Pros and Cons of Forensic Schedule Delay Analysis in Construction

Disruptions in construction projects harm not only the stakeholders but also the economy. Owing to this reason, developed countries pay greater attention to ensure a systematic approach towards eliminating the risks of delays. However, change in the construction order or any other factor can lead the project to disruption claims. The better way to handle delay disputes is to pick the best forensic schedule delay analysis method.

The question arises here, how to select appropriate methods of delay analysis to resolve the disputes peacefully. It can be done by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of forensic schedule delay techniques. So, why not get into the detail but before that have a look at the importance of selecting analysis method:

Why select a suitable analysis method?

There are broadly two main reasons for construction delays that are divided into internal and external factors. The contractors have to understand the nature of delay causes for resolving it peacefully. For this purpose, the selection of an appropriate method is crucial to determine the core causes along with potential ways to eliminate the adverse impact.

There is no denying the fact that construction delays are global phenomena that affect the projects adversely. For example, the advancement in the United Arab Emirates significantly depends on infrastructural development.

Therefore, the construction companies in the UAE proactively supervise the projects for eliminating the risks of disputes. If the delays occur in the project, the service of a certified delay expert is taken for dispute resolution. After all, professionals have a better idea of forensic analysis methods.

Methods of Forensic Schedule Delay Analysis – Pros and Cons

Projects can overrun in time if not take care adequately. This is so true about the construction sector because slight negligence can lead the projects towards disruptions and delays. Once, the incident occurred, it is essential to focus on quick resolve through the selection of appropriate forensic analysis methods.

The given list of pros and cons of available forensic analysis methods will surely help the contractors to select the best approach for delays in construction:

As-planned vs. as-built Method

The method provides detailed insights about the planned projects and the final outcomes. The method is based on a comparative analysis that helps the professionals to determine if the planned structure and timeframe are monitored or not – and if not, then what factors contributed to the delay.

Pros

• An easy method to be used for disruptions

• A simple way of presenting impacting factors

• A persuasive approach towards disputes resolution

• Highly recommended when data is unavailable

Cons

• Easy to be manipulated based on data selection

• Usually not considered authentic in court proceedings

• Cannot be used in estimating concurrent delays

• Not appropriate for complicated delays

Retrospective time impact analysis

The method is used to estimate the predictable delays in comparison to CPM scheduling. It is highly helpful in understanding the causes that led the project towards more than expected timeframe of delay.

Pros

• Effective in understanding complicated scheduled delays

• Helps in measuring delays in terms of documents causation

• Useful in estimating disruptions for on-going projects

• Helpful in estimating concurrent delays

• Accepted by most of the claims resolution agencies and courts

Cons

• Difficult and time-consuming in complicated projects

• Enables excessive influence of decision-makers

• Susceptible to exploitation as per data availability

Collapsed as-built Analysis

The method is used to make a comparison of the available facts and events data to figure out after-the-fact incidents. It is based on the assumptions about the planned and present project scenario. The analysis helps in determining factors that went wrong in the project.

Pros

• The easiest way to understand the present project situation

• Helps in defining the theoretical base for “collapse” in the project

• Highly helpful in owner triggered and contractor related delays

• Helps in getting evidence for causation documents

Cons

• It is a cost analysis methods used by the claims experts

• It requires a lot of time in understanding the delays

• Personal influence can change the decision

Confused about forensic analysis method selection?

To cut a long story short, time is money especially when it comes to the construction industry. So, you should not waste time in mere contemplation while facing disruption in the construction projects. Do you feel confused after you get to know about the analysis methods and don’t know which one to pick? It’s better to get assistance from delay expert to help you perform the analysis after a wise selection. It’s because professionals always come up with industry-driven experience.

Remember! The success of your project significantly depends on resolving disputes peacefully, analyze the causes of delay and adopt the best approach to resolve disputes!