ABSTRACT
Achieving agreement can present a substantial challenge. The observational method (OM) demands commitment by all stakeholders and is fundamental to ensuring success in any application. One theme common to all of the case histories in this volume was the implementation of the OM through progressive modification. The OM is an inherently natural way to address uncertainty and one that engineers would instinctively adopt. A specialist OM team from the main design consultant was appointed by the client. ‘Ab initio’ application: In theory achieving acceptance to implement the OM should have been relatively straightforward since the client BAA encouraged cost and programme saving innovations, especially through the OM. The OM enabled the construction sequence to be considerably modified and for temporary props to be eliminated over the final 12 m of the shaft excavation. The specialist OM team from the main design consultant was appointed by the client.
