering management on improving project efficiency

Scientific and rational civil engineering management markedly enhances project efficiency. Optimizing resource allocation and effectively scheduling construction activities reduce waste and rework, shorten project durations, and lower costs. Emphasizing quality control ensures project completion on schedule and according to required standards, thereby improving customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. Leveraging advanced technologies and management tools enhances information flow and decision-making efficiency, strengthening overall project coordination. Collectively, these factors significantly boost project effectiveness, thereby supporting the sustainable development of civil engineering.

5. Reforming traditional civil engineering management models and integrating modern management concepts

5.1. Necessity and possibility of reshaping traditional civil engineering management models

Reshaping traditional civil engineering management models is essential for achieving modernized management practices. Its necessity arises from the inability of traditional models to effectively cope with the increasing complexity and variability of contemporary engineering projects. Traditional management approaches suffer from outdated concepts, low levels of information integration, and inefficient resource allocation, contributing not only to increased risks of cost overruns but also constraining improvements in project quality and efficiency. With the expansion of project scales and technological advancements, engineering management must transition toward more refined, dynamic, and systematic methods to meet modern society's demands for efficient and economical construction.

From the perspective of feasibility, advances in technology and the management environment offer favorable conditions for reforming traditional models. The proliferation of information technology enables real-time data monitoring, optimized resource allocation, and enhanced information sharing. Efficient decision-support systems facilitate rapid strategic adjustments in dynamic environments. Additionally, incorporating modern management theories provides systematic guidance for optimizing management processes. By integrating advanced technologies with contemporary management concepts, reforming traditional models becomes not only operationally feasible but also significantly enhances project cost control, laying a robust foundation for sustainable civil engineering management.

5.2. Application of modern management concepts in civil engineering management

Applying modern management concepts in civil engineering emphasizes efficiency, innovation, and continuous optimization [5]. Within engineering management, establishing a flexible management framework helps address rapidly changing project requirements. Introducing information technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), substantially improves coordination and information sharing efficiency across design, construction, and operational stages. Employing lean management principles reduces waste and improves resource utilization, thus enhancing the overall value chain of civil engineering projects. Implementing project lifecycle management approaches facilitates comprehensive monitoring and evaluation across all project stages, maintaining project costs within a reasonable range. A data-driven decision-making approach strengthens risk assessment and control capabilities, providing a scientific basis for effective cost management. Overall, applying modern management concepts promotes increased efficiency and cost optimization in civil engineering projects.

5.3. Influence of management model optimization on civil engineering cost control

Optimizing management models profoundly impacts civil engineering cost control. Incorporating modern management concepts, such as information-based management, lean management, and lifecycle management, significantly enhances overall project efficiency and resource utilization. Information-based management, through Building Information Modeling (BIM), effectively achieves comprehensive integration and real-time updating of project information, minimizing cost discrepancies caused by informational errors. Lean management emphasizes process simplification and efficiency improvements, significantly reducing unnecessary expenditures. Lifecycle management focuses on the entire project cycle—from design and construction to maintenance—ensuring rational resource allocation and, thereby, effectively controlling costs.

6. Optimization recommendations for project cost management

6.1. Current status and existing problems in project cost management

Project cost management occupies a crucial position in current civil engineering practices, yet several issues have been exposed, constraining its effectiveness. Specifically, traditional management models overly rely on post-project accounting and lack comprehensive, whole-process cost-control measures, leading frequently to resource wastage and budget overruns. Moreover, the varying professional competencies among cost management personnel—especially their inadequate grasp of modern management concepts and technological approaches—limit their effectiveness in complex and dynamic engineering projects. Additionally, deficiencies exist in the mechanisms for reviewing project budgets and settlements, characterized by insufficient data transparency, lack of effective oversight, and irrational pricing methods, often resulting in disputes and cost-control failures. Furthermore, insufficient informatization and lack of advanced management tools and data analysis capabilities restrict dynamic cost adjustments and forecasting. Given these challenges, traditional management methods are increasingly inadequate, necessitating the introduction of optimized strategies and modern techniques for scientific cost control and sustained improvement in project efficiency.

6.2. Optimization solutions for project cost management based on civil engineering management

To optimize project cost management, systematic solutions from the perspective of civil engineering management must be developed, ensuring rational resource allocation and effective cost control. Firstly, optimizing project budgeting management is crucial. Adopting scientific budgeting methods accurately predicts cost inputs at each project stage, thus preventing cost wastage due to uninformed decisions. Secondly, promoting dynamic cost management by closely monitoring cost fluctuations during construction and promptly adjusting management strategies based on on-site feedback can effectively handle uncontrollable cost factors. Additionally, integrating cost management practices with advanced information technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), enhances data analysis and forecasting capabilities, thereby reducing the financial impact of design modifications. Moreover, resources and workforce must be rationally allocated, optimizing construction organization and technical schemes to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Lastly, comprehensive training programs should strengthen the capabilities of project teams, enhancing managers’ understanding and control of lifecycle cost management, thus continuously optimizing project expenses and improving efficiency.

6.3. Recommendations and implementation steps

To implement optimization recommendations for project cost management, the following sequential steps are suggested: Firstly, deepen cost optimization during project decision-making phases by comprehensively assessing the economic feasibility of technical solutions to ensure scientifically justified investment decisions. Secondly, reinforce cost control during the design phase, strictly reviewing design modifications to avoid unnecessary cost increases. Thirdly, implement comprehensive cost-control mechanisms during construction, enhance contract performance supervision, and ensure the rational utilization and effective control of project funds. Additionally, introduce information-based tools to establish efficient data-sharing and monitoring platforms, significantly improving the informatization level of project cost management. Finally, intensify professional training, improving the overall competency and expertise of management personnel to ensure comprehensive and effective control of project costs. Implementing these measures will substantially improve resource efficiency, reduce project costs, and lay a solid foundation for economic benefits and sustainable project development.

7. Conclusion

This study thoroughly investigates cost control within civil engineering management, proposing effective methods such as detailed budgeting and strengthened cost accounting. Through empirical case studies, the effectiveness of these methods has been verified. The findings confirm that scientific civil engineering management significantly reduces project costs and enhances project efficiency. However, this research has limitations, including a limited number of cases and insufficient consideration of macroeconomic and policy factors influencing project costs. Future research should expand the scope of case studies, deepen understanding of cost control, investigate the impacts of economic and policy changes, and explore integrating more contemporary management concepts and methodologies. These efforts will foster continuous optimization and innovation in cost management, enhancing project effectiveness and promoting the long-term development of civil engineering.