ICE - Ground investigations, worth the risk?

This is a fantastic opportunity for you gain insight into a major client approach to risk and the value of undertaking site investigation. Ask questions, to understand the background preparation and briefing required for ministers and senior officials at an appearance before the Public Account Committee and National Audit Office.

This unique report, published in 1994, presented a revealing study into Department of Transport (DOT) highway project costs and their relation to site investigation. The need for the study was highlighted by the National Audit Office (NAO) report ‘Quality control of road and bridge construction’ published in 1989. A specific report by the NAO followed in 1992 (Contracting for roads) which included discussion on cost increases due to geotechnical difficulties. TRL Report PR60 quantified how increasing the site investigation process leads to avoidance of increased construction costs.

NAO mandated that a copy of TRL Report PR60 be placed in the House of Commons Library.

About the same time, the ICE created new Working Parties to raise the profile of site investigations and provide new contract documents (SISG series) for the broader industry. It was a major drive over several years.

Finally, the speaker will discuss whether it is time for an updated review by ICE of Site Investigation Practice to determine whether industry and client contract and procurement changes have led to improvement.

We look forward to seeing you – everyone is welcome.