Project Experience
COPPER MINE
⚲ Chile
Project conducted in English
The project is a copper mine located in Chile, used to temporarily store mined material and prevent the undue escape of dust into the atmosphere. Two conveyor belts, supported by large steel structures, dropped mined material into the dome. In August 2022, the dome partially collapsed during high winds.
Following the incident, loss adjusters advising the mine's reinsurance market appointed Rimkus to investigate the cause of the collapse and provide other quantum and delay analysis advice regarding the reinstatement works.
Our technical investigation revealed that while the high winds were the trigger for the collapse, they were not the underlying cause. Instead, various issues with the nature and quality of previous remedial and maintenance works carried out on the dome throughout its lifetime contributed to the collapse.
Rimkus also appraised the insured’s reinstatement programmes and completed a high-level appraisal of the estimated costs for the works. We continued to collaborate with the loss adjuster to advise on improvement and mitigation opportunities, and with the legal team to advise on potential policy exclusions due to the nature of the pre-existing defects in the structure.
POWER BARGE FIRE AND EXPLOSION
⚲ Central America
Project conducted in English
A fire and explosion occurred at a power plant in Central America. The barge-mounted power plant consisted of two permanently moored barges with diesel generator sets installed in a shed structure on deck. The fire and explosion occurred on one barge; however, both barges sustained damage.
One barge was deemed a total loss and there was a dispute as to the extent of damage to the second barge. The claim was that both barges were a total loss.
Rimkus mobilised a team of experts, including:
- A naval architect/marine engineer with extensive experience in marine regulatory requirements and vessel repair standards;
- A mechanical engineer with broad experience in diesel-driven power generation plants; and
- A metallurgist with experience in evaluating fire-damaged steel structures as well as laboratory examination of failed piping components.
The Rimkus team carried out several inspections of the barges, met with the plant operators, assessed the damage, reviewed the reports and repair estimates of the operator’s experts, and conducted a microscopic examination of failed piping components.
Based on our analysis, we concluded that fire-related hull steel damage to the second barge was limited to a small section of the port sheer strake as opposed to the whole port sheer strake and portions of the main deck as claimed. As a result of this conclusion, it was determined that this barge could be repaired in situ, resulting in significantly less cost and out-of-service time.
Significantly less machinery damage than reported was found onboard the second barge. Based on internal examination, as well as laboratory oil analysis, it was concluded that none of the engines on the second barge sustained fire-related internal damage. A metallurgical examination of the failed fuel oil piping section, which was believed to be the origin of the fire, revealed that the pipe failed as a result of cyclic fatigue. It was further determined that the pipe in question was of an earlier design which had not been updated based on the manufacturer’s recommendations
FLOOD BARRIER / PROTECTION SCHEME
⚲ Peru
Contract: NEC3 Option F
Project conducted in Spanish
The project experienced significant delays due to land acquisition-related issues, late deployment of permits, and adverse weather conditions. The contractor had to resequence the works as a consequence of restricted access and the programme of works was constantly being updated, increasing the inefficiency of the monitoring process. These difficulties were further compounded by an insufficiently developed design and disruption during the procurement stage, which led to further work interruptions and reduced efficiency across multiple work zones.
Rimkus acted on behalf of the main contractor, managing the claim process under the NEC contract's compensation event mechanism. Our responsibilities included preparing the contractor’s extension of time and associated prolongation cost claims and presenting findings before the standing Dispute Board.
MAJOR HEALTH SERVICES COMPOUND
⚲ Peru
Contract: NEC3 Option F
Project conducted in Spanish
This hospital complex project encountered severe delays, particularly during the mechanical and electrical installation, as well as during the testing and commissioning phases. The issues stemmed from complex technical problems and the numerous interfaces between specialist subcontractors, making the delay analysis especially intricate.
Rimkus was appointed to undertake an independent delay analysis and prepare an independent expert report. Through detailed factual investigation, we measured the extent of the delays by comparing the position for each of the commissioning activities at each of the reporting periods, and identified the causes of delay through a comprehensive review of the project records.
Our expert report was instrumental in guiding settlement negotiations and was later used in arbitration proceedings. The final settlement adopted the majority of Rimkus’ findings regarding delay periods and causation.
DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ROAD
⚲ Colombia
Contract: Bespoke / Public Works
Project conducted in Spanish
This 40 km dual carriageway project included various overpasses, box culverts, and pontoon structures. The project suffered substantial delays due to land acquisition problems, late issuance of permits, labour strikes, unforeseen ground conditions, and exceptionally adverse weather events. The contractor had to continuously resequence earthworks and revise the construction methodology for the construction of the road substructure due to access restrictions. Further disruptions were caused by an underdeveloped design and a slow procurement process, leading to reduced productivity.
Rimkus conducted a comprehensive cause-and-effect delay analysis using an as-planned versus as-built windows methodology. The delay impact was measured by comparing the planned versus actual productivity rates across various work phases and areas. To support this comparison, we utilised AI-driven tools to filter and compile large volumes of project data, generating S-curves that graphically illustrated actual progress against planned rates.
This methodology was chosen due to the inadequate quality of programme updates available. The analysis formed a key part of the contractor’s claim for prolongation costs in ICC arbitration proceedings. Rimkus was involved from the outset, delivering both written submissions and oral expert testimony during the hearing, including under cross-examination. Rimkus’ analysis and conclusions were preferred by the arbitral tribunal.
REDEVELOPMENT OF MAIN AVENUE
⚲ Colombia
Contract: Public Works Contract
Project conducted in Spanish
Delays arose primarily from issues in preparing, reviewing, and approving the traffic management plan required to release work zones as scheduled. Additional complications involved the layout and reinstatement of utility services, land acquisition, permitting, and coordination with both public and commercial stakeholders.
Rimkus was appointed to independently assess the project delays. Our in-depth investigation measured the delays and identified contributing factors. We produced an expert report used in settlement negotiations and subsequent arbitration proceedings. A Rimkus expert testified at the hearing and was cross-examined on time-related matters.
SOLAR FARM
⚲ Spain
Contract: Bespoke
Project conducted in Spanish
This renewable energy project involved the construction of a large-scale solar farm, with complex coordination across civil, electrical, and structural work packages. Delays occurred due to late delivery of critical components, interface issues between subcontractors, and challenges with permits from the local authorities.
Rimkus supported the contractor during the claim management process and provided expert advisory input in the project and cost control teams. Our involvement focused on the preparation and presentation of the extension of time claim before the standing Dispute Board. We also led the preparation of the quantum claim, quantifying the additional costs incurred because of the delays.
Our detailed analysis of both delay and cost substantiated the contractor’s entitlement, forming the basis of successful negotiations and preventing escalation to formal arbitration proceedings.
HIGHWAY INTERSECTION
⚲ Colombia
Contract: Public Works Contract
Project conducted in Spanish
This project involved the construction of a major highway intersection intended to alleviate urban congestion and improve regional connectivity. The project faced delays due to unforeseen ground conditions, utility relocation issues, and delays in finalising design approvals from public authorities.
Rimkus was engaged to support the contractor through the claim management process, including the preparation and presentation of an extension of time claim to the standing Dispute Board. We also prepared the quantum claim, identifying and substantiating the cost impacts related to the delays and resequencing of work.
Our expert analysis provided clarity on the contractor’s entitlement, which played a key role in facilitating a negotiated settlement prior to arbitration.
ONSHORE WIND FARM
⚲ Chile
Contract: Amended EPC Contract
Project conducted in Spanish
This project involved the development of a wind generation facility in the region of Atacama. Recurring electrical failures in the Medium Voltage (MV) collector circuits due to a deficient grounding system design and construction for the MV circuits led to induced voltages exceeding the cable screen and accessory ratings. Consequently, compromising the wind farm’s performance, generation, and the MV cable system’s remaining service life, which was expected to be 25 years.
Rimkus was engaged to support the employer in challenging the arbitration tribunal’s decision regarding the determination of the awarded amounts. The employer’s position was that the awarded amounts were not adequate to fully compensate for the damages suffered and did not reflect the true extent of the financial loss.
Our quantum expert evaluated the reasonableness of the amounts awarded by the tribunal, comparing them to the scope of rectification works necessary. Our expert identified errors in the tribunal’s calculations, such as the exclusion of certain costs that should have been included and awarded accordingly. Ultimately, benefiting the client by highlighting discrepancies that could be used to support a claim for increased compensation or a reconsideration of the awarded amounts.
