Course content

The course will include: (a) terminology used in risk assessment, (b) discussion of the sources and types of uncertainties in problems related to geohazards, (c) discussion of the potential benefits of a probabilistic approach as opposed to the classical "Factor Of Safety" method in geotechnical analysis, (d) review relevant statistical and probabilistic theories needed to develop the methodologies and to interprete the results of the probabilistic analyses, (e) describe some well established methods of probabilistic analysis as applied to geotechnical analysis, such as First Order Second Moment (FOSM) method and the First Order Reliability Method (FORM), event tree and logic tree construction, reliability of "systems" and
(f) methods for prevention and mitigation of geohazards.

Learning outcome

Soils and rocks are among the most variable of all engineering materials, and as such they are highly amenable to a probabilistic treatment. The main objective of the course is to present a state-of-the-art training on probabilistic techniques applied to geotechnical engineering in relation to both theory and practice. Special emphasis will be on problems related to geohazards, e.g. earthquakes and landslides.

Learning methods and activities

Lecture, term project, assignments. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Assignments

Recommended previous knowledge

BSc degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent. Basic courses in geology and geotechnics. Introductory understanding of probability and statistics.

Course materials

Lecture notes presented by the geotechnical division.