Technical session: Operational Risk & Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs)
Abstract
Effective risk management in geotechnical engineering frequently relies on Triggering Action Response Plan (TARP) frameworks to guide operational responses to hazard indicators and thresholds. TARPs are often implemented without systematic evaluation of their risk-reduction efficacy or alignment with best practices. This paper presents a methodology used to establish TARPs associated with vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) developed after defining potential failure modes for a tailings storage facility, and critically examines and explores whether these TARPs truly result in measurable risk mitigation. The analysis reveals gaps between protocol intent and actual risk outcomes, highlighting challenges in communication, documentation, and adaptation to evolving site conditions. Recommendations are provided to improve TARP design, incorporate probabilistic risk assessment, and support continuous protocol refinement. Our findings encourage practitioners to question whether existing methodologies for defining and implementing TARPs are truly effective and to adopt strategies that are focused on risk reduction.
Authors
- Jean-François St-Laurent | Associate
- Franco Oboni | Corporate Consultant (Risk) | SRK Canada
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