The geotechnical site characterization process, aimed at defining small-scale properties for large range of material, is unique to geotechnical engineering. Compared to many other engineering disciplines, geotechnical site characterization process is not highly computerized. This can be attributed to the process being based on experience and testing. Much of the information handling is done through manually prepared forms and drawings. The intention of this study is to automate those parts of the geotechnical site exploration process that traditionally have been labor intensive. Part of the work deals with the integration of the standard "off-the-shelf" personal computer software to automate the process of data collection, interpretation, and display, and another part with the development of a knowledge based expert system (KBES) to infer the soil types and stratification along the single boring. Using microcomputers and standard software automation of the site characterization process can be made through the course of the investigation. This aids the field engineer in determining if and where additional samples or boreholes may needed. The final product is a tool for immediately displays of soil borings at any stage of the project. The main advantages of the system are that it can be updated regularly and can rapidly provide pertinent information about subsurface conditions.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £20)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £90 +P&P)