Agent-Based Modeling for Delay Analysis Claims

Delays in a construction project have been a long-standing dilemma due to their inevitable nature. Consequently, time overrun in construction projects has been the main area of investigation by academic researchers and practitioners alike. When projects become more complex, the accuracy of quantifying delays can be an arduous process; without the proper quantification, this leaves contractors subject to the application of liquidated damages or losses. Various reasons for delays in the construction industry can lead to a ripple effect on certain path(s) of activities which cannot be easily traced throughout the lifetime of mega construction project with interdependent disciplines. The current methods within the delay analysis realm all involve a cumbersome process of data collection regarding the delaying events whether it would be utilized in a retroactive or prospective approach. Additionally, lack of proper documentation and records after the event has taken place will lead to an inaccurate delay analysis causing the upheaval of disputes between parties. Therefore, this paper allots for a real-time recording of delaying events through conducting delay analysis using agent-based modeling. This allows for the effect of delaying events to be instantaneously measured in terms of additional time suffered. Not only so, but agent-based modeling avoids the need for delay analysts to investigate the entirety of affected activities to link to the delaying event. A case study was then applied to a path of activities simulated using AnyLogic to validate the agent-based approach for delay analysis.