Geotechnical Risk Assessment During the Project Cycle in Challenging Terrain—A Practice-Based Approach from Design to Construction of Road

Sustainable development of any nation revolves around holistic design and construction practice. The minimal geotechnical assessment throughout the critical stages of road projects has imposed hindrances such as budget overrun, landslides, road blockages, accidents, and loss of lives, resulting in negative externalities on society while increasing project cost with decreasing sustainability. This research paper makes an attempt to undertake reflective analysis on the impacts of partially or fully overlooking geotechnical risk assessment during each of these critical phases of project cycle, namely, feasibility, design, construction, operation and maintenance by both the implementing and executing agencies. This research paper shall include all possible factors to build a geotechnical risk assessment framework covering all the critical stages of road projects. The factors in consideration shall include but not limited to preliminary site selection, complex geology, monsoon vulnerability, effective geotechnical investigation, design parameter with subsequent lab test, and water level monitoring during/after construction. The road construction projects are often lacking adequate geotechnical supervision. The identification of distinct roles of geotechnical expert plays a crucial deciding factor for the project’s viability in difficult terrain. The geotechnical risk detection in every stage initiates sustainable variation in designs if required, further controlling the poor construction practices. The geotechnical risk assessment framework is developed for use by stakeholders, namely designers, contractors, policy makers, auditors, relating ministries and government agencies. This study shall also serve as an advocacy to the mentioned stakeholders to draw attention in adequate budgeting and scoping of geotechnical input during feasibility, design, construction, operation and maintenance for enhancement of sustainable road infrastructure.