Implementing the Extended Multivariate Approach in Design with Partial Factors for a Retaining Wall in Clay
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VIEW CORRECTIONPublication: ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 4
Abstract
Limitations with the current design using partial factors in Eurocode 7 have been identified. Uncertainties in the material properties are incorporated in both the cautious estimate of the characteristic value and the partial factor. Furthermore, the partial factor is fixed, which limits the opportunities to update the design when additional information is available. A more rational procedure of managing uncertainties in design with partial factors is proposed based on the Bayesian methodology referred to as the extended multivariate approach. The benefits of the approach are illustrated with a case study in which uncertainties of undrained shear strength are characterized for a Swedish clay. The characteristic value and design value is calculated in accordance with the Swedish national annex to Eurocode 7 by adjusting the otherwise fixed partial factor with a conversion factor allowable through EN 1990. The study highlights major benefits in managing uncertainties in a quantifiable and rational way.
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Acknowledgments
This study was undertaken as a part of the research project Transparent Underground Structure (TRUST) and was funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas (the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning); the Swedish Transport Administration; Better Interaction in Geotechnics (BIG); and Tyréns AB. Their support is gratefully acknowledged. Furthermore, the authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments.
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ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering
Volume 3 • Issue 4 • December 2017
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 8, 2016
Accepted: Mar 24, 2017
Published online: Jun 28, 2017
Discussion open until: Nov 28, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
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