Discussion on Papers 1 to 3

Professor L. Clark, University of Birmingham

Dr Das stated [Paper 1 ] that there is an obligation on the assessing engineer to improve the analysis and material assumptions. However, it is not always possible to do this with the current procurement methods. As Mr Brodie has indicated [Paper 2] it is necessary to address the procurement process in order to enable the assessing engineer to take on the obligation to improve assumptions.

T. Rochester, Highways Agency

I think the point is well made that there cannot be a bottomless pit of activity without there being suitable remuneration to go with it. That point is well taken and has already been noted. For the wider identification, what Professor Clark is actually saying is that if one goes for fixed price lump sum bidding for an assessment, when that money is used up in the assessment process do not expect the assessing engineer to carry on applying all his ingenuity to an in-depth examination because he would have run out of money. The point has been noted and we hope that we will find other forms of procurement to carry forward assessment of those in the future.