Project geotechnical engineering: systems methodology considerations

Systems methodology considerations for project geotechnical engineering are discussed. Emphasis is on general systems and related geotechnical principles, issues and limitations. After an introduction, the paper outlines geotechnical programme management as a framework for defining, organizing and controlling the geotechnical engineering process. Then, following the logical order of elements in project geotechnical engineering, the paper discusses programme development, followed by site characterization and analysis, and design and implementation. The paper concludes with a discussion on additional general methodologies: uncertainty, updating, values, innovation and impediments. The objective is to provide a broad conceptual framework which can be used as needed to help guide realistic integration and implementation of the diverse and often convoluted efforts of project geotechnical engineering.