The Observational Method is a powerful technique for reducing risks and saving construction time and costs. It has a well-established technical basis and a proven track record (e.g. Powderham and O’Brien, 2020. The observational method in civil engineering – minimising risk, maximising economy). Despite these compelling benefits, the Observational Method is under-used. Often this is due to contractual barriers and difficulties for checkers to give approvals. Recent developments will be described by Tony O’Brien which will show how these challenges can be successfully managed. International guidance will soon be published on how Contracts can be adapted to enhance the use of the Observational Method and this will be outlined.
A recent adaption of the Observational Method, known as “The Verification Process” will be described through a case history – here the checking and design assurance process was accommodated within the implementation of the Observatory Method through use of Progressive Modification. The case history will also highlight how structural performance and construction processes can significantly influence ground-structure interaction, in addition to the mobilised ground stiffness response. Outcomes and value can be optimised if a well-designed instrumentation and monitoring system is combined with advanced numerical analysis.
Real-time back analysis, RTBA, methods have the potential to facilitate far more efficient interpretation of observational data. Cristian De Santos will briefly describe a software platform, DAARWIN, which integrates site-specific data, numerical analysis together with machine learning technology to rapidly undertake many back-analysis scenarios and identifies most-likely parameter combinations. He will give some recent practical examples of how DAARWIN is being used on major Civil Engineering projects.
Disclaimer
The Institution of Civil Engineers (Hong Kong Association) shall not under any circumstances be liable or otherwise for death or any injury or for any damage to or loss or destruction of property or otherwise, in any such case arising from any accident or mishap, and whether during or after this event, in preparation for it, traveling to or from it or otherwise.
