Site characterization, the process of evaluating existing subsurI'ace soil and rock conditions and their impact on project design and construction, is a common element in every geotechnical design project. Since the process is complicated by sparse data and the need to quantify uncertainties, it is a natural area to apply risk analysis, probability theory, and applied statistics. The proposed research will involve an assessment of both the present practice of site characterization and the application of probabilistics, and applied statistics to site characterization, and an evaluation of the feasibility of microcomputer applications. The results will be: (1) a real time microcomputer system for probabilistic site characterizations (2) an improved understanding of site characterization; (3) development of new procedures; and (4) improved design at lower cost. The result of this research will be a more efficient process of site characterization with an Unproved allocation of resources and a better ability to evaluate the component variables. These improvements will result in better geotechnical design of transportation facilities, building, and other structures, for the benefit of the general public.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The developed probabilistic site characterization microcomputer system will have substantial commercial application for geotechnical engineers, geologists, and site exploration companies as well as state and federal agencies.
