A Delphi-Based Claim Substantiation and Validation Framework for Improving Success of Construction Claims

Abstract Construction claims during the execution phase frequently experience rejections due to inadequate documentation and ineffective substantiation practices. Although previous literature studies emphasize the importance of documentation, a critical gap remains between identifying claim causes and applying the specific evidence required for a successful claim to be valid. This study uses a two-round Delphi methodology involving 17 experienced construction professionals to identify and validate the factors that are critical to a claim’s success during project execution. A total of 53 factors achieved 92.45% consensus and were systematically categorized into four substantiation groups: G1, contractual; G2, design and technical; G3, management; and G4, time and cost. The findings indicate that technical evidence and quantifiable time and cost impacts play a decisive role in claim acceptance, challenging previous literature that largely emphasizes contractual factors. Based on these results, a claim substantiation and validation framework (CSVF) was developed as a structured three-layer framework that redefines claim causes as substantiation requirements. The framework organizes 53 factors into four interdependent aspects (contractual, design and technical, management, and time and cost) and the framework applies them through a four-gate validation logic. Contractual compliance establishes the claim entitlement, while design and technical aspects, the management aspect, and time and cost aspects and relative documentation together demonstrate the cause and the quantification. By requiring structured evidence and alignment across all aspects, the framework addresses the missing evidence that frequently leads to a claim’s rejection and dispute escalation during project execution.