Probability-Based Diagnosis of Defective Geotechnical Engineering Structures
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 19, Issue 4
Abstract
Many earth structures, including foundations, retaining walls, and road embankments, exhibit signs of distress, such as excessive vertical or lateral movements and cracking. Rotation or tilting and cracking of the structural components in retaining walls are quite common and constitute the majority of cases of concern in built-up areas. This paper describes a general iterative methodology for the diagnosis of existing civil infrastructure, with emphasis on geotechnical problems. The term diagnosis, as used in this paper, refers to the process of determining a set of technical explanations for the occurrence of the observed defects. Using probability theory, the investigating engineer is in a better position to make informed decisions rather than simply relying on experience and intuition. Engineering decisions include the correctness of a given hypothesis; whether further investigations are necessary or a terminal decision can be made; and whether appropriate corrective action can be undertaken. A case study is used to demonstrate the application of the methodology.
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Acknowledgments
The work presented in this paper is part of ongoing research into infrastructure assessment at the Centre for Infrastructure Diagnosis Assessment and Rehabilitation (CIDAR), within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The University of Adelaide. The support of partners at the CIDAR is acknowledged. The permission of the Council of the City of Tea Tree Gully to undertake investigations of the retaining wall is acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 19 • Issue 4 • November 2005
Pages: 308 - 315
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 9, 2004
Accepted: May 18, 2004
Published online: Nov 1, 2005
Published in print: Nov 2005
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