Disputes are inherent on major subsurface projects. Typically, these disputes arise out of differing subsurface conditions and disagreements about the roles, responsibilities, and risks of the various project participants in the design and construction processes. Risk allocation approaches in the various project delivery methods influence the occurrence, character and magnitude of these disputes.

In this paper, David Hatem discusses several aspects of these subjects, including:

• The roles, responsibilities, and risks (3Rs) of project participants in various delivery approaches.
• How the assignment of the 3Rs and risk allocation among project participants often results in disputes on major subsurface projects.
• The potential benefits of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) approaches in improving utilization of the observational method, and in increasing collaboration and reducing disputes.

Download the full paper below for insights on managing risk, enhancing collaboration and reducing disputes in major subsurface projects.