New tool helps developers, contractors identify geographic risk for construction

Developers and contractors entering new markets that are looking to mitigate their projects’ risk now have available an interactive tool that not only allows them to access real-time updates pertaining to the risk climate of municipalities across the U.S., but also to create a job-specific risk profile that takes into account such factors as local statutes and the potential for catastrophic exposure.

Aon Risk Solutions, through its Construction Services Group, has gone live with its Construction Risk Portal, a web-enhanced tool that helps clients navigate risk when working across multiple geographies simultaneously.

Aon Risk Solutions is a division of London-based Aon plc, a publicly traded global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. It has clients in 120 countries.

The portal is a single website with two applications:

• Construction Risk Map is a searchable reference library. It provides a macroeconomic vantage of the construction risk climate across the country, and outlines specific issues—such as litigation, legislation, and insurance requirements—that contribute to overall construction’s risk rating;

• Construction Risk Register is an interactive module through which users can create project- and location-specific risk profiles based on data about the project. The profile would have three components: State-specific statutes and case law based on construction-specific issues as tracked in the Construction Risk Map; a map that plots a project’s location based on information input and through a partnership with Aon Benfield’s Impact Forecasting capabilities and analysis of catastrophic exposure; and a risk “matrix” that plots the potential severity of jurisdictional issues and catastrophic exposures on a construction project.

Aon Risk Solutions developed this interactive platform with assistance from Johnson & Bell, a real estate and construction litigation firm, and one of several information partners with which Aon has on retainer.

“The Construction Risk Portal will allow our clients and colleagues to have access 24-hours a day, seven days a week to statutory developments, case law, risk trends and regulatory updates,” says Matt Walsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Broking Officer of Aon Risk Solutions’ Construction Services Group.

Aon now includes access to this portal as one of the services it offers to clients, says Walsh. The plan is to add other applications in 2015, which Walsh says could revolve around safety drivers, contractual issues, and information about risks in other countries, such as Canada.

The project team members include owner Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York; design architect and interior designer of the restaurant, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York; executive architect, FXFOWLE, New York; and architect and interior designer of the film center, Rockwell Group, New York; structural engineer Arup (AISC Member), New York; and general contractor Turner Construction Company (AISC Member), New York.

| Nov 9, 2011

Sika Sarnafil Roof Recycling Program recognized by Society of Plastics Engineers

Program leads the industry in recovering and recycling roofing membrane into new roofing products.

| Nov 9, 2011

American Standard Brands joins the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium

American Standard will collaborate with other organizations to build an industry-wide sustainability performance index.

| Nov 8, 2011

Transforming a landmark coastal resort

Originally built in 1973, the building had received several alterations over the years but the progressive deterioration caused by the harsh salt water environment had never been addressed.

| Nov 8, 2011

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Moisture-related failures in agglomerated floor tiles

Agglomerated tiles offer an appealing appearance similar to natural stone at a lower cost. To achieve successful installations, manufacturers should provide design data for moisture-related dimensional changes, specifiers should require in-situ moisture testing similar to those used for other flooring materials, and the industry should develop standards for fabrication and installation of agglomerated tiles.