The Observational Method (OM) in ground engineering is a continuous, managed, integrated process of design, construction control, monitoring and review that enables previously defined modifications to be incorporated during or after construction as appropriate (CIRIA R185, 1999) .The OM has also been recognised by recent codes e.g. Eurocode. The OM process was introduced by Peck (1969) in his Rankine Lecture (Géotechnique, 19, No 2, 171 -187). The objective is to achieve greater overall economy without compromising safety.The method can be adopted from the inception of a project, or later if benefits are identified.
TC206 and TC220 are the Technical Committees of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) dedicated to the Observational Method and Field Monitoring in Geomechanics respectively.
This mini-symposium will present three areas that they are currently collaborating on:
- Conditions that enable use of OM (speaker Professor Tony O’Brien, Mott MacDonald).
- Real-time back analysis (speaker Dr Ying Chen, Typsa).
- Field monitoring to support the use of the OM (Daniele Fornelli, Geotechnical Observations).
Programme of Seminar
12.30
– Lunch
13.55 – Introduction by BGA Chair
14.00 – Introduction to The Observational Method (OM) and TC206
– Duncan Nicholson
14.10 – Contractual arrangements for OM – Tony O'Brien
14.35 – Monitoring to support OM – Daniele Fornelli
15.00 – Real-Time Back Analysis – Ying Chen
15.25 – Questions and discussion
15.45 – Coffee break
16.15 – Stuart Hardy – Application of OM at Old Oak Common in the context of the 2nd Generation
Eurocodes
16.30 – Hock Liong Liew – The application of OM on HS2 P1
N1N2
16.45 – Chris Menkiti – Application of OM to Cut and Cover
Tunnelling and Open Cuts with reliance on soil suctions to support engineered
slopes in temperate and arid climes
17.00 – Ioannis (Yannis) Vazaios – HS2 Tunnels and the application of monitoring to inform
design and construction
17.15 – Summing up
17.30 – Drinks Reception
19.00 – Close
The event is supported by ISSMGE Technical Committees TC206 Observational Method and TC220 Field Monitoring in Geomechanics

The event sponsors are Arup, Geo-Observations, Mott MacDonald and TYPSA



