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For complex construction projects, planning is key

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For complex construction projects, planning is key

Good planning, coordination and adopting up-to-date techniques are essential elements in supertall buildings’ risk management, experts say.

Brandon Perry, architects and engineers large firms program manager for Victor Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, said tall buildings do not generate a proportionately larger number of claims. 

This is because “they are generally highly engineered projects, where the contractors building them also have a high degree of skill,” as well as being marquee projects with sophisticated owners, Mr. Perry said.

“Obviously, great planning is essential between the design team and the building team to make sure they’re in lockstep for taking into consideration” environmental or weather-related risks, said Tom Grandmaison, Boston-based chief broking officer for Aon PLC’s construction practice.

In addition there should be documentation “every step of the way,” so that if litigation arises “the contracting team is prepared to defend the work they did,” he said.

Rob McDonough, New York-based U.S. construction leader for Marsh LLC, said, “Probably the biggest positive way to ensure a project’s success is preconstruction planning and using more computer-enhanced technology and predesign. That is something we see all the leading contractors and developers doing.”

“The key to success is to make sure that you’re surrounded by the right people with the expertise to give sound advice based on actual experience,” said Erik Davis, Los Angeles-based managing director, construction practice, for R-T Specialty LLC. “You want to make sure that you’re hiring the right team at every level whether it’s the contractors, professionals, risk management professionals or anyone else involved in the project.” 

“As projects become ever more complex, the techniques and systems used in risk management are also evolving, using such things as Web-enabled remote surveys and drones,” Clive Trencher, senior risk consultant with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Co. in London, said in an email.

AI and algorithms may become important in managing construction risks, he said.

Mr. Davis said brokers look for information “to show that this particular risk is a strong risk, and this is oftentimes based on the strength of the architects, the engineers and the general contractors” and “the experience that the developer has in managing a project of this size.”

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