Evaluation of Geotechnical Data

15:00-15:50

Evaluation for
Geotechnical Design

N, f, g, E

Evaluation Step

c, f, g, Cc, py
qu, E

Geotechnical
investigation

Geometric
modeling
Data check

Parameters
Determination

Foundation
design

Instrumentation

Construction of Geometric Model

Borehole Data

Geotechnical databases

topography

Borehole locations

geology

Material types
Depth, thickness

Geometric modeling
Nearby borehole information
Nearby construction records

Preliminary geometric model

based on existing information
and reconnaissance site visits

Add
new investigation results

Revised
Geometric model for the site

Example of Topographic Feature: Fan

Travel distance
Gravel: short
Sand
Silt
Clay : long
Expected ground
conditions?

Example of Topographic Feature: Delta

Slope angle
Fan: large
Delta: small
Expected ground
conditions?

Example of Topographic Feature: Meandering River

Slope angle
Fan: large
Delta: small

Meandering river: very small

Expected ground
conditions?
Flood plane
Natural levee

Post Glacial Sea Level Changes

Erosion phase to sedimentation phase

Published Information

Example of Geological Map

1km

Published Information

Example of Topographic Classification Map

Published Information

Example of Topographic Classification Map

Published Information
Example of Map showing Bottom of Holocene Deposits

Published Information
Example of Soil Cross Section
Section C-C

Data check reliability for models and properties

During investigation at the site
Checking tools and equipment
Checking methods (application of standards)
During or after investigation at remote offices
Photographs of tools and equipment
Photographs of methods (application of standards)
After investigation at offices
Check: Variation due to different drillers
(Same soil layer similar soil properties)

Evaluation of undisturbed soil samples

Comparison with data obtained in the past

Determination of model properties

Quantity of data

How to determine soil parameters?

No data
Are you comfortable with a small
number of data?

A few data
Abundant data

variable nature of ground

what kind of risk ?

Variation of properties in vertical direction

in horizontal direction
Look at water content distribution

Cheap tests
Tested on disturbed soil
Sensitive to change in soil types

Importance of Redundancy
There are variety of uncertainties
testing methods and procedures
sample disturbance
spatial variation of soil properties
Double check and triple check by:
using different method of investigations
increasing number of tests

Statistical consideration
Design value = average value?
Design value = average value one standard deviation?

Design value = average value 0.5 standard deviation?

Average

numbers

: standard deviation

Safety and design risk

Effects of failure

Variable

Interpretation of quality of soft

cohesive soil samples