Characterization of geotechnical variability based upon sampling frequency using Monte Carlo simulation: A study of the kcICON project

Author

Kerry Allen Magner

Abstract

"The geotechnical variability of individual homogeneous isotropic soil units is of interest during the process of determination of adequate geotechnical design parameters for almost all construction projects. In this study, an attempt is made to quantify the effects of sampling frequency (sample size) on the mean, variance, and coefficient of variation of individual geomechanical parameters within a distinct soil type.

In-situ geotechnical sampling data and laboratory testing data from the kcICON project was provided by Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) of Lenexa, Kansas for analysis within this research project. This soil sampling and laboratory testing was performed by Terracon as part of the geotechnical research and design portion of the kcICON project during January 2008 to October 2008.

Statistical distributions of distinct individual geomechanical properties for select soil and material types have been established from the soil database created from the kcICON project. A "random sample" sampling scenario with an incrementally increasing sampling frequency (sample size) been performed on the identified statistical distributions of the identified geomechanical properties for distinct soil and material types. Lastly, statistical correlations of the mean, variance, and coefficient of variation for each "random sample" sampling scenario have been determined.

The results indicate that for the "random sample" sampling scenario of the provided geomechanical data set (kcICON data) there is a quantitative correlation between the increase in the sampling frequency (sample size) and a decrease in the sample variability"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Maerz, Norbert H.

Committee Member(s)

Rogers, J. David
Ge, Yu-Ning (Louis)

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geological Engineering

Comments

A CD-ROM is available at the Missouri S&T Library in a pocket in the back of the thesis. The CD-ROM contains additional information including site layout and boring location maps, geotechnical design reports, a geotechnical sampling and testing database, a typical boring log, and geotechnical laboratory data used for analysis.

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2010

Pagination

x, 52 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (page 51).

Rights

© 2010 Kerry Allen Magner, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Engineering geologyMonte Carlo methodSoils -- AnalysisSoils -- Testing -- Methodology

Thesis Number

T 9741

Print OCLC #

730928299

Electronic OCLC #

911201703

Recommended Citation

Magner, Kerry Allen, "Characterization of geotechnical variability based upon sampling frequency using Monte Carlo simulation: A study of the kcICON project" (2010). Masters Theses. 123.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/123