How do you minimize risks in geotechnical engineering?

Often the interpretation of site investigations is the most critical aspects, with misinterpretation of SI result as a risk to be mitigated. In urban environement, SI results may be obtained by different means and for different purpose. In addition to traditional coring or geophisical mathods, data can also be obtained indirectly, as example when installing piles to refusal or excavating tunnels. While in the past there were limitations, I belive that future computing power coupled with AI technology will allow managing those large data easily resulting in better SI interpretation and more reliable geological modelling, which will than used for a more efficient future planning and design.

Lossess for geotechnical firms often result from failure to gain access and complete work during mobilization, struck utilities, damage to property, and/or injury of workers or the public during exploration. Knowledge of site access, selection of appropriate equipment and personel, and preparing an appropriate HASP are the first level of effort to set up an exploration program. The engineer should also review engineering drawings, aerial photographs, use geophysical methods, and contact 811, to gain insights as to soil and subsurface conditions to avoid inability to access, refusal of exploration, damage to property, and injury to personel. A lack of understanding at this stage can also cause the collected data to be inadequate for design.

With my experience in minimizing risks in geotechnical engineering, I focus on thorough site investigations, accurate modeling, and proactive risk management. By conducting detailed soil tests and geophysical surveys, I ensure a deep understanding of site conditions, which allows for precise modeling with appropriate safety factors. During construction, I emphasize quality control and real-time monitoring to maintain design integrity and adapt as necessary. My approach includes long-term monitoring, regular inspections, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, compliance, and project success.

One thing that is essential as well is the climate type, for instance in tropical regions it is very important to take note of the rain intensity which might influence the stability of slopes in a significant way.

There are many risks involved in geotechnical to start with if proper soil investigation is done will be easy for designing the foundation also if cavity are shown properly in the borehole data & pile lengths can be fixed accordingly. Weep holes and other drainage outlets to be shown in the drawings for the retaining wall and slope to avoid slope stability failure, Permanent Sheet piles to be provided at the nearby residential or commercial areas which are closer to the pilling activities. Instrumentation to be installed on old structures to check for settlement during construction activities.

Risk Jenga: Picture geotechnical risks as a precarious Jenga tower. Each block represents a potential hazard. Contingency planning is the strategic move – anticipating which block might wobble next. Risk allocation redistributes the weight, preventing collapse. Insurance acts as the safety cushion, ready to catch any falling pieces. Contracts lock the blocks in place, ensuring stability. Safety protocols and emergency response are the skilled players, deftly removing unstable blocks. And maintenance? It’s the periodic check, ensuring the tower stands tall

Know what codes are applicable to your project before executing the field work! Be sure to use the most current edition of the codes that are applicable to your project.

In my experience it is rare that losses are caused by a calculation error (knock on wood). Usually they are caused by a lack of understanding of the whole project by the geotechnical engineer at the time the report is written, a lack of clear documentation within the geotechnical report that confuses designers or contractors, or lack of follow through on inspections. Ultimately the lack of communication leads to surprises and change orders during construction or if not caught during inspection, can lead to improper construction and later distress and repairs.

In my experience, communication is fundamental at every level and if you're part of a team, you should never worry to ask questions or sound repetitive about anything important. Offshore for example, kick off meetings, daily meetings and toolbox talks are ideal to clarify doubts and voice any concerns. If you're leading a team, lead with trust and respect so you have a better chance at people staying motivated and communicating any issues without reservations.

Without proper communication, risks may stay hidden. With real-time data sharing between all the stakeholders, risks can be identified, minimized, and mitigated.

Geotechnical risks are dynamic, and adaptability is key to effective risk management. I strongly loved Stakeholder Communication and Transparency: ? Well, regularly updating stakeholders on risk management efforts, must be delivered in simple and cummunicative. ? Transparency builds trust and ensures informed decision-making

It is always better to explore similar to project desk studies in the planning stage of investigations. Desk study helps in better understanding of the regional geotechnics, and provide initial insight. This ultimately leads to better planning, and provide more options for field investigations which results in better investigation report.