Ebook: Reliability-Based Design in Geotechnical Engineering: Computations and Applications

Reliability-based design is the only engineering methodology currently available which can ensure self-consistency in both physical and probabilistic terms.  It is also uniquely compatible with the theoretical basis underlying other disciplines such as structural design. It is especially relevant as geotechnical design becomes subject to increasing codification and to code harmonization across national boundaries and material types. Already some codes of practice describe the principles and requirements for safety, serviceability, and durability of structures in reliability terms.

This book presents practical computational methods in concrete steps that can be followed by practitioners and students. It also provides geotechnical examples illustrating reliability analysis and design. It aims to encourage geotechnical engineers to apply reliability-based design in a realistic context that recognises the complex variabilities in geomaterials and model uncertainties arising from a profession steeped in empiricism.  By focusing on learning through computations and examples, this book serves as a valuable reference for engineers and a resource for students.

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Reliability-based design is the only engineering methodology currently available which can ensure self-consistency in both physical and probabilistic terms.  It is also uniquely compatible with the theoretical basis underlying other disciplines such as structural design. It is especially relevant as geotechnical design becomes subject to increasing codification and to code harmonization across national boundaries and material types. Already some codes of practice describe the principles and requirements for safety, serviceability, and durability of structures in reliability terms.

This book presents practical computational methods in concrete steps that can be followed by practitioners and students. It also provides geotechnical examples illustrating reliability analysis and design. It aims to encourage geotechnical engineers to apply reliability-based design in a realistic context that recognises the complex variabilities in geomaterials and model uncertainties arising from a profession steeped in empiricism.  By focusing on learning through computations and examples, this book serves as a valuable reference for engineers and a resource for students.

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The stability of rock slopes is an important issue in both civil and mining engineering. On civil projects, rock cuts must be safe from rock falls and large-scale slope instability during both construction and operation. In open pit mining, where slope heights can be many hundreds of meters, the economics of the operation are closely related to the steepest stable slope angle that can be mined. This extensively updated version of the classic text, Rock Slope Engineering by Hoek and Bray, deals comprehensively with the investigation, design and operation of rock slopes. Investigation methods include the collection and interpretation of geological and groundwater data, and determination of rock strength properties, including the Hoek Brown rock mass strength criterion. Slope design methods include the theoretical basis for the design of plane, wedge, circular and toppling failures, and design charts are provided to enable rapid checks of stability to be carried out. New material contained in this book includes the latest developments in earthquake engineering related to slope stability, probabilistic analysis, numerical analysis, blasting, slope movement monitoring and stabilization methods. The types of stabilization include rock anchors, shotcrete, drainage and scaling, as well as rock fall protecting methods involving barriers, ditches, nets and sheds. Rock Slopes: Civil and Mining Engineering contains both worked examples illustrating data interpretation and design methods, and chapters on civil and mining case studies. The case studies demonstrate the application of design methods to the construction of stable slopes in a wide variety of geological conditions. The book provides over 300 carefully selected references for those who wish to study the subject in greater detail. It also includes an introduction by Dr. Evert Hoek.