Characteristic values of geotechnical parameters in Eurocode 7

Lack of harmonisation between reliability-based design and the partial factor method in Eurocode 7 (EN 1997-1:2004) is preventing the widespread introduction of a risk-based concept in geotechnical design. This paper discusses how uncertainties are managed according to EN 1997-1:2004 and possible implications of not harmonising the current safety format with reliability-based design. One of several challenges highlighted is how EN 1997-1:2004 defines the characteristic value and design value. The characteristic value is therein defined based on a classical frequentist approach through a confidence interval. From a Bayesian point of view, the current definition does not treat the characteristic value as an uncertain variable. Consequently, the definitions of the characteristic value and design value in EN 1997-1:2004 feature weak connections between uncertainties in the geotechnical properties and the consequences of failure, as regulated by the target reliability index.