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7 Decision Making
Pages 112-118

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From page 112...
... the spatial and temporal variability of the processes that affect fluid flow, contaminant migration, and contaminant storage and degradation. The quantity and quality of information available for fractured rock sites varies, making the development of a flexible but robust engineering decision framework a challenge.
From page 113...
... In almost all cases, however, a probabilistic model can provide valuable insights regarding the relationship between uncertainties and various model predictions. Simple or complex decisions can then be made, for example, on the choice of a particular model, the need for more model input parameters, or the choice of specific remediation strategies.
From page 114...
... The application of the observational method to the decision process is discussed below. OBSERVATIONAL METHOD IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING The observational method in geotechnical engineering is a process that involves investigation, characterization, design, construction, and management based on the most probable conditions expected at a site rather than the worst-case scenario.
From page 115...
... An application of the observational method in fractured rock that could inform infrastructure management and site remediation approaches is in the context of the new Austrian tunneling method (NATM)
From page 116...
... EVOLVING THE OBSERVATIONAL METHOD TO GEOENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Geoenvironmental engineering decisions are often driven by compliance-based requirements. For example, decision processes employed routinely by many engineers and scientists for cleanup of contaminated sites in the United States are heavily influenced by requirements of the U.S.
From page 117...
... The observational method works around the inescapable fact that needed information about a fractured rock site generally is gained only once the project advances. A proper decision-making approach includes multiple decision points at which available information is assessed, decisions can be improved based on an increasingly accurate site model and more reliable information, and project goals are met, sustained, and re-evaluated when necessary.
From page 118...
... The observational method requires comparison of actual performance observations with expected design performance, deviation from which triggers re-evaluation of available information to assess causes and impacts. Additional information needs will be determined and prioritized, and data will be collected based on available resources.


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