Probabilistic Stratification Modeling in Geotechnical Site Characterization
Publication: ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 4
Abstract
Stratification in geologic profiles is one of the most significant uncertainties in geotechnical site characterization. In this paper, a three-level probabilistic framework is proposed for geotechnical stratification modeling considering stratigraphic uncertainty. The framework consists of model parameter identification, conditional simulation, and stratigraphic uncertainty quantification. Both boundary-based and category-based stratigraphic models are adopted in the framework, and a heuristic combination model is further recommended to combine the advantages of the boundary-based and category-based models. The geological stratification at a construction site in Hong Kong is characterized to illustrate the probabilistic framework. Results indicate that probabilistic stratification modeling quantifies stratigraphic uncertainty in a rigorous manner. Additionally, the heuristic combination model has the ability to generate almost arbitrary geotechnical strata and to account for material spatial distribution trends and engineering judgment to a certain degree.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (Nos. 16202716 and C6012-15G) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51329901, 51509188, and 51579190). The first author wishes to thank the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, for hosting his visit as an exchange Ph.D. student.
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 20, 2016
Accepted: Apr 17, 2017
Published online: Jul 22, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Dec 22, 2017
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