Engineering geological models, projects and geotechnical risk

Abstract

Engineering geological models (EGMs) comprise both conceptual ideas and observational data. The observational data are associated with aleatory uncertainty which can be reduced by acquiring more observations. The conceptual ideas are associated with epistemic uncertainty which can be reduced only if more knowledge is incorporated into the model. The conceptual ideas are the core of any EGM and provide the framework for the evaluation of the observational data. The most powerful capability of an EGM is the ability to anticipate what might be present at a project site and evaluate how the ground could adversely affect the project, i.e. when developed correctly, an EGM allows an evaluation of what might reasonably be foreseen at a site by an experienced contractor. This requires sophisticated conceptualization at an early stage in the project to anticipate what might be in the ground. Consequently, EGMs are much more than visualizations; they should represent an understanding of the geological conditions that are of engineering significance to the project, provide the framework for assembling engineering geological knowledge, support good geotechnical engineering decisions and allow an evaluation of potential geotechnical risks and possible project opportunities.Thematic collection: This article is part of the Ground models in engineering geology and hydrogeology collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/Ground-models-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology