Enhancing construction claims analysis using computer simulation

Construction industry is described as a risky, complex, and multi-stakeholder business. In the domain of construction, on-time and within budget completion is an imperative; but unanticipated delays and its subsequent costly claims remain as an ongoing challenge. Construction claims are usually caused by experiencing alternate scenarios that vary from the project's original baseline. An effective presentation of causal relationships facilitates claim resolution procedure. In fact, the improvement of claim analysis process depends on enhancing the accuracy and the illustration of a claim case. This paper shows the benefits of using modeling and simulation concurrent with traditional claim analysis techniques such as the Measured Mile Method. Furthermore, simulation can be used as a standalone solution, to improve time extension and loss of productivity calculations prior project completion. In addition, simulation improves claim cases legibility for all stakeholders, especially those who have minimum construction knowledge. This objective was illustrated in an actual tunneling construction claim case-study. Simulation was utilized to demonstrate and analyze the conflict between the as-planned and the as-built conditions at the construction site. Simulation model built for the impacted event accurately predicted the time extension required due to unexpected soil condition. Productivity rates were analyzed using two methods: Simulation and the Measured Mile Method. The results exhibited the importance of utilizing simulation in evaluating construction claims.