Role of the Calculated Risk in Earthwork and Foundation Engineering

Abstract

The meaning of the term calculated risk is first explored and the terms unknown risk and human risk are introduced. Several case histories are then reviewed for the purpose of demonstrating the importance of risks in earthwork and foundation engineering. The final section deals with the question of how to cope with risks, with emphasis on the use and abuse of Boards of Consultants for projects involving great hazards to life and property.