Legal Terms Explained: Acceleration

What is acceleration?

The term acceleration refers to action taken to speed up the progress of works so they will be completed earlier than planned or so that more work can be completed without extending the original completion date. Typically, the increased rate of progress will be achieved by the contractor using any combination of acceleration methods including, but not limited to, increased resources on site (e.g. more manpower), a more intensive pattern of work (e.g. adding night shifts), use of different working methods or revised sequencing.

Employing such methods can give rise to increased costs. While an employer is not usually expected to bear costs associated with acceleration measures taken of the contractor's own volition, a contractor typically expects additional costs incurred due to employer-driven acceleration to be paid by the employer.