ABSTRACT
The magnitude of construction is enormous and a number of major challenges affect its current state. This chapter explores the ever increasing complexity, the relatively underdeveloped integrity and the substantial failure costs associated with construction activities. Ground conditions play a major role in these aspects. Is there an ongoing crisis in our industry? Perhaps there is, but the good news is
that new solutions and opportunities continue to emerge. In recent years, a number of countries have initiated ambitious change programmes for the construction industry. In this chapter we will meet some of these initiatives, as they may help us cope effectively with the challenges we face. This chapter introduces the concept of systems thinking, a potential key to unlock
possibilities for the required industry transformation. It stipulates fertile ground for the concept of risk management. The last part of the chapter highlights the need for a critical mass of change-driven professionals. These individuals will be essential for implementing ground-related risk management, as presented in this book, in day-to-day engineering and construction practices. The summary presents the key issues of this chapter.
