Instrumentation in Civil Engineering and Tunnelling Projects
Dr Richard Bassett
Dr Bassett will present a brief introduction to the benefits large tunnelling projects can gain through use of a proper instrumentation regime. The talk will cover the value of quality data in managing construction processes, controlling site safety, assessing risk and enhancing the development of knowledge for future projects. It will be demonstrated using data and examples of how costly over-engineering can be avoided by adopting the “observational method” of construction, the necessity of reliable sensor data within this approach, and the risks inherent to a project in employing a substandard system.
With reference to specific major tunnel projects, Dr Bassett will draw on his experience in the field to demonstrate the quality of data available when instruments are installed and interpreted properly, as well as demonstrating from real tunnelling jobs the dangers of losing valuable data through economizing on instrument arrangements.
About the speaker
Dr Richard Bassett
Following graduation from Cambridge University in 1959, Dr Richard Bassett joined Binnie & Partners, working on the design of a number of large dams in Hong Kong, Iraq and North Wales, pioneering early instrumentation of soft foundations.
In 1962, he returned to Cambridge to complete a PhD. on the fundamental behavior of soil. He then joined Engineering and Power Development Consultants, heading up their geotechnical section where he oversaw construction of a number of major dam, road, defence and power projects.
Dr Bassett returned once again to Cambridge, this time as a member of staff where he worked on both industry and research projects for partners such as Balfour Beatty and the NE road construction units. In 1971, Dr Bassett moved to London University where he was Head of Geotechnics at University College London until his retirement in 2006. There, his research continued to be dominated by the investigations of deformations and failure mechanisms within civil engineering structures. His expertise has been used in areas as diverse as embankment design, reinforced earth structures, ground anchoring, road cuttings, foundations and tunnels.
Building on his long background of engineering expertise, and his experiences on the Mansion House and Heathrow Express Tunnelling projects, Dr Bassett developed electrolevel monitoring systems and what has come to be known as the Bassett Convergence System.
Since his retirement, Dr Bassett has been a lead consultant to the ITM-Soil group of companies.
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