Top Issues Faced by Tunnelling Projects
Throughout the next decade, there will no doubt be a worldwide increase in the construction of tunnelling projects due to government stimulus packages and population growth.
Although this is a perfect opportunity, it will lead to increasing pressure on the industry and like other major construction projects time and cost disputes will undoubtedly occur.
Tunnelling projects are complicated, and all parties — the customer, EPC contractors and subcontractors — expect the work to be done on-time and on budget.
But delays and cost overruns happen frequently due to logistical challenges, design issues, utility relocations, the effects of COVID 19, unfinished or defective work from previous contractors, and other unforeseen circumstances.
The list below details the top ten problems faced by those involved in tunnelling projects and is no way exhaustive.
The top 10 issues faced by Tunnelling projects
Delay to the granting of permits
Unknown ground conditions
Logistical constraints
White- and blue-collar labour availability
Design interfaces
Other contractor interfacing issues
M&E Commissioning issues
Utility relocation issues
Ground contamination issues
Wildlife and flora
When delays and cost increases happen, the affected parties do not always communicate the cause, event and entitlement clearly or substantiate the matters in disputes. Actual loss or the risk of loss can lead to accusations between parties, creating tension that only makes the problem worse.
When on either side of the claim, you need to objectively identify what happened and who is responsible. This requires forensic expertise.
It is difficult for parties to identify the specific cause and event that created the issue and link back to an entitlement under the contract. It can be challenging to substantiate the effects with respect to lost time and increased costs and ultimately communicate a clear and concise position. These difficulties and challenges create major problems for all involved and further tension is created.
Solving the problem requires the precision of true quantum and delay experts who know where the facts can be found and can demonstrate the cause and effect succinctly and substantiate the issues clearly. This approach is objective and leads to reduced stress, frustration, and anxiety.
What can those involved in Tunnelling Projects do to minimise or mitigate claims?
Produce robust fully resourced programs with a true baseline and correctly updated every week
Understand the contract obligations including limitations to their scope (do not do more without getting paid and obtaining additional time)
Send all notices as per the prerequisites and within the timeframes
Keep daily records and organise accordingly
Identify the actual matters that are outside the scope and requiring additional cost and time.
Again, the above points are in no way exhaustive, but will either minimise disputes or assist when it comes to identifying the Cause, Event and Entitlement. It is imperative that the above tasks are completed diligently and not treated as an administrative burden.
