Defining and selecting characteristic values of geotechnical parameters for designs to Eurocode 7

ABSTRACT

Recent geotechnical design codes (such as Eurocode 7) aim to achieve geotechnical designs with an appropriate target reliability by applying partial factors to characteristic parameter values. Development in Eurocode 7 of the definition and selection of the characteristic values is traced. A significant development occurred with the definition of the characteristic value as a cautious estimate of the value affecting the occurrence of the limit state. Statistical equations to select characteristic values are presented, including one proposed for the revised of Eurocode 7.An alternative equation reduces the amount of subjective judgement and is more likely to achieve the target reliability.