Claim Management and Dispute Resolution in the Construction Industry: Current Research Trends Using Novel Technologies

Abstract

In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry claims arise frequently, often resulting in disputes. Claim management should be efficient to prevent claims from escalating into disputes, and if disputes are still unavoidable, they should be resolved without delay for the construction process to resume. First, by conducting a bibliometric review, this paper attempts to investigate the literature on construction claims and dispute resolution practices by employing the Scopus database and VOSviewer to retrieve and analyze related sources. The overall trend of research by country, source, and authors is detected, and the emergence of novel technologies such as BIM, blockchain, and smart contracts appearing after 2020 concerning the investigation into construction claim management and dispute resolution was identified. Second, a content analysis on the most recent publications published between 2020 and 2022 was undertaken, indicating six main research themes that represent current research trends. The employment of novel technologies to enhance claim management and dispute resolution practices in the AEC sector is identified, as well. Finally, in order to assist construction professionals and researchers in their work to address construction claims and disputes more efficiently, potential research directions are proposed.