Our Approach

Evidence-based forensic delay analysis grounded in internationally recognised standards and proven methodologies.

"Evidence Speaks Louder"

At Linx-to, we let the facts tell the story. Every analysis we undertake is grounded in contemporaneous project records, objective data, and recognised industry methodologies.

Our forensic delay analysis follows a structured, evidence-based approach that ensures our findings are robust, defensible, and capable of withstanding scrutiny in adjudication, arbitration, and court proceedings.

We work in accordance with the leading international frameworks for forensic schedule analysis, ensuring consistency, rigour, and credibility in everything we deliver.

SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol

Society of Construction Law — 2nd Edition, February 2017

What is the SCL Protocol?

The SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol is the leading UK guidance document on the analysis and management of delay and disruption in construction projects. Published by the Society of Construction Law, it provides a framework of best practice for dealing with delay and disruption matters.

The Protocol is widely referenced in construction disputes across the UK and internationally, and is frequently cited by tribunals, adjudicators, and courts as an authoritative source on delay analysis methodology.

How Linx-to Applies the SCL Protocol

  • ▸Selection of the most appropriate delay analysis methodology based on the available records and circumstances of the project
  • ▸Identification and categorisation of delay events (employer risk, contractor risk, and concurrent delay)
  • ▸Analysis of critical path impact and float consumption
  • ▸Assessment of concurrent delay in accordance with Protocol guidance
  • ▸Clear presentation of delay analysis findings with supporting evidence

AACE International RP 29R-03

Recommended Practice for Forensic Schedule Analysis

What is AACE RP 29R-03?

AACE International (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) Recommended Practice 29R-03 provides a comprehensive framework for forensic schedule analysis. It is one of the most widely recognised international standards for the identification, quantification, and presentation of schedule delay on construction projects.

The Recommended Practice defines and categorises the various methods of forensic schedule analysis, providing practitioners and tribunals with a common language and consistent framework for evaluating delay claims.

How Linx-to Applies RP 29R-03

  • ▸Structured approach to method selection based on data availability, project circumstances, and the questions to be answered
  • ▸Consistent terminology and classification of delay analysis methods
  • ▸Transparent documentation of source data, assumptions, and analytical steps
  • ▸Identification of method strengths, limitations, and appropriate use cases
  • ▸Defensible results that meet the evidentiary standards of tribunals and courts

Methods of Analysis

We select the most appropriate methodology based on the available records, contract requirements, and specific circumstances of each project — as recommended by both the SCL Protocol and AACE RP 29R-03.

01

As-Planned vs As-Built

Observational / Comparative

The foundational method of forensic schedule analysis. We compare the original baseline programme against actual project performance to identify variances and establish the factual delay position.

  • ▸Compare planned dates against actual dates for all activities
  • ▸Identify where and when the project deviated from the plan
  • ▸Establish a factual chronology of delay events
  • ▸Determine the causes and responsibility for identified delays
  • ▸Provide a clear, evidence-based picture of project performance
02

Impacted As-Planned

Additive / Prospective

Model the theoretical effect of delay events on the original programme by inserting identified delays into the as-planned schedule.

  • ▸Insert delay events into the baseline programme
  • ▸Observe the impact on the critical path and completion date
  • ▸Assess the theoretical delay attributable to each event
  • ▸Useful when limited as-built records are available
03

Time Impact Analysis (TIA)

Additive / Contemporaneous

A contemporaneous, prospective analysis that models the effect of each delay event at the point in time it occurred.

  • ▸Analyse delays using schedule updates at the time of occurrence
  • ▸Assess impact on the then-current critical path
  • ▸Account for actual progress and programme changes
  • ▸Widely regarded as one of the most robust methodologies
  • ▸Particularly suited to projects with regular schedule updates
04

Windows Analysis

Periodic / Snapshot

Divide the project into defined time periods and analyse delay causation within each window.

  • ▸Break the project duration into discrete analysis periods
  • ▸Analyse critical path and delay within each window
  • ▸Track how delays evolved chronologically
  • ▸Identify periods of concurrent delay
  • ▸Provide a detailed narrative of delay progression
05

Collapsed As-Built (But-For)

Subtractive / Retrospective

Start from the as-built programme and systematically remove identified delay events to determine when the project would have completed.

  • ▸Reconstruct the as-built critical path
  • ▸Remove identified delay events one at a time or in groups
  • ▸Determine the 'but-for' completion date
  • ▸Quantify the delay attributable to removed events
  • ▸Particularly useful for complex, multi-party delay situations

Evidence-Based As-Planned vs As-Built

Our as-planned versus as-built analysis goes beyond simple date comparison. We build a comprehensive, evidence-based picture of project performance using contemporaneous records, programme data, and factual project documentation.

Contemporaneous Records

Progress reports, site diaries, correspondence, meeting minutes, and programme updates form the evidential foundation.

Critical Path Focus

We identify the true critical and near-critical paths to determine which delays actually impacted project completion.

Clear Presentation

Findings presented in clear, visual formats that are accessible to legal teams, tribunals, and non-technical stakeholders.

Professional Standards

Our work is informed by and conducted in accordance with the following industry standards and contract frameworks.

SCL Protocol

Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol, 2nd Edition (February 2017)

AACE RP 29R-03

AACE International Recommended Practice for Forensic Schedule Analysis

PMI Standards

Project Management Institute scheduling and earned value standards

NEC Contracts

New Engineering Contract suite — programme and compensation event procedures

JCT Contracts

Joint Contracts Tribunal — extension of time and loss and expense provisions

FIDIC Contracts

International Federation of Consulting Engineers — claims and determination procedures

Discuss Your Delay Analysis Needs

Every project is different. Contact us to discuss which methodology is most appropriate for your circumstances.

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