Fuzzy logic in a geotechnical knowledge-based system: CONE

Abstract

This paper discusses an application of fuzzy logic as an organizational framework for a knowledge-based interpretation system in the domain of geotechnical engineering. The specific task involves the interpretation of data from a cone penetrometer (CPT), a field exploration device used in geotechnical engineering to provide soil stratigraphy ~nformation and other characterizations of soil behaviour. In geotechnical engineering, more than in most other fields of civil engineering, it is necessary to reason with incomplete data using empiricallybased methods of analysis. There is a need to quantify the uncertainty that occurs in both the raw data and the analytical methods. There are two distinct sources of uncertainty present: statistical variability in the data and vagueness of methods. The most significant aspect of the use of fuzzy logic in CONE is that a consistent framework was developed to represent both linguistically-based (soil classification) and numerically-based (shear strength) data. This paper discusses the framework that was developed and implemented.The purpose of this paper is to present an application of engineering may be the most appropriate field within civil fuzzy logic as an organizational framework for a engineering for the development of KBS: --knowledge-based interpretation system in the domain of --In foundation and earthwork engineering, more than in geotechnical engineering. Knowledge-based systems any other field in civil engineering, success depends on (KBS) are emerging as a powerful means of dealing with practical -experience. The design of ordinary soilthe ill-structured problems encountered in many supported or soil-supporting structures is necessarily engineering and medical applications'. (It has been stated2 based on simple empirical rules, but these rules can only be that expert systems are problem-solving programs that used by the engineer who has a background of experience.

Integration of Rolling Wheel Deflectometer Deflection Measurements into Pavement Management Systems

“…Current PMS decision processes essentially use fuzzy logic unofficially in roadway assessments and treatment selection. Fuzzy logic has been successfully implemented since the 1970s in the following areas: the engineering of automobiles, bridge structural condition ratings, pavement distress evaluation, pavement management, asphalt pavement evaluation, pavement friction testing, and the geotechnical field (17,(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37).…”

Condition Ranking and Rating of Bridges Using Fuzzy Logic

“…Otherwise, adjustments have to be made to the resulting fuzzy set to ensure its convexity for making the task of transforming a computed fuzzy set into natural language expression easier. Further, another adjustment that is often made to a fuzzy set is the normalization operation to ensure that at least one of the elements of the set contains the degree of membership of one, as suggested by Mullarky and Fenves (1985). On the other hand, accuracy of resolution identity technique depends on refinement of the concerned sets through -level which has a direct impact on computational time.…”

A Knowledge-Based System for Estimation of Geotechnical Properties

“…CONE [MuHarkey, 1986;Mullarkey and Fenves, 1986] is a development prototype KBS, for the interpretation of raw Cone Penetration Test data (measuring the resistance generated by pushing a cone into the ground).…”