Transferring information

The careful management of geotechnical data in a project is fundamental to the successful outcome of the works. This involves the collection, validation, transfer, use and storage of the data collected during the various phases and stages of the investigation, design and construction of the project. As emphasised in the ICE/DETR Managing Geotechnical Risk document (Clayton, 2001), transfer of geotechnical information is considered vital by the construction industry. The way in which data obtained during site investigations are made available to the project promoter, designers, constructors and subsequent owners is of great importance, since after the end of the process little else remains. The data should be managed in accordance with BS 8574 Code of Practice for the Management of Geotechnical Data for Ground Engineering Projects (due to be published 2013). The results of site investigations can be reported in a number of ways, as discussed below.