FEATURE ARTICLE Risks in Ground Engineering According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest use of “risk” in English dates back to 1621, and was originally spelled risqué, which was derived from French origins, “risqué.” In 1655, the word was modified into its presently known and used spelling of risk. In the OED, risk is defined as (an exposure to) “the possibility of loss, injury or other adverse or unwelcome circumstance; a chance or situation involving such a possibility.” In addition, we can quantify the probability of an event occurring given the various factors that could affect the outcome. In terms of ground engineering and civil projects, we have come to understand and appreciate that risk may involve an uncertain event or condition that, should it occur, influences at least one [project] objective. We can make the terminology as universally generic or as specific as desired by removing or including specific refer- ences, respectively, to projects and/or their many activities. In qualitative terms, risk is computed as the probability of something occurring multiplied by the resulting cost or benefit should it occur (i.e., the conse- quence). This concept is more properly known as the “expectation value” or “risk factor” and is used to compare different levels of risk. This article underlines the potential risk(s) in ground engineering works due to an incomplete and/or confused subsurface investigation report (geotechnical baseline report), which could lead not only to contractual misunder- standing(s) during site operations but also to a significant exposure to future damages. Understanding and Mitigating Risks This quantifiable probability or threat of injury, damage, liability, loss, etc. that is c aus ed by e x t e r na l o r int e r na l AUTHOR vulnerabilities may be avoided through pre-emptive action, which is the main jus t i f icat ion for acknowledging, categorizing, estimating and ranking the potential risk(s). However, a distinction should be made to differentiate the concepts of reducing risk to “as low as reasonably practicable” and reducing risk to “so far as is reasonably practical.” Moreover, when considering the potential risks and mitigation strategies, the following must also be considered: hazard plans, risk assessment techniques and processes, trigger action response plans, monitoring devices and strategies, pro- fessional competencies, change man- agement, auditing of risk assessments and residual risks. Throughout a project, monitoring is or should be an integral component of the entire process from evaluation through mitigation so that an unwanted (and foreseeable) event can be avoided, whenever possible, and the consequences of such an event can be managed. First and foremost, monitoring strategies should focus on safeguarding health and safety, and not focus only on the protection of the ground engineering works. Arthur Tipter, Sr., P.E., M.ASCE, Züblin Ground Engineering, Germany DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAY/JUNE 2018 • 111 Establishing a Risk Management Program Depending on the type of ground engineering project and its surroundings, the risk evaluation and mitigation process and objectives will likely be quite comprehensive and will entail multiple components. Prior to delving into the development of a strategy, the details about the project’s risk objectives and targets mus t be def ined. Then, the r i sk management processes to be applied throughout the project must be clearly described to be able to appropriately identify, assess and mitigate potential and known/foreseeable threats and oppor- tunities. The processes and activities associated with the project must be identified to ensure risk items are monitored and reviewed by the appro- priate level of management commensurate to the nature and magnitude of the risks. Moreover, the procedures, documents and reporting to be used to effectively manage risk throughout the project should adhere to a project specific documentation protocol. To ensure the established risk and reporting protocol are being followed, management must explicitly support the process and should define the roles and responsibilities for the project personnel associated with the risk management program. Project Specific Risks in Ground Engineering For many construction projects, the scope, bid items and offer price typically encompass many various components, including: direct costs, indirect costs, overhead, profit and contingency fees. Direct costs are defined as project related costs that are directly related to the work to be performed, and include expenses for materials, wages for skilled labor, equipment rentals, subcontractors and
