The use of stochastic models in the assessment of a geological database

Abstract

Summary The most appropriate method of assessing ground investigation information will depend on the nature of the investigation and the character and quantity of data. There are significant advantages to collecting such data in a quantified form since computer-based databases can then be established, facilitating their rapid assessment. Methods of assessing an engineering geological database are described. Particular attention is paid to the use of stochastic models for analysis, which are applicable to data whose distribution can be described in terms of a random function.

Geostatistical Characteristics of Hydraulic Conductivity

“…In practice only a limited number of functions need be considered to satisfactorily describe most kinds of geohydrologica l and geotechnical data, and of these the spherical and exponential models are the most common (Rosenbaum, 1987). These mathematical functions (`model variograms') can be used as a basis for kriging.…”

The application of stochastic modelling to the evaluation of ground conditions in Late Quaternary Sediments in Göteborg, Sweden

“…In practice only a small selection of such functions are needed to satisfactorily describe most kinds of geotechnical data, of which the spherical and exponential models have been found to be the most applicable (Rosenbaum 1987 can then be used as the basis for a stochastic model which is capable of describing the spatial distribution. The model is applied by fitting it to the known data using the weighting coefficients which are dependent upon the distance from the observation points to the location of the site whose value is to be estimated.…”