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� Introduction and application of ISO 9001� Process analysis� Unique mark� Benefits for the company

� Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design� Conclusions and recommendations

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1 Introduction and application of ISO 90011/3

� knowledge of the ground conditions depends on the extent and quality of the geotechnical investigations. Such knowledge and the control of workmanship are usually more significant to fulfilling the fundamental design requirements than is precision in the calculation models and partial factors.

� Geotechnical data can be grouped into three types: data on the structure and ground; data on structure-ground interaction; and data on ground generated during monitoring.

� Data can be managed more easily if they are stored in electronic form and organized as a database.


� Data on ground are obtained during field and laboratory investigation works carried out by specialized organizations entrusted to them through competitive bidding.

� Business performance depends crucially on the manner in which an organization undertaking is organized and in which its business processes are managed as well.

� In that, the application of the ISO 9001 standard setting down basic requirements for quality management systems (QMSs) can prove extremely helpful.


� Introduction and application of ISO 9001 or ISO 17025 in any kind of organization is an expensive and years-long process whose success is directly dependent on the continuing commitment of all employees to this objective.

� In order that such an organization is organized in compliance with the above ISO standards, basic business activities and processes should be analyzed and then required procedures for a quality management system defined.

2 Process analysis1/3

The representative example of process analysis in a geotechnicalorganization is shown on workflow diagram of the preparation of a ground investigation report

The basic principle of designing a geotechnical database was to enter data in the database:

� at the moment of their generation; � in the place of their origin; and� by the person generating them.

Such a process can be called ”taking water from the well” (or “the acquisition of data at source”), which is good since any delayed data collection is subject to possible "contamination" by recollection


� Furthermore, the data entered immediately after their generationare readily available and can be used in calculation and evaluation of other data required in the next step of the process (e.g. sampling depths enables the calculation of in situ stress).

� By consistent application of such a basic principle, the ground investigation report itself becomes a set of ground data collected concurrently with the work on geotechnical investigations and laboratory tests.


� The documentation of a process serves as a recognizable evidence of quality. Thus, if an error occurs (e.g. wrong data on the borehole or the sampling depth), in the case of a documented process such an error is readily corrected. In addition, such a process should be used to detect the source of the error to reduce or altogether eliminate the possibility of its reoccurrence.

� The source of the error can be detected by “rewinding” the process.

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3 Unique markAn example of generating the unique mark/identification of laboratory

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ID_borehole(9th borehole in process)

ID_sample(1st sample from 9th borehole)

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4 Benefits for company1/1

High level of the process control� Information System (IS) is structured and automated in such a

manner that, according to the matrix of responsibilities and authorities, documented orders are started, maintained and closed (completely defined document flow).

� Documents showing time schedules, working lists, etc., are defined by a person responsible for them, and the data entered in the documents are processed by the computer immediately upon their entry.

� Managing of “unlimited” amount of the interactive dateThe data about the method, sample, researcher and equipment for

every testing are transparent.The market and academic society will recognize such company.

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2.4 Geotechnical design by calculation2.4.1 General� (2) It should be considered that knowledge of the ground conditions

depends on the extent and quality of the geotechnical investigations. Such knowledge and the control of workmanship are usually more significant to fulfilling the fundamental requirements than is precision in the calculation models and partial factors

2.4.5.2 Characteristic values of geotechnical parameters� (10) If statistical methods are employed in the selection of characteristic

values for ground properties, such methods should differentiate between local and regional sampling and should allow the use of a priori knowledge of comparable ground properties

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3 Ground investigation report3.4.1 Requirements(3)P The Ground Investigation Report should normally consist of:� a presentation of all available geotechnical information including

geological features and relevant data� ………

6 Conclusions and recommendations1/1

Conclusions� introduction, maintenance and upgrade of IS take place without

interruptions in production; � the implemented IS was accepted by the employees as a useful tool; � geotechnical data are entered in the database by their origin immediately

and at their source; ”taking water from the well”� transparency of IS enables communication with an external IS. Recommendations� It would be beneficial for the whole geotechnical community to organize

other interested parties (providers and users) of geotechnical databases, and to establish direct communication among them.

thank You for Your time