The Nest of Knowledge

This text presents a thorough examination of the theories and methodologies available for risk assessment in geotechnical engineering, spanning the full range from established single-variable and "first order" methods to the most recent, advanced numerical developments. In response to the growing application of LRFD methodologies in geotechnical design, coupled with increased demand for risk assessments from clients ranging from regulatory agencies to insurance companies, authors Fenton and Griffiths have introduced an innovative reliability-based risk assessment method, the Random Finite Element Method (RFEM). The authors have spent more than fifteen years developing this statistically based method for modeling the real spatial variability of soils and rocks. As demonstrated in the book, RFEM performs better in real-world applications than traditional risk assessment tools that do not properly account for the spatial variability of geomaterials. This text is divided into two parts: Part One, Theory, explains the theory underlying risk assessment methods in geotechnical engineering. This part's seven chapters feature more than 100 worked examples, enabling you to develop a detailed understanding of the methods. Part Two, Practice, demonstrates how to use advanced probabilistic tools for several classical geotechnical engineering applications. Working with the RFEM, the authors show how to assess risk in problems familiar to all geotechnical engineers.

The book comprises select proceedings of the 2016 annual conference of the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGC 2016), with technical papers on the theme “Ground Improvement and Geosynthetics”. The papers cover a wide range of topics, including chemical modification using admixtures, microbial-induced carbonate precipitation, geopolymers, fly ash and other industrial wastes, modification using geosynthetic materials such as natural and synthetic fibers, expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam, prefabricated vertical drains, geosynthetic encased-granular columns and mechanical densification through sand columns. This book is a valuable reference for researchers and practicing engineers alike.

What’s New in the Second Edition: This latest edition builds on the concepts of the first edition and covers the case studies involved in slope stability analysis in greater detail. The book adds a chapter on the procedures involved in performing limit equilibrium analysis, as well as a chapter on the design and construction practice in Hong Kong. It includes more examples and illustrations on the distinct element of slope, the relation between limit equilibrium and plasticity theory, the fundamental connections between slope stability analysis and the bearing capacity problem, as well as the stability of the three-dimensional slope under patch load conditions. Addresses new concepts in three-dimensional stability analysis, finite element analysis, and the extension of slope stability problems to lateral earth pressure problems + Offers a unified approach to engineering and construction problems, including slope stability, bearing capacity, and earth pressure behind retaining structures + Emphasizes how to translate the conceptual design conceived in the design office into physical implementation on site in a holistic way + Discusses problems that were discovered during the development of associated computer programs. This text assesses the fundamental assumptions and limitations of stability analysis methods and computer modelling, and benefits students taking an elective course on slope stability, as well as geotechnical engineering professionals specializing in slope stability.