ABSTRACT
Flooding is becoming one of the world’s most devastating natural hazards causing severe social, economic and environmental impacts. The number and severity of events are rising rapidly, driven by climate change. Flood risk can be minimized and managed by using a combination of early warning systems and response mechanisms, such as weather/flood management plans and physical barriers. Although the built environment is usually very resilient to such natural perils and largely responds well to natural catastrophes, assets and in particular underground works under construction are inherently far more exposed. The risk is compounded when flood risk during construction is not specifically addressed, the focus being on the completed asset only. This paper discusses potential flood hazards and vulnerabilities, proposes a flood risk assessment process and presents example cases and mitigation measures, with focus on construction of underground works. Reference is also made to a new best practice guideline being prepared by members of the Construction Insurance Risk Engineering Group (CIREG), which intends to introduce the concepts of Flood Risk Baseline Reports and Flood Risk Maps for managing and mitigating the associated risks.
