PhD Position Stochastic Characterisation and Modelling of Embankment and Subsurface Using Data from...

Reliability-based design and assessment involves the propagation of uncertainty from the material/site level to the structure response level. If the uncertainty in material properties and site conditions can be reduced through increased knowledge, this reduces the uncertainty at the structure response level and this, in turn, generally leads to a reduction in over-conservatism in the design, assessment and mitigation of structures. The problem is that detailed material data, and site-specific data in particular, are often sparse, and the issue is compounded by the complex behaviour of (often soft) soils as well as the spatial variability of material layers and heterogeneity within layers.

This project aims to: (a) develop a probability-based framework for quantifying material properties and other site-specific characteristics (e.g. layering, spatial variability) using data derived from multiple sources (e.g. site investigation, geophysics, laboratory testing, monitoring, train-borne measurements, data assimilation, local/regional/global databases); (b) provide a means whereby the use of site-specific data can be optimised to increase site-specific knowledge; (c) provide a means of guiding cost-effective site investigation strategies; (d) provide a means of characterising sites for which few site-specific data are available.

The project focuses on data relating to railway embankments and in situ ground conditions in close proximity to railway embankments. It will be done in close collaboration with other projects within the research program RESET – “Reliable Embankments for the Safe Expansion of Rail Traffic” – a joint initiative between ProRail, Deltares and TU Delft.