BERA have expert knowledge of the latest proprietary planning and programming software packages and forensic delay analysis techniques. Examples of a few techniques are demonstrated below using a sample project for the construction of a 6-storey office block. Click on the highlighted links to review each example.
Programming Techniques
As-planned programmes detail the contractor's planned intentions for the planned timing and sequencing of a project. The as-planned programme should be updated regularly, be dynamic and respond to events so that it reasonably reflects the actual progress of the project and the intention of the contractor to complete the project.
As-built programmes provide a factual record (based upon contemporary site records) of the actual activity timing and sequencing of a project;
Delay Demonstration Techniques
As-built but-for or collapsed as-built analyses are based upon the as-built programme from which is deducted or 'collapsed' the activity periods as-built for certain events (e.g. the effects of excusable or culpable events). The period remaining after collapsing the as-built programme is taken to be that which would have occurred for the remaining activities 'but-for' the deducted effects of excusable and culpable events;
As-planned-impact analysis considers the effects of delaying events by impacting them into the as-planned programme at day-one of the project;
Time-impact analysis considers the effects of each delaying event by impacting them into the latest as-planned programmed intentions at the time immediately prior to the event occurring; and
Windows analysis divides the total project into a number of windows or time-slices. Each window may coincide with a project milestone or the occurrence of a significant delaying event. A time-impact, or as-built but-for analysis, can be carried out for each discrete window.
Recommendations
In all disputes, having a clear understanding of the engineering and contractual principles is key to developing a clear, successful strategy.
Data presentation is a key component to getting the message across. Whether this is achieved by graphical bar chart illustrations which adopt the latest delay demonstration techniques or multi-media presentations to demonstrate construction sequences, methodology and changes brought about by delaying events, BERA have the tools and the capability to ensure your message reaches those who matter.