Uncertainty on the hydraulic and geotechnical properties of the ground can be continuously reduced by using smart interpretation techniques

An accurate ground characterization is essential to develop realistic numerical models for designing underground constructions. We propose an interdisciplinary approach by combining the interpretation of hydro-mechanical data through analytical and numerical solutions to quantify, in quasi-real time, the ground properties during all the construction stages. This methodology characterizes the (1) geometry of the geological layers, (2) hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters and (3) coupled groundwater-ground deformation behavior. During the tender stage, the ground is characterized by means of satellite data (InSAR and GRACE) and information from global databases (groundwater recharge and groundwater evolution). These data permit building preliminary models and proposing preliminary designs. During the project phase, the characterization is undertaken by means of the interpretation of drilled boreholes (to identify the geometry of the geological layers) and a pumping test, during which pore pressure and ground deformation are monitored. All the information is used to calibrate the numerical models and update the ground parameters. Finally, during the construction stage, pore pressure and ground deformation induced by dewatering are monitored and implemented in the model in quasi-real time. This fact allows updating the model, continuously adjusting the hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters, and therefore, improving predictions.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vilarrasa, Víctor, Pujades, E.
Other Authors: Vilarrasa, Víctor [0000-0003-1169-4469]
Format: comunicación de congreso biblioteca
Language:English
Published: 2019-12-19
Subjects:Underground constructions, Ground characterization,
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/206197
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Description
Summary:An accurate ground characterization is essential to develop realistic numerical models for designing underground constructions. We propose an interdisciplinary approach by combining the interpretation of hydro-mechanical data through analytical and numerical solutions to quantify, in quasi-real time, the ground properties during all the construction stages. This methodology characterizes the (1) geometry of the geological layers, (2) hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters and (3) coupled groundwater-ground deformation behavior. During the tender stage, the ground is characterized by means of satellite data (InSAR and GRACE) and information from global databases (groundwater recharge and groundwater evolution). These data permit building preliminary models and proposing preliminary designs. During the project phase, the characterization is undertaken by means of the interpretation of drilled boreholes (to identify the geometry of the geological layers) and a pumping test, during which pore pressure and ground deformation are monitored. All the information is used to calibrate the numerical models and update the ground parameters. Finally, during the construction stage, pore pressure and ground deformation induced by dewatering are monitored and implemented in the model in quasi-real time. This fact allows updating the model, continuously adjusting the hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters, and therefore, improving predictions.