How do you use geotechnical data to optimize construction schedules?

1 Identify geotechnical risks

The first step to optimize construction schedules is to identify the geotechnical risks that may affect the project, such as slope instability, foundation settlement, soil liquefaction, or groundwater seepage. These risks can cause delays, cost overruns, or structural failures if not properly addressed. You can use geotechnical data to assess the likelihood and severity of these risks, as well as their spatial and temporal distribution. For example, you can use borehole logs, laboratory tests, and geophysical surveys to characterize the soil and rock layers, and use probabilistic methods to estimate their variability and uncertainty.

3 Plan geotechnical activities

The third step is to plan the geotechnical activities that are necessary to achieve the geotechnical criteria, such as site investigation, ground improvement, excavation, compaction, or grouting. These activities have different durations, costs, and impacts on the construction schedule, depending on the geotechnical conditions and the chosen design solution. You can use geotechnical data to estimate the resources, equipment, and manpower needed for each activity, and to optimize the sequence, timing, and coordination of the activities to minimize conflicts, disruptions, or delays.

4 Monitor geotechnical performance

The fourth step is to monitor the geotechnical performance of the project during and after construction, using instruments, sensors, or observations to measure the soil and rock behavior, groundwater fluctuations, or structural responses. These measurements provide feedback on the actual geotechnical conditions and the effectiveness of the geotechnical activities, and can help to detect and resolve any problems or deviations from the expected outcomes. You can use geotechnical data to compare the measured values with the predicted values, and to adjust or update the design assumptions, parameters, or criteria if necessary.

5 Manage geotechnical uncertainty

The fifth step is to manage the geotechnical uncertainty that arises from the inherent variability of the soil and rock properties, the limited accuracy and reliability of the geotechnical data, and the unpredictability of the natural events or human actions that may affect the project. These sources of uncertainty can introduce errors, biases, or surprises that can compromise the construction schedule or the geotechnical performance. You can use geotechnical data to quantify and reduce the uncertainty, using methods such as sensitivity analysis, reliability analysis, or Bayesian updating, and to incorporate the uncertainty into the decision-making process, using methods such as risk analysis, robust optimization, or adaptive management.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?