PITFALLS OF OVERCONSERVATISM IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Because they cannot compromise with safety, conservatism is a duty of civil engineers. Pitfalls exist, however. Overconservatism can defeat its purpose and lead to wastefulness and less satisfactory solutions than if reasonable risks were accepted. Three main reasons why geotechnical engineers may be overly conservative are discussed and illustrated through case histories in nuclear power plants, tracking radar systems, underpinning for subways and the seismic stability of arctic pipelines.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Peek, R B
• Publication Date: 1977-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 62-66
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 47
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Geotechnical engineering; Nuclear power generation; Pipelines; Radar; Safety; Seismicity; Soil mechanics; Structural supports; Subways
• Uncontrolled Terms: Seismic response; Underpinning
• Geographic Terms: Arctic Regions
• Old TRIS Terms: Arctic area
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Pipelines; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00163686
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 7 1978 12:00AM