A decision support system for ground improvement method selection

• Main Author: Yendaw, Jerome Anabannye
• Published: Heriot-Watt University 2006
• Subjects: 624.1510684
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.434672

Ground improvement has become such a common construction practice that the foundation for any important structure that is constructed today is likely to have met some form of ground improvement technology. The improvement option is usually adopted whenever poor quality soils underlie the site proposed for the location of a new facility or for remedial works on existing structures. Numerous improvement techniques are known. When faced with the problem to find an appropriate ground improvement methodology, decision-makers often have to consider a wide variety of factors. The selection of the most suitable method for the solution of the problem has itself become a problem based on the number of factors to consider, the numerous uncertainties associated with the ground conditions and the possibility that for a particular problematic ground condition, more than one method can be used to solve the problem. In order that the ground improvement consultant conducts his or her work with a high level of confidence it is thought that an independent view from a reliable assistant may be worth while. A prototype decision support tool, GrIMSA, (Ground Improvement Method Selection Assistant) has been developed to assist the geotechnical engineer during the preliminary stages when considering the use of ground improvement technology. The tool implements a rational systematic technique for selecting the most appropriate and costeffective ground improvement method for a construction site. The technique is based on a consensus of standards in the ground improvement domain and is designed to be practical, flexible and transparent. The sources of knowledge upon which the system is based is mainly from practicing ground improvement domain experts in various parts of the world and published technical literature on ground improvement projects. GrIMSA suggests a limited number of appropriate ground improvement methods from 32 possible methods that could be used in solving the foundation problem. The final decision on the method to use however is left for the user to make by applying his or her personal engineering judgement based on site specific conditions. GrIMSA is aimed at experienced geotechnical engineering consultants and contractors. The system has been developed using the wxCLIPS software.