Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a valuable tool in the management of construction claims, disputes and adjudication proceedings. While AI is unlikely to replace claims consultants, quantity surveyors, planners, contract managers or legal professionals, it is increasingly being used to improve efficiency in handling the large volume of documents and project records that typically underpin construction disputes. Industry observers have noted growing adoption of AI technologies to support document review, data analysis and dispute preparation across the construction sector.
One of the biggest challenges in construction claims is the management of fragmented project information. A typical project may generate thousands of emails, meeting minutes, site diaries, photographs, drawings, programmes, variation instructions, payment claims and payment responses. Traditionally, claims teams spend significant time searching, organising and cross-referencing these records before substantive analysis can even begin. AI-powered document management and retrieval tools are increasingly capable of scanning large volumes of project data, categorising information and identifying relevant records more efficiently, enabling teams to locate and review supporting evidence in a fraction of the time previously required.
AI is also proving useful in contract administration and claim preparation. Modern generative AI tools can review contract documents, extract key clauses, identify notice requirements, summarise contractual obligations and highlight areas requiring further attention. In the context of variation claims and payment disputes involving delay-related events, AI can assist teams in building chronologies, matching project records against contractual provisions and organising supporting evidence for review by claims professionals and legal advisers. This allows commercial and claims personnel to devote more time to strategic analysis and decision-making rather than repetitive administrative tasks.
Another area attracting significant interest is the use of AI to support the review of programme and project records. When integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM), scheduling software and project documentation systems, AI can assist in identifying relevant programme records, extracting delay-related events, generating timelines and facilitating the review of historical project information. However, AI should not be viewed as a substitute for professional delay analysis or contractual interpretation. Assessments involving critical path impact, causation, concurrency, mitigation measures, Extension of Time (EOT) entitlement and recoverability of delay-related costs continue to require evaluation by qualified planners, claims consultants, contract administrators and legal professionals.
In adjudication proceedings, particularly in jurisdictions such as Singapore where statutory timelines are compressed, AI may help parties organise evidence, prepare document bundles, identify inconsistencies between payment claims and payment responses, and generate concise summaries of large document sets. Such tools can support the efficient preparation and presentation of information, especially where substantial volumes of project records must be reviewed within limited timeframes. Nevertheless, the ultimate analysis, assessment of entitlement and decision-making remain matters for qualified professionals and adjudicators.
For Singapore adjudications conducted under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act (SOPA), parties should also be mindful that the adjudicator's powers are governed by specific statutory requirements. In particular, Section 17(2A) requires adjudicators to disregard certain claims for damage, loss or expense that do not satisfy the requirements prescribed under the Act and the relevant contract. Accordingly, while AI may assist in organising records, locating evidence and analysing information, questions relating to contractual entitlement, certification requirements and compliance with statutory adjudication principles remain matters for professional and legal assessment.
However, AI adoption also introduces risks. AI-generated outputs may contain inaccuracies, omit critical context or produce conclusions that are unsupported by the underlying facts. Construction disputes frequently involve complex factual, contractual and technical issues that require professional judgment and industry expertise. For this reason, industry practitioners generally regard AI as an assistive technology rather than an independent decision-maker. Human review, validation and professional accountability remain essential components of any claims or dispute management process.
In summary, the most immediate impact of AI on construction claims and adjudication management is not the replacement of claims professionals but the automation of document-intensive and administrative tasks. Firms that successfully combine AI-enabled tools with robust project record management, sound contract administration practices and experienced professional oversight are likely to gain advantages in speed, efficiency and dispute preparedness. As project data continues to grow in volume and complexity, AI is increasingly being viewed as a practical productivity tool that complements, rather than replaces, the expertise required for construction claims and dispute resolution.
Source citations:
Argentum AI
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