Observational method applied to the decision optimizing of foundation method in Kujala Interchange on silty clay subsoil

Monica Löfman*, Leena Korkiala-Tanttu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
69 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Observational method is a powerful approach to dealing with uncertainty in subsoil conditions. In the presented case study, Kujala Interchange, constructing test embankments and applying the observational method enabled to replace many initially planned pile slab foundations with ground-supported road embankments. The residual settlements of these embankments were controlled by means of preloading accompanied with monitoring. This paper demonstrates how a decision tree analysis can be employed to assess the feasibility of constructing the test embankments. The prior probability of acceptable settlements of the ground-supported embankments is estimated for a typical soil profile in Kujala area via Monte Carlo simulation. This prior probability is then updated via monitoring results and Bayes’ theorem. Lastly, the expected costs of each design alternative are derived based on their respective probabilities and the actual cost savings acquired at Kujala Interchange. The results of the decision tree analysis confirm that constructing the test embankments and minimizing the pile foundations were the optimal decision in this case study. In sum, this paper shows how the observational method can be employed to reduce the expected costs and environmental impact of foundation design characterized by significant uncertainty in subsoil conditions. However, it is concluded that besides monetary costs, one should also include non-monetary consequences such as carbon dioxide emissions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Transportation Geotechnics IV - Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics Volume 3
EditorsErol Tutumluer, Soheil Nazarian, Imad Al-Qadi, Issam I. A. Qamhia
PublisherSpringer
Pages739-751
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-77238-3
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-77237-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
MoE publication typeA4 Conference publication
EventInternational Conference on Transportation Geotechnics - Virtual, Online
Duration: 23 May 202126 May 2021
Conference number: 4
http://conferences.illinois.edu/ICTG2020/

Publication series

NameLecture notes in civil engineering
Volume166
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Transportation Geotechnics
Abbreviated titleICTG
CityVirtual, Online
Period23/05/202126/05/2021
Internet address

Keywords

  • Bayesian updating
  • decision tree
  • observational method
  • road embankment

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