Sustainable Development and Management of the Subsurface (SDMS), pp. 203-210.
An optimal planning and development of surface and subsurface structures requires that ground pro... more An optimal planning and development of surface and subsurface structures requires that ground properties and the interaction between the ground and the structures to be built are known to position structures in the most optimum position with respect to ground behavior for the full lifetime of the structure. The present situation in the construction process of civil engineering structures is such that, in general, the ground behavior is not used as an input parameter for planning. Information on the behavior of the ground is obtained only just before a structure is going to be built and during construction. The structure is then designed and built based on an assumed ground behavior that is based on ground properties obtained by, for example, boreholes, geophysics or other ground investigation means. Obviously, this methodology prohibits an optimum planning of civil engineering structures in relation to ground behavior. However, even if this methodology could be changed such that information on the ground is available during planning would this information then be of such quality that really an optimum planning could be made? Ground consists of natural materials, formed and influenced by geological and climate processes over periods of mostly thousands to many millions of years. Inherently variation in ground materials and the subsequent behavior can be large. Secondly, ground materials change in time under influence of, for example, present day climate or groundwater flow. It is impossible to know all variations in space and time exactly. This could only be achieved by excavating the ground completely, which is obviously not a feasible methodology. Alternatively, ground behavior is assumed based on limited information and uncertainty of the behavior is accepted. However, how much uncertainty can be accepted in various stages of planning, design, construction and maintenance of a civil engineering structure?
Sustainable Development and Management of the Subsurface (SDMS), pp. 203-210.
An optimal planning and development of surface and subsurface structures requires that ground pro... more An optimal planning and development of surface and subsurface structures requires that ground properties and the interaction between the ground and the structures to be built are known to position structures in the most optimum position with respect to ground behavior for the full lifetime of the structure. The present situation in the construction process of civil engineering structures is such that, in general, the ground behavior is not used as an input parameter for planning. Information on the behavior of the ground is obtained only just before a structure is going to be built and during construction. The structure is then designed and built based on an assumed ground behavior that is based on ground properties obtained by, for example, boreholes, geophysics or other ground investigation means. Obviously, this methodology prohibits an optimum planning of civil engineering structures in relation to ground behavior. However, even if this methodology could be changed such that information on the ground is available during planning would this information then be of such quality that really an optimum planning could be made? Ground consists of natural materials, formed and influenced by geological and climate processes over periods of mostly thousands to many millions of years. Inherently variation in ground materials and the subsequent behavior can be large. Secondly, ground materials change in time under influence of, for example, present day climate or groundwater flow. It is impossible to know all variations in space and time exactly. This could only be achieved by excavating the ground completely, which is obviously not a feasible methodology. Alternatively, ground behavior is assumed based on limited information and uncertainty of the behavior is accepted. However, how much uncertainty can be accepted in various stages of planning, design, construction and maintenance of a civil engineering structure?
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