CROSS USA LECTURE OF THE 

GEO-INSTITUTE OF ASCE

Please Join the Pittsburgh Chapter on February 25, 2016 for the Cross USA Lecture of the GeoInstitute.The Cross USA Lecture is a nationally sponsored lecture that is presented annually to a limited number of Chapters. The Pittsburgh Chapter has been honored to be selected  for 2016 as a venue for this event. Dr. Jean-Louis Briaud will be speaking on Geotechnical Risk.  

 GEOTECHNICAL RISK: WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE?

Presented By:  Dr. Jean-Louis Briaud,

Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M University and President of FedIGS

 The lecture starts by a definition of risk including distinguishing between risk and probability of failure. A simple procedure to calculate the probability of failure is outlined and an example is given for the case of slope stability. Then common risks that human beings face on a daily basis are discussed and quantified. They are compared with risk in civil engineering practice. The concept of acceptable risk is addressed and recommendations for target risk values are proposed. The client education issue is discussed. A number of other related risk topics are presented including LRFD versus WSD approaches, the effect of diversification and redundancy versus improving one component, and how many borings should be drilled to reach a prediction which meets a target reliability. Concluding comments are offered on a broader context including the influence of communications on conflict resolution when risk has led to failure.

DINNER RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED PLEASE RSVP ON OR BEFORE Friday, February 19, 2015  by contacting Ms. Sarah Missenda at sjersey@gmail.com; or by registering online.