Integrated project delivery (IPD) capabilities on reducing claims in urban underground projects: A hybrid FAHP-FTOPSIS approach

Abstract

Participatory planning practices - associated with integrated project delivery (IPD) can influence the cost and time claims of construction projects. However, there is a lack of research providing a quantitative holistic assessment of implementing IPD practices for reducing claims. In order to fill this knowledge gap, the present study aims to present a hybrid prioritization model to assess and mitigate the impact of claims on urban underground projects using IPD capabilities. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) methods are combined to prioritize traditional project delivery systems claims and rank IPD capabilities to reduce critical claims. FAHP identifies eight critical claims, including incorrect selection of the project contract system, lack of use of legal experts in setting contracts, exchange rate fluctuations and changes in currency conditions, lack of manpower skilled personnel in the region, ambiguities and shortcomings in the contract, restrictions on the supply of materials, machinery and equipment, delays in payments and financial obligations of the employer and lack of equipment and machinery appropriate to the type of work in the region. FTOPSIS ranks organizational and leadership, planning enhancement, and appropriate technology as the most effective capabilities in reducing claims. These capabilities should be implemented according to the obtained ranking to accept IPD in reducing the conventional claims future projects. The main innovation lies in the development of a hybrid prioritization framework to evaluate conventional contractual claims and rank IPD capabilities. The framework proposed in the study provides a valuable tool for construction managers to make informed decisions and mitigate the impact of contractual claims during the project delivery phase.