Extending to geotechnical risk management

Abstract

Both risk analysis and risk management are required for answering today's challenging construction project demands. The targeted result of combining risk analysis with risk management is a successful project, which satisfies the expectations of its stakeholders. This paper aims to assist geotechnical professionals with extending from traditional risk analysis towards risk management, by presenting some experiences and guidelines. These are derived from geotechnical practice and ongoing geotechnical risk management research, which actually takes place in The Netherlands. It also integrates professional experiences from a number of other countries, such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The paper starts by defining and describing the concepts of risk analysis and risk management, while stressing that both complement each other. Risk analysis and risk management are blended in one geotechnical risk management framework: the GeoQ risk management process. The anticipated (financial) benefits of applying risk management are also highlighted. Next, some common barriers are presented, which may prevent geotechnical professionals from extending their activities to risk management. These barriers can be lowered, and under certain circumstances can even be eliminated. However, this will require the professional's motivation to apply risk management and the availability of at least some risk management tools. In addition, it is likely that some kind of training will be needed for gaining the attitude and skills for applying risk management. Non-geotechnical decision makers turn up in any construction project and they ultimately determine the amount of resources, such as money and time, to be allocated to geotechnical activities. By gaining risk management skills, in addition to in-depth geotechnical expertise, geotechnical professionals may become even better positioned to effectively communicate and implement their precious geotechnical expertise in any construction project.