Bayesian Equivalent Sample Toolkit (BEST): an Excel VBA program for probabilistic characterisation of geotechnical properties from limited observation data. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Yu; Akeju, Oluwatosin Victor; Cao, Zijun
• Is Part Of: Georisk. Volume 10:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 251
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Bayesian equivalent sample method -- Bayesian framework -- prior knowledge -- uncertainty and variability -- Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation -- probability and statistics; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Hazardous geographic environments -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; Reliability (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; 624.151
• DOI: 10.1080/17499518.2016.1180399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-9518

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In site investigation, the amount of observation data obtained for geotechnical property characterisation is often too sparse to obtain meaningful statistics and probability distributions of geotechnical properties. To address this problem, a Bayesian equivalent sample method was recently developed. This paper aims to generalize the Bayesian equivalent sample method to various geotechnical properties, when measured by different direct or indirect test procedures, and to implement the generalized method in Excel by developing an Excel VBA program called Bayesian Equivalent Sample Toolkit (BEST). The BEST program makes it possible for practitioners to apply the Bayesian equivalent sample method without being compromised by sophisticated algorithms in probability, statistics and simulation. The program is demonstrated and validated through examples of soil and rock property characterisations.