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ABSTRACT: The presence of concurrent delay in construction project delay claims adds to the complexity of analysis. Concurrent delays are two or more delays occurring at the same time; these have always been difficult to resolve. With a critical path network, it is possible to determine compensation in time, and to some degree in cost, for the delays arising from an eventuality in a construction project. The theory of concurrent delay has become the most common defense raised by owners faced with a contractor's claim for delay damages. The contractor must therefore address this issue if he is going to realistically analyze his claim. The defense is somewhat analogous to the theory of "contributory negligence" in personal injury lawsuits. Analysis of concurrent delay can require a considerable amount of time and resources, depending upon the availability and reliability of project information. This article reviews the theory and practice of concurrent delay analysis, and discusses an example of concurrent delay assessment. This assessment of delay (in days) is valuable to project managers because it becomes a basis for financial calculations to determine penalties or other damages.
KEY WORDS: Construction, concurrent delay, cost, damages, and management
Due to the many sources and causes of construction delays, it is often difficult to analyze the ultimate liability in delay claims. Analyses becomes more complicated when there are concurrent delays. Concurrent delays are two or more delays occurring at the same time; these have always been difficult to resolve. In network scheduling, one definition of concurrence is a relationship which is neither precedent nor subsequent [1].
In this sense, a concurrent relationship between a pair of activities is not contingent on completion of work on another activity. Contracting parties or others can cause delays, and the effects and remedies vary from case to case. With a critical path network, it is possible to determine compensation in time, and to some degree in cost, for the delays arising from an eventuality in a construction project. Literature has often recommended the critical path method, but writers usually fail to discuss the problem of concurrent delays [4|.
The theory of "concurrent delay" has become the most common defense raised by owners faced with a contractor's claim for delay damages. The contractor must...