2nd generation of Eurocode 7 – verification of limit states: Reliability-based methods and the Observational Method

Abstract

In the 2nd Generation of Eurocode 7, the verification of limit states is based on different methods: calculation using the partial factor method or other reliability-based methods; prescriptive rules; testing and Observational Method. The design of each geotechnical structure thus needs to identify and verify limit states regarding both ultimate and serviceability issues, considering one of these methods. This paper lays out novel elements in the 2nd Generation of Eurocode 7, specifically addressing reliability-based methods and the Observational Method. The possible combined use of both methods is also discussed. For example, the Observational Method is particularly amenable for probabilistic treatment, since the ability to quantitatively incorporate monitoring data, such as measured deformations, is a strong advantage of probabilistic reliability methods through the use of Bayesian updating. Both, reliability-based design and assessment as well as the Observational Method promise great potential, providing alternatives to the most commonly used partial factor method, where verifications with the latter either lead to infeasible or uneconomic designs. For both, greater effort is required compared to conventional designs. Therefore, we would expect applications rather for non-standard structures or design situations.