Geotechnical risk identification: Case study of flexible retaining wall installation

Abstract

Analysis of the scientific literature has demonstrated that the risk of collapse or deformations of flexible retaining walls has not been the object of in-depth examination so far. The article presents an analysis of the main geotechnical risks, focusing on the installation of flexible retaining walls according to analysis by construction participants and their experiences. A case study was conducted to identify the risks of flexible retaining walls. In order to determine the risks of installation of flexible retaining walls, the authors of the article employed a face-to-face interview approach. Investigation of the data obtained during the face-to-face interview was based on brainstorming and the cause and effect diagram: five professionals who had monitored most of the risks were selected with the help of the face-to-face interview. The results of the investigation showed, that for specific and complicated projects the team of professionals should be composed of specialists from different fields of construction. Additionally, the respondents agreed with the opinion that the greatest loss in the given situation would be caused by a breakdown in the pressure pipe and pollution of the natural environment by wastewater. The novelty of the article on investigating the possibilities for identifying the risk of installation of flexible retaining walls and on suggesting risk identification steps.