FIDIC Claims Management: Resolving Construction Disputes

Why This Course

Construction projects operating under FIDIC contracts often involve complex claims, tight timelines, and high levels of risk. The ability to manage claims effectively—and resolve disputes before they escalate—is essential for protecting project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. Mastery of FIDIC claim procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms is therefore a critical capability for engineers, contract managers, project leaders, and legal teams.

The Advanced FIDIC Claims & Dispute Resolution Mastery Program is a comprehensive 5-day course designed to deepen participants’ understanding of FIDIC contract frameworks, enhance their claim-handling abilities, and strengthen their dispute resolution skills. Through case-based learning, practical exercises, and real-world examples, participants will learn to handle claims with confidence and reduce the likelihood of costly disputes.

What You’ll Learn and Practice

By completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Interpret and apply FIDIC contract principles to real project scenarios.
• Identify, prepare, and present claims in accordance with FIDIC procedures.
• Analyze project risks and allocate responsibilities effectively.
• Conduct delay analysis and evaluate time-related and cost-related claims.
• Apply negotiation, mediation, and adjudication techniques to resolve disputes.
• Implement best practices to strengthen contract administration and reduce conflict.

Program Flow

Day 1: FIDIC Contracts and Claims Overview

• Overview of FIDIC contract forms (Red, Yellow, Silver Books).
• Understanding key clauses related to claims and administration.
• Classifying claims: contractual, quantum, time-related, and cost-based.
• Principles of risk allocation within FIDIC contract frameworks.
• Exercise: Mapping key clauses affecting claims for a sample project.

Day 2: Claim Identification and Preparation

• Recognizing early indicators of potential claims.
• Notice requirements, time bars, and the importance of timely communication.
• Gathering supporting documentation and building a strong evidence base.
• Methods for quantifying claims, damages, and cost impacts.
• Workshop: Preparing a compliant FIDIC claim submission.

Day 3: Time-Related Claims and Delay Analysis

• Managing Extension of Time (EOT) claims under FIDIC conditions.
• Delay analysis techniques: As-Planned vs. As-Built, Time Impact Analysis, and more.
• Handling concurrent delays and their contractual implications.
• Understanding disruption and acceleration claims.
• Case Study: Conducting a delay analysis on a hypothetical project timeline.

Day 4: Cost Claims and Variations

• Preparing additional payment claims in compliance with FIDIC procedures.
• Managing variation orders and valuation methods.
• Calculating prolongation, disruption, and productivity loss costs.
• Understanding Force Majeure and Exceptional Events under FIDIC 2017.
• Exercise: Developing a cost claim with detailed quantification.

Day 5: Dispute Resolution and Claim Avoidance

• The role and function of Dispute Adjudication Boards (DABs/DAABs).
• Effective negotiation and mediation strategies for early resolution.
• Arbitration processes under FIDIC and international rules.
• Best practices in contract administration to prevent disputes.
• Simulation: Conducting a negotiation and presenting a claim for resolution.

Individual Impact

• Mastery of structured FIDIC claim preparation and presentation.
• Increased ability to manage risk and prevent disputes.
• Confidence in navigating contractual procedures, notices, and timelines.
• Enhanced negotiation and dispute resolution capabilities.

Organizational Impact

• Reduced exposure to costly claims and disputes.
• Improved project performance through proactive contract administration.
• Stronger compliance with FIDIC procedures and documentation requirements.
• Enhanced professional capability across project and contract teams.

Training Methodology

This program applies a highly practical and interactive learning approach through:

• Real-world case studies and contract interpretation exercises.
• Claims drafting and evaluation workshops.
• Delay analysis and quantification tools.
• Simulated negotiation and dispute resolution scenarios.

Beyond the Course

Participants will return equipped with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to manage claims effectively, minimize disputes, and uphold contractual integrity on FIDIC-based construction projects. They will be able to turn complex claims into structured, well-supported submissions and resolve issues with strategic clarity.