Planning Geotechnical Investigation Using ANFIS

Engineering experience may be written in mathematical form by using adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In this article we propose a method to use engineering experience and build a model, which can be used as a systematic decision support tool for engineers dealing with new problems. Planning geotechnical investigations is based on experience, which are used to obtain optimal number of investigation points, field and laboratory tests. To achieve this objective we define minimum number of investigation points and several input parameters which could increase or decrease the number of investigation points. The expert’s evaluations were put in a table, from which we generate the basis of the system. The paper presents a concept for planning geotechnical investigation for buildings using ANFIS and practical examples show its usefulness.     

Site Soundings Density for Geotechnical Investigation with Combined Fuzzy and Probabilistic Input Information

A fuzzy sets decision support system is proposed for geotechnical site investigation. The system considers parameters such as geology and soil variability that affect the required number of soundings to adequately characterize a site. It permits also to consider vagueness and lack of information. On the basis of available qualitative and quantitative information, the system allows estimating, for common projects, the number of site soundings. Monte Carlo simulations of entry ranges, where each point has a uniform probability distribution, permit to arrange the output in form of histograms fitted with probability functions. The cases presented show that the fuzzy inference system can be used as a systematic decision support for engineers dealing with site characterization.