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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L01534/01
Title: IMI GEOTECHNICAL INNOVATION THROUGH OBSERVATION
Principal Investigator: Muir Wood, Professor D
Other Investigators:
Blockley, Professor D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Arup Group Ltd Carillion CH2M Hill (Halcrow)
Geotechnical Consulting Golder Associates (UK) Ltd Mott Macdonald
Pre Nexus Migration Stent Foundations Ltd WS Atkins
Department: Civil Engineering
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 March 1997 Ends: 28 February 1999 Value (£): 85,784
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Design Processes
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The Observation Method that is applied in geotechnical engineering in order to accommodate the major geotechnical uncertainties that become progressively less uncertain as a project progresses is a particular case of a more general class of design for uncertainty. The present proposal represents a merger of three technologies: process modelling, uncertainty analysis and geomechanics. The successful use of the Observational Method requires constraints both on the ductility of the geotechnical processes that are to be anticipated and observed, and on the robustness of the organisational structures that must be in place in order to be able to receive and respond to these observations. A model will be developed of the roles and activities that make up the design process: this will be applied to the Observational Method of geotechnical design.As information becomes available during a project, the probabilities of the various anticipated geotechnical possibilities change and the degree of risk and uncertainty associated with the project reduces. The development of knowledge through recent and ongoing geotechnical projects will be studied and the nature of the design responses analysed. The clear benefit of understanding the changing cost:probability profile will be explored.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk