Delays are the major cause of construction disputes. Among the several dispute resolution methods, Mediation has been an effective solution. The one problem which can be attributed to all dispute resolution methods, is the lack of a preventive approach and the lack of a systematic and comprehensive technical evaluation of the entire problem. Given the magnitude of the problem there seem to be distinct advantages to develop a Knowledge Based Expert System (KBES) for time-based claim management.

The domain of knowledge of the KBES presented in this paper will be directed towards analyzing disputes that arise due to different types of delays (excusable/compensable, excusable/non-compensable, nonexcusable; independent, concurrent, serial) and determining the responsibility of each party. It will utilize a procedure called 'Time Impact Analysis'' and involves the use of network-based scheduling tools to identify, quantify, and explain the cause of a schedule variance. The various modules that make up the KBES for an integrated claim management process have been clearly identified. Specific methods have been developed to perform time impact analysis and to apportion damages in different delay/acceleration situations.

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