The derivation of representative values for geotechnical parameters accounts for the various sources of uncertainty which are addressed at different stages of the determination process. A comprehensive flow chart for the determination of constitutive model parameters from site tests is proposed. The authors first consider a straightforward methodology to quantify the inherent uncertainty of variables measured from a CPT. An automated framework is then applied to merge outcomes from several transformation functions into a single combined output. This result can be subsequently updated with expert judgment or with direct measurements from laboratory tests using a Bayesian approach. When applied to the friction angle, a reduction of the posterior updated representative standard deviation is observed. ... Read more

An efficient and fuel flexible micro-scale biomass CHP technology based on the combination of a small-scale updraft gasifier with a SOFC system has been developed within the EU H2020 project FlexiFuel-SOFC. High load flexibility and a maximum of full load operating hours of the CHP system is achieved by operating the CHP part of the plant with a side stream (product gas extracted from the gasifier) of a heat controlled system (gas burner and boiler as well as heat recovery). A gas cleaning unit (GCU) for the treatment of the side stream according to the requirements for the operation of the SOFC regarding contaminant (H2S, HCl) and TSP removal as well as tar content reduction was designed, constructed and successfully evaluated. After successful test of the GCU comprehensive test runs with the SOFC followed. Overall more than 300 hours of GCU operation and 250 hours with SOFC operation could be achieved with different biomass fuels. The gas quality was satisfactory and the SOFC system achieved its nominal capacity (6 kWel). Following, the basic proof of concept for the new technology could be gained. ... Read more