Estimation of Uncertainty in Geotechnical Properties for Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering, PEER Report 2002-16

Abstract: 

This report describes sources and types of uncertainty in geotechnical engineering practice, and introduces the basic concepts and terminology of the theory of probability. Statistical parameters and the probability distributions most commonly used to describe geotechnical parameters are reviewed. The report then presents tabulated statistical parameters for soil properties that have been reported in the literature; both laboratory and field-measured parameters
describing moisture-density, plasticity, strength, and compressibility characteristics are presented. The theory of regionalized variables, including concepts of auto correlation, variograms, and stationarity are presented, along with tabulated values of parameters describing spatial variability that have been reported in the literature. Finally, procedures and tools for estimation and simulation of spatially variable soil properties are presented.

This report describes sources and types of uncertainty in geotechnical engineering practice, and introduces the basic concepts and terminology of the theory of probability. Statistical parameters and the probability distributions most commonly used to describe geotechnical parameters are reviewed. The report then presents tabulated statistical parameters for soil properties that have been reported in the literature; both laboratory and field-measured parameters
describing moisture-density, plasticity, strength, and compressibility characteristics are presented. The theory of regionalized variables, including concepts of auto correlation, variograms, and stationarity are presented, along with tabulated values of parameters describing spatial variability that have been reported in the literature. Finally, procedures and tools for estimation and simulation of spatially variable soil properties are presented.

Full List of PEER Reports: click here.

Author: 
Allen L. Jones
Steven L. Kramer
Pedro Arduino
Publication date: 
May 4, 2002
Publication type: 
Technical Report
Citation: 
Jones, A. L., Kramer, S. L., & Arduino, P. (2002). Estimation of Uncertainty in Geotechnical Properties for Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering, PEER Report 2002-16. Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, CA.