ABSTRACT
Many engineering projects are attempts to exploit, modify or augment the natural environment for the benefit of human society. The subsurface geological environmentparticularly the state of stress and water flow-is perturbed wherever the ground is excavated or structures built upon it. Good engineering practice involves predicting and minimizing these subsurface impacts, both the transient effects during construction work and any long-term consequences. Negligence can threaten the safety of both the engineered structure and its surroundings.
