Implementation of LRFD methods to quantify value of site characterization activities
Journal
18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering: Challenges and Innovations in Geotechnics, ICSMGE 2013
Date Issued
2013-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
A comprehensive research program was recently completed to develop "state specific" LRFD guidelines for the Missouri Department of Transportation in the United States of America (USA). The new guidelines implement improvements to current AASHTO LRFD specifications that provide minimum national standards for design of transportation projects in the USA. The most notable of these improvements are specification of resistance factors that are dependent upon the variability of input parameters. One product of these improvements is to produce designs that more closely achieve target levels of reliability. Perhaps more importantly, the guidelines provide designers with explicit means to quantify the potential value of site characterization activities during the design phase. The latter outcome allows designers to make more rational decisions regarding the type and scope of site characterization activities and provides quantitative support for such decisions so that designers can more effectively convey the value of site characterization to others.
Type
conference paper