Desk studies, geological models and avoiding construction disputes – your records will be used against you

This paper contains the author's personal views on how and why construction problems and disputes related to unforeseen ground conditions occur. The ‘how and why’ relate to: (i) a common contaminated land focus in the initial project desk studies that is then not updated as projects develop; (ii) a focus on known factual data; and (iii) a lack of focus on the conceptual data that inform what construction hazards might be present in gaps between observed data points. Potential technical and commercial mitigations for these shortcomings are suggested. These include structuring geotechnical deliverables around the concepts set out in the IAEG Commission 25 on engineering ground models: increased training of ground engineering practitioners on the contractual context of their work and on increasing the self-awareness of what the engineering geological input into projects should be and the competencies required to produce that input.