Acceleration occurs when a contractor increases the rate of work to complete the project earlier than the current forecast or by the original completion date despite being entitled to an extension of time.
Constructive acceleration is the most common and contentious form. It occurs when the employer refuses to grant a legitimate EOT and the contractor is forced to accelerate to avoid liquidated damages. The costs of acceleration are then claimable as additional compensation.
Acceleration costs typically include: overtime and shift premiums, additional labour and equipment, out-of-sequence working, reduced productivity, and increased supervision. These must be carefully documented and distinguished from the contractor's own costs.