Risk assessment and evaluation: The implications of cracking for insurance cover and warranties
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John Parvin BSc (Hons), C Eng, MICE, MIStructE, ACILA is a Chartered Civil/Structural Engineer as well as a Chartered Loss Adjuster. He had twenty-five years experience in the industry working with contractors and consulting engineers before joining Loss Adjusters Ellis and Buckle in 1992, where he assisted with the development of the project- managed subsidence Claims Manager for the Zurich Group, where he has responsibility for ensuring technical delivery of all aspects of subsidence claims handling. He is also the Chairman of the Subsidence Forum — an industry body created in March 2004.
Abstract What are the risk assessments that are required in respect of the design, construction and performance of structures in particular the various site investigations? This can range from the desk study through to the actual physical site investigation and testing of the soil properties. In addition, there is the risk assessment of the quality and the processes used in the construction of the buildings and how these vary in relation to traditional methods and modern methods of construction. When the buildings are complete what are the measures that can be undertaken to minimist the risks of cracking occurring? These range from controlling the planting and maintenance of vegetation where the property is constructed on a clay soil, to ensuring that drains are kept watertight and suitable expansion joints are provided to allow for thermal movement. In the unfortunate event that cracking does occur, what is covered under an insurance policy or building guarantee? The standard warranty consists of three parts: the building period; the developer’s guarantee/warranty period (DGP/DWP) and the structural insurance period (SIP). Cover for cracking on insurance policies mainly relates to the peril of subsidence heave or landslip, although sometimes there will be cover under the accidental damage section of some policies. John Parvin UK General Insurance Subsidence Claims Manager Zurich Insurance, 3000 B Parkway Solent Business Park Fareham PO15 7JZ, UK Tel: þ 44 (0)1489 864652 Mobile: þ 44 (0)7734 336087 Fax: þ 44 (0)1489 571274 E-mail: [email protected]
Keywords: risk assessment, masonry cracking, mitigatgion, tree management, modern methods of construction, subsidence cover
INTRODUCTION The initial risk assessment starts with the site investigation, which is a term that encompasses many aspects affecting the design, construction
q HENRY STEWART PUBLICATIONS 1742–8262
Journal of Building Appraisal
VOL.1 NO.2
PP 153–163
153
Parvin
and performance of structures. In addition, there is a risk assessment of the quality and the processes used in the construction of the buildings and how these vary in relation to traditional methods and modern methods of construction. What are the mitigation measures that can be undertaken to minimise the risks of cracking occurring? In the unfortunate event that cracking does occur, what is covered under an insurance policy or building guarantee?
RISK ASSESSMENTS How can the risk of cra
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