Developing a comprehensive construction delay analysis technique

Abstract

The need to minimise potential disputes regarding construction project delays has resulted in the use of numerous delay analysis techniques to apportion parties’ responsibilities concerning the time and cost overruns. While existing techniques have long been relied upon to address delay claims; none is capable of thoroughly and satisfactorily addressing matters of contention to help bring about the amicable settlement of claims and, hence, to minimise the chances of claims degenerating into expensive disputes. This study critically aims to develop a robust and comprehensive technique for helping to resolve to delay claims more equitable without creating difficulties or conflicts amongst contracting parties. The first part of this research presents a comprehensive review of the rationale underpinning construction delay claims, which include: recognising the construction delay claims; analysing the types of schedule impacts; classifying the effects of the schedule impacts. It also includes the discussions of current delay analysis processes in use, current delays analysis issues and current delays analysis techniques. The discussions include the limitations and capabilities of delay analysis techniques for tackling all the delay analysis issues in delay claims. The second part of the research discusses research methodologies for adopting a qualitative method in this study. It includes a survey that conducted to investigate the shortages in the current practice in the construction delay claims analysis and how best can overcome these shortages. The results obtained are used as an underpinning for a new framework that can assist practitioners of the delay claims analysis in the construction industry. The third part of this research proposes a new delay analysis method. It will help determine the extent to which various techniques can deal robustly with problematic delay claim analysis issues. In sum, this research will offer a much clearer picture of the real gaps that exist in delay analysis which resulted in the need for a new and improved technique, such as that developed and proposed in this research, to solve all of the underlying issues. The research also draws some recommendations for future research in this area.