ABSTRACT
After probably years of feasibility studies, pre-design, design, contracting and construction we arrive finally in the very last phase of the GeoQ ground risk management process: maintenance during the project’s operational lifetime. Finally, we are there: the precious construction project has been realized. Likely, we battled a lot of ground-related risks during the preceding project phases. The quality of design has been tested during construction, as well as the type, quantity and quality of probably more than one ground investigation. Perhaps we encountered differing site conditions that had to be resolved, by negotiation, applying a Dispute Review Board, mediation, arbitration or even litigation. In the latter case we even may still be involved in a court case. Anyhow, to build forward on the examples in the introduction of the preceding
chapters: the bored tunnel has been completed and is ready for operation over the years to come. Ideally, the result of the preceding construction phase is a well-completed construction project, within budget, planning, and risk profile, and according to the pre-set safety and quality standards. Figure 13.1 presents the maintenance phase in the entire GeoQ process. By the application of the GeoQ process in the earlier project phases we
reduced the number of ground-related surprises for the current maintenance phase to a minimum. Nevertheless, however rigorously risk-driven and adaptive the project has been, some uncertainty will remain to accompany us during the project’s operation. We are still dealing with ground and its inherent uncertainty and some ground risk remediation measures have to prove they are fit-for-purpose during operation. A typical example is the risk of unacceptable
and
settlements for infrastructure projects, which may involve safety concerns for its end-users.
