Geotechnical Applications and Conditions of the Observational Method

During construction, observed information can be used in remaining structure or construction optimization. The authors indicate general conditions under which, in geotechnical engineering, the observational method is implemented. That the uncertain field condition (observational data) must be clear to measure is the most important condition. There is no clear indicator, for example, to show that maximum resistance is being approached by the load in the case of brittle soil behavior. To determine the profitability of the observational method, financial risk analysis is necessary, if all general conditions are fulfilled by a project. There is strong variability in implementation success per geotechnical discipline. The authors give a simplified risk analysis approach and discuss number of geotechnical cases for which a financial profit can be gained through the observational method. There is, in daily practice, already informal implementation of most of these cases.

Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00467316
Authors:
- van Baars, S
- Vrijling, J K
Publication Date: 2005

Language

English

Media Info

Media Type: Print
Features: Figures; References;
Pagination: pp 155-172
Serial:
- Heron
- Volume: 50
- Issue Number: 3
- Publisher: Delft University of Technology
- ISSN: 0046-7316

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Applications; Construction; Field tests; Financial analysis; Geotechnical engineering; Implementation; Loads; Optimization; Profitability; Resistance (Mechanics); Risk analysis; Structures; Uncertainty
Uncontrolled Terms: Condition; Data; Observation; Observational method; Variability index
Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Research; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01055393
Record Type: Publication
Files: TRIS
Created Date: Aug 22 2007 4:54PM