Uncertainty Propagation in Effective-Stress Parameters from Paired CPTu and DMT Tests
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66238/ijrss.v6i2.126Keywords:
Uncertainty propagation, Geotechnical reliability, Piezocone Penetration Test, Flat Dilatometer Test, Effective stressAbstract
The accurate determination of effective-stress parameters is a fundamental requirement in geotechnical engineering, directly influencing the reliability of foundation design, slope stability analysis, and soil-structure interaction modeling. In-situ testing methods, particularly the Piezocone Penetration Test and the Flat Dilatometer Test, are widely utilized for site characterization due to their continuous profiling capabilities and minimal soil disturbance compared to traditional sampling. However, the interpretation of these tests relies heavily on empirical transformation models, which inherently introduce significant uncertainties. This paper investigates the propagation of uncertainty in effective-stress parameters derived from paired Piezocone Penetration Test and Flat Dilatometer Test soundings. By systematically categorizing and quantifying measurement errors, inherent spatial variability, and transformation uncertainties, the research presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating the reliability of derived parameters such as the effective friction angle and the overconsolidation ratio. A probabilistic approach is employed to trace how variances in primary measurements propagate through widely adopted empirical correlations. The findings indicate that integrating data from closely spaced paired tests significantly constrains the epistemological uncertainty bounds of the resulting effective-stress profiles. This paper offers critical insights into reliability-based geotechnical design by demonstrating how multi-source in-situ data can be synergized to mitigate the risks associated with parameter uncertainty.
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