GCG Senior Partner, John Davis, has had his paper accepted for publication in the Geological Society of London’s Engineering Geology Special Publications Volume 30: The Peter Fookes Engineering Geological Legacy in Geomodels, Geomaterials and Geomorphology [https://www.lyellcollection.org/toc/egsp/30/1].
While the complete volume is not yet available in print, individual articles, including John’s paper, are accessible online. His paper, titled “Desk Studies, Geological Models and Avoiding Construction Disputes”, can be found here – https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/abs/10.1144/egsp30-2025-2
Overview of the Paper
In this insightful publication, John Davis explores the causes and mechanisms behind construction problems and disputes related to unforeseen ground conditions. He argues that these issues often arise due to:
- An initial project focus on contaminated land in desk studies, which are not subsequently updated as the project progresses.
- Over-reliance on known factual data while neglecting the conceptual insights necessary to understand potential construction hazards in gaps between observed data points.
To address these shortcomings, John proposes several technical and commercial mitigations, including:
- Structuring geotechnical deliverables in line with the concepts outlined by the IAEG Commission on Engineering Ground Models (EGMs).
- Enhancing the training of ground engineering practitioners to improve their understanding of the contractual context of their work.
- Increasing self-awareness regarding the role of Engineering Geology in projects and ensuring professionals possess the necessary competencies to deliver high-quality input.
Significance of the Publication
The paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on improving engineering geological practices to minimise disputes and optimise construction outcomes. By advocating for a more comprehensive and proactive approach to desk studies and geological modelling, John underscores the importance of integrating both factual and conceptual data in engineering assessments.
The Engineering Geology Special Publications series is a prestigious platform, and this latest volume honours the legacy of Peter Fookes by showcasing innovative research and practical advancements in geomodelling, geomaterials, and geomorphology.
We congratulate John on this outstanding achievement!
