Construction claim is the most difficult part in everyday construction industry. Contracted parties, especially owners and contractors are finding the ways to solve and reduce the possibilities of claim in respective projects. In this point, many claim analysts are evolved or hired for solving appeared claims and disputes. As part of modern IT technology, many web based claim consultants are developed but those are not effective as expected. The cost of hiring claim analyst and litigation process is beyond the small contractor’s reach and it is the significant problem that hinders the adoption of IT applications in small contractors.
There are two important parts in construction claim process: Entitlement part and Damage calculation part. Both parts depend on each other as the claim must be valid with cause and effect relationship and with some damage amount. Previous research efforts are trying out in analyzing claim process focusing on entitlement section including how to document and prove. They didn’t find out how to integrate these two important sections with technological solutions.
Mr. Aung Chan Thar made a study which combined and integrated the two important claim analysis sections with some programming tools and develops prototype application.
The primary objective of his study was to develop the model of claim analysis and to implement the prototype application which is focusing on the construction claim analysis for contractors regardless of the contracting company size.
For developing the claim analysis model, the objectives were to: (1) find out the construction claim analysis process; (2) map out the construction claim analysis process workflow in accordance with the established contract conditions and contract types; (3) determines the criteria and requirements for making claim analysis; and (4) define and verify a unique set of forms, procedures, methods and variables for damage calculation
For developing of prototype application, these were to: (1) choose the suitable technology to develop the prototype; and (2) create a friendly user interface system for convenience and practicable in use.
Conclusion
To find out the construction claim analysis process
This is achieved with the development of differing site condition claim analysis process models and delay claim analysis process models which are below.
To map out the construction claim analysis process workflow in accordance with the established contract conditions and contract types.
The construction claim analysis process workflow is combined and developed with FIDIC 1999 red book contract provisions which are described in details of about two claim types. In addition to the implementation for this objective, study provide another related and supporting concept, the contract type. While the system is in operation, the system automatically shows the contract provisions of FIDIC associated with the claim type. In this way, this sub objective is accomplished.
To determine the criteria and requirements for making claim analysis
The system analysis mainly supports and provides the fulfillment of this objective. For making claim analysis, the documents needed as well as the steps to take are shown and integrated with claim analysis models.
To define and verify a unique set of forms, procedures, methods and variables for damage calculation
Defining of forms, procedures, methods and variables are implemented in this study. Occurrence report forms, the best proofs of request for equitable adjustment (REA) or claim are combined with claim analysis process model. They are verified as they are used in US claim process and published by one claim consultant for practical use. Calculation methods are provided with options. In this study, actual cost method and total cost method are provided. Variables needed to compute the quantum of damage are defined and it is verified by data collection in three different construction companies. Claim process and analysis process are verified by one of the claim consultants from US.
The second part of objective of this study is mainly based and concerned with the development of application especially related with computing technology. For the implementation of application, there are many technologies available and selection of this technology plays an important part as this is the prototype system and addition of further development to up-to-date system is possible.
To choose the suitable technology to develop the prototype
The technology available and chosen are My SQL database technology for database handling, PHP script language for user interface and Apache web server for interacting with database and web pages. In this study, Apache personal web server is used for the conveniences of simulation and presentation.
To create a friendly user interface system for convenience and practicable in use.
The user interface is constructed simply and linking to different modules is provided in each web page. Claim process and claim analysis process models are described as image format in this study. This becomes the point needed for further development. At first, the researcher planned to integrate and developed these models with flash animation. These models will be more user-friendly and efficient for further usage if it is developed with flash animation. However, due to lack of sufficient programming knowledge and professions on flash application, researcher can only present these models with image formats.
Upon conclusion, as it has already described above, the two main objectives of this study is accomplished with the results of prototype application. All the implementations and developments are made with the alignment of study objectives and within the scope and boundaries established in introduction. As the methodology of this study is mainly based on waterfall model, prototype application development is stronger and systematically implemented.
Recommendation
As this is the prototype system although the basic needs of functions, interfaces and developments are added, further improvements are essentially needed for better usage and application. Further recommendations are:
The researcher tried to develop with claim process models with Flash animation but in vain. For user friendliness and sharing specific knowledge to user, development with Flash animation is strongly recommended.
For time constraints and technological constraints, Time Impact Analysis can only be shown as model. According to this procedure, prototype claim analysis system will be better one if it is integrated with planning analysis tool such as Primavera.
Application interfaces can be developed with animation tools and better form layout for advanced functions.
His thesis abstract is copied and posted.
Abstract
The evolution of construction industry into construction business becomes a big challenge to construction key participants: owner, engineer and contractors within a past decade. Timely and qualified performances as well as professional skills and risk management ability of participants are essentially needed to achieve successful project. Construction claims become the challenging issue for owners and contractors due to the construction is regarded as a business. To be an effective claim, careful analysis of claim is of most importance manner.
This study is integrated the two important parts of claim and claim analysis: Entitlement and Quantum. Claim analysis of two different claim types are performed with the help of web application. Analysis of claim for entitlement is supported by mapping out with FIDIC red book contract provisions as well as related documents. Quantum analysis is achieved with the calculation of main damaged items.
These two functions are carried out with prototype web application which is developed with MySQL database technology and PHP script language. This prototype application will be the basic claim analysis tools for further development which can be possible to combine with planning tools.
Keywords: Web Application, Computer Application, Claim Analysis, Documenting of Claim Analysis, Construction Claims.
