2008 Peck Lecture: The Observational Method: Case History and Models

The observational method was used to design and construct an embankment over a deposit of soft sludge. The first part of the paper describes the case history of the project. The second part describes the use of analytical models as part of the observational method. The finite-element method and one-dimensional consolidation solution were used as prediction models. Bayesian updating was used to revise the material properties with observed performance. Advantages and limitations of updating are presented.

[1]  T. Bayes.  An essay towards solving a problem in the doctrine of chances , 2003 .

[2]  David J. Williams,et al.  EFFECTIVE STRESS VANE SHEAR STRENGTH CORRECTION FACTOR CORRELATIONS , 1994 .

[3]  R. Barron.  Closure of "Consolidation of Fine-Grained Soils by Drain Wells" , 1948 .

[4]  Ralph B. Peck,et al.  Advantages and Limitations of the Observational Method in Applied Soil Mechanics , 1969 .

[5]  Dennes T. Bergado,et al.  Inverse analysis of geotechnical parameters on improved soft Bangkok clay , 1992 .

[6]  Ralph B. Peck,et al.  From theory to practice in soil mechanics; selections from the writings of Karl Terzaghi , 1960 .

[7]  Nien-Yin Chang,et al.  Consolidation and Strength Properties of a Clay , 1978 .

[8]  Bengt B. Broms,et al.  Long-Term Loading Tests at Ska-Edeby, Sweden , 1973 .

[9]  Tien H. Wu,et al.  Reliability of Settlement Prediction—Case History , 2011 .

[10]  Charles C. Ladd,et al.  Performance of Embankments with Sand Drains on Sensitive Clay , 1973 .

[11]  Leslie G Bromwell,et al.  COMPARISON OF LABORATORY AND FIELD VALUES OF CV FOR BOSTON BLUE CLAY , 1968 .

[12]  David J. Williams,et al.  A new model of vane shear strength testing in soils , 1993 .

[13]  T. W. Lambe,et al.  Predictions in soil engineering , 1973 .

[14]  K. Terzaghi,et al.  Soil mechanics in engineering practice , 1948 .

[15]  S. Hansbo.  Consolidation of fine-grained soils by prefabricated drains , 1981 .

[16]  K. Terzaghi.  Theoretical Soil Mechanics , 1943 .

[17]  Tien H. Wu,et al.  Embankment on sludge: predicted and observed performances , 2007 .

[18]  Robert D. Holtz,et al.  Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in soft Bangkok clay: a case study of the new Bangkok International Airport project , 2002 .

[19]  Cee Ing Teh,et al.  Back-calculation of consolidation parameters from field measurements at a reclamation site , 2001 .

[20]  Buddhima Indraratna,et al.  Closure of "Performance of Test Embankment Constructed to Failure on Soft Marine Clay" , 1993 .

[21]  Fred C. Schweppe,et al.  Uncertain dynamic systems , 1973 .