TERZAGHI LECTURE
Oct 1, 1994

Lessons Learned from Missed Predictions

Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 120, Issue 10

Abstract

This paper focuses on the broad factors critical to the prediction process that govern the quality of predictions of the geotechnical performance of completed structures. After a discussion of these critical factors, a series of examples is described to show performance that deviated from prediction, and the probable causes of the variances are discussed. Minimal effort is made in the paper to improve the technical aspect of the predictive method. The importance of judgment (i.e. the questioning of each aspect of the prediction process) and intuition in development of geotechnical predictions is emphasized. Some kinds of predictions for which success is expected to be limited are identified. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the development of good judgment.

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Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 120Issue 10October 1994
Pages: 1653 - 1683

History

Received: Jan 14, 1994
Published online: Oct 1, 1994
Published in print: Oct 1994

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Authors

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John A. Focht, Jr., Fellow, ASCE
Sr. Consultant, Fugro‐McClelland, Inc., P.O. Box 740010, Houston, TX 77274

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