Skip to main content

Probabilistic Methods in Geotechnical Engineering (1995) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

4. Education Needs and Technology Transfer
Pages 45-49

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 45...
... EDUCATION OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS Probabilistic methods, including applications to reliability and risk assessment, should be introduced into the civil engineering curriculum at the earliest possible time. In most curricula, freshman or sophomore courses in statistics are already in place, but emphasis on probability and the application of probability theory to risk assessment exists only at a few educational institutions.
Read the entire page →
From page 46...
... For example, application of probabilistic methods to the reliability evaluation of simple, well-defined problems can be taught in elementary courses in geotechnical engineering, and an introduction to more-complex problems, such as waste remediation or rock-fall management, can be provided in comprehensive design experience courses, most appropriately in those that integrate geotechnical engineering with other disciplines. Most leading civil engineering departments already have at least one course on advanced applications of probabilistic methods, covering topics such as reliability, stochastic processes, and decision analyses.
Read the entire page →
From page 47...
... Professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers or the American Society of Foundation Engineers should be encouraged to sponsor and organize continuingeducation activities in probabilistic methods and risk mitigation in geotechnical practice. As continuing-education courses on probabilistic methods for geotechnical engineering are developed and refined, they can be videotaped, and the tapes distributed to small engineering firms and to universities with smaller geotechnical engineering programs.
Read the entire page →
From page 48...
... To accelerate the learning process of the practitioners, the committee suggests that, to the extent possible, major geotechnical projects should involve a probability expert as part of the project team to provide opportunities for close interaction between that expert and the other team members. For example, the probability expert could assist team members with analysis and design procedures.
Read the entire page →
From page 49...
... Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers ~ ~ 5~2~: ~ 57-]
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • geotechnical engineering
  • practicing geotechnical
  • geotechnical engineers
  • civil engineering
  • probability theory

  • geotechnical practice
  • civil engineers
  • short courses
  • continuing education
  • probability concepts

  • engineering students
  • formal education
  • engineering curricula
  • courses falls
  • site characterization

  • essential background
  • course materials
  • motivating factor
  • instructional materials
  • offshore geotechnical

  • stochastic processes
  • conventional geotechnical
  • decision analyses
  • appropriate solution
  • materials appropriate

  • underlying theory
  • geotechnical applications
  • apply probability
  • input received
  • elementary courses


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.