Expert system for claim management in construction projects

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Abstract

Construction owners and contractors involved in contract claims and disputes have been exploring and actively using alternate dispute resolution methods in the last ten to fifteen years. They have been experimenting with methods that are faster, more economical, impartial, convenient, and private. The development of arbitration, followed later by mediation and the most recent yet untested method of ‘turbo-mediation’ is a clear indication of this desire. As a response to this need, this paper explores the possibility of developing a knowledge-based expert system for claim management. It proposes to use forensic scheduling concepts in developing an expert system that can prevent and resolve time-related construction disputes. A theoretical framework for the development of such an expert system is presented. Developments in artificial intelligence and computer hardware are considered to be significant enough to make the development of such an expert system a feasible alternative to existing methods.

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    David Arditi received his PhD degree in construction management from Loughborough University of Technology, UK. From 1976 to 1981, he was head of the Division of Construction Strategy in the Department of Civil Engineering. Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, where, in addition to his academic duties, he had the opportunity to be involved in the management of large public projects. He is currently an associate professor of civil engineering and coordinatro of the construction engineering and management programme at Illionis Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA.

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