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CEDA’s Latest Information Paper Expands on Soil Investigation

2021-04-22

Following on from the CEDA Checklist for Successful Dredging Management, the Dredging Management Commission's (DMC) Focus Group for Soil Investigation has published Soil Investigation: An Information Paper which complements the Checklist (CEDA Members: log in and download the Checklist free of charge)

2021-04-SIPaper2 // we_can_save-595x395.png (133 K)Inappropriate or insufficient soil investigation is widely acknowledged as one of the most important factors leading to cost increases, time overruns and disputes between the owner and contractor, on dredging and maritime projects. The topic is addressed in the original Checklist, as part of the preliminary studies that should be performed at the early project stage. In the case of major dredging or reclamation works, the soil investigation is often the most important study as it can significantly reduce, or limit, project risks and uncertainties.

Soil Investigation: An Information Paper focusses on these soil investigations but this is not a ‘How to’ guide, as there is already plenty of good literature available on the subject. Instead - drawing on CEDA's rich member composition and range of expertise - this new paper focusses on the common issues and points of contention, that often arise between the different contracting and investing parties on a project, and how the related disputes can be avoided as much as possible.

The points made in the paper are illustrated, throughout the text, by real-life examples of good and bad practice. As an added bonus, there is an extended case study illustrating best practice on the Fehmarnbelt project, which incorporates a major submerged tunnel between Denmark and Germany. All examples of the issues surrounding soil investigation, and the lessons learned, have been kindly provided by CEDA members.

In the words of G. S. Littlejohn, author of Ground: Reducing the Risk (published by Thomas Telford), “You pay for soil investigation, whether you have one or not!”.

Click the button below to get a copy of Soil Investigation: An Information Paper free of charge.

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