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A survey is presented of some recent developments of the numerical techniques for back analysis in the field of geomechanics, with particular reference to tunnelling problems. In the spirit of Terzaghi's observational design method, these techniques are seen as practical tools for interpreting the available field measurements, in order to reduce the uncertainties that in many instances affect the parameters governing the solution of complex geomechanics problems. Both deterministic and probabilistic viewpoints are considered and some significant applications to practical problems are illustrated

SUMMARYThe identification (or 'calibration' or 'inverse') problem dealt with in this paper, can be outlined as follows. The 'real system' is a deep rock formation which can be regarded as isotropic and elastoplastic. A mathematical-numerical model, intended for the analysis of its response to excavations, rests on the assumption of an elastic-perfectly plastic Mohr-Coulomb constitutive law and of a homogeneous isotropic initial (in situ) stress state. The values of cohesion, friction angle and initial stress to be introduced in this model are identified by minimizing a measure of the discrepancy (error) between theoretical and experimental relationships (pressure vs. average diameter increase), concerning a standard pressure tunnel test carried out well inside the nonlinear range. For the error minimization process, two very general 'search techniques' are adopted and discussed from the computational standpoint: the flexible polyhedron (modified simplex) strategy and the alternating variable strategy in the Rosenbrock version. Both are found to be adequate for solving this inverse problem, when the mathematical model has to be used as a 'black box' in a purely numerical identification process.