DFI Magazine May/June 2020 - 18

significant sources of geotechnical risk." Moreover, the Synthesis
noted that "project staff may actually be the largest source." Clayton
further described this "human" aspect of geotechnical risk as
follows:
"Because of the considerable range of risks the ground can pose,
it is relatively easy for an inexperienced or non-specialist
designer, perhaps using routine procedures, to fail to recognise
a critical mechanism of damage or failure that may threaten
either the financial viability or health and safety of a project. If a
mechanism of damage (a limit state) is not foreseen then it
cannot be designed for, and it is often for this reason that
ground-related problems occur." (2001)
Whether due to original information quality or subsequent
evaluation, this low-quality information often leads to
inappropriate design decisions, insufficient final designs and future
construction problems.
Execution and Data Interpretations. Additional risk can be
introduced during a project's execution and the associated
contractual process. Each party often separately obtains parts of a
project's geotechnical data, at different times, in different sequences
and for a different focus. This can result in different conclusions
being drawn from the data regarding the site character or behavior.
If a shared opportunity for communication is not pursued, parties
may thus enter into an agreement with one another while
remaining unaware of potential differing interpretations of best
methods, sequencing, equipment, labor, schedule, cost and safety.
Standard log of Rice, Minnesota, bridge plan soil borings

Added to these challenges is the fact that geotechnical data,
which are inherently three-dimensional, are largely still presented
in a very traditional format: a paper report, black and white printed
logs, or 2D sections and plans. Even with 3D models generated
using CAD or other software, they are often viewed as 2D images on
paper or on a computer monitor, and rarely are made available to
contractors bidding on the work.
Perception of risk is also affected by external factors such as
education, background, project role and familiarity with the risks
associated with a particular project. Not all project participants will
have an understanding of staged or temporary construction,
extreme events, adjacent landowner and utility considerations, and
the nature of different types of design solutions (shallow or deep
foundations, lightweight fills, ground improvement, etc.), and how
these factors alone or in combination influence risk.
Building Information Models (BIMs) are becoming a more
common project communication tool, particularly in the building
design and construction community. However, there is usually a
"driver" controlling the BIM viewing, zooming and rotation, and
participants' experience of the model is as passive "passengers."
Their experiences are different as a result, and it is likely that their
project perception and understanding - and their interpretation
of risk - also remain different.
From the owner's perspective, the outcome of foundation-related
communication challenges can be schedule delays, claims and an
escalation of contract costs. From the contractor's perspective, there
is the risk of unprofitable work, or in some cases, safety risks.
DFI Magazine May/June 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DFI Magazine May/June 2020
