This book presents cutting edge techniques for characterising, quantifying and modelling geomaterial variability in addition to methods for quantifying the influence of this variability on the performance of geotechnical structures. It includes state-of-the-art refereed journal papers by leading international researchers along with written and informal discussions on a selection of key submissions that were presented at a Symposium at the Institution of Civil Engineers on 9th May 2005.
 
The thirteenth Géotechnique Symposium in Print focused on the fact that soils and rocks are variable materials, and that taking account of this geologic variability appears crucial for a proper understanding of various geotechnical problems. The aims of the Symposium were to consider the nature, measurement and statistical characterisation of soil variability, and to demonstrate how probabilistic and stochastic methods of analysis may be used to assess the effects of soil variability and, through increased understanding, influence geotechnical design and construction. It was attended by delegates from fourteen countries, and was divided into four sessions – Characterisation, Modelling, Design, and Applications. Each session comprised three presentations, followed by an informal discussion with questions from the floor.
 
This book brings together, in one volume, all related papers that were published in Géotechnique, as well as written and informal discussions about the papers plus an additional late paper that was published in Géotechnique in August 2005. The papers consist of both theoretical and practical guidance, including case histories; while applications include foundations, retaining structures, slopes and soil-structure interaction.
 
Risk and variability in geotechnical engineering provides practitioners and researchers with an ideal opportunity to be fully updated on the latest developments in a new and rapidly developing area of geotechnical engineering.