Last edited 09 Jan 2017

Contingency plan

Contingency plans are plans than could be enacted to mitigate project risks identified during risk assessment, if those risks increase or materialise. That is, they are alternative courses of action devised to cope with project risks.

Predictable risks that could be mitigated with forward planning might include:

Non-delivery of materials. An alternative design might be prepared, or bulk or specific items could be pre-ordered before contractors are appointed
Lack of available work force. This could be tackled by the provision of a site labour camp or by overseas recruitment.
Lack of plant and equipment availability (or plant failure or access to spare parts). Plant such as piling rigs and spares could be ordered during the design stages prior to contractor involvement.
Illness. This could be mitigated by insurance cover for key personnel.
The risk of obtaining planning permission or other statutory approvals. This might be mitigated by early consultation with statutory authorities prior to design, or by employing ex-statutory authority employees, or consultants familiar with the statutory authority.
Information and communications technology failure. This might be mitigated by duplicating facilities, establishing back-up procedures and providing uninterrupted power supplies.
Failure of power or water supply. This might be mitigated by the duplication of supply, uninterrupted power supplies or the provision of standby generators.

[edit] Find out more

To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.

Timo Hartmann of TU Berlin introduces a themed issue of the ICE Smart Infrastructure and Construction journal.

Freedom of Information request reveals that taxpayers are footing the bill for Carillion's collapse.

Driven piles are used to support buildings, walls and bridges, and can be the most cost-effective deep foundation solution.

Australian landmark celebrates achievement of carbon neutral status five years ahead of schedule.

Non-material amendments can sometimes be necessary after planning permission has been granted. Find out more here.

Six things civil engineers could do to ensure the success of projects.

Dublin housing crisis restricts employers' ability to recruit, according to new U+I research.

Intricate inlays and beautiful patterns can be created with waterjet cutting.

Two historic quarries in environmentally sensitive areas were reopened to repair Exeter Cathedral.

The phrase ‘time at large’ describes the situation where there is no date for completion, or it has become invalid.