Optimal Sensor Location for Parameter Identification in Soft Clay

Performing parameter identification for model calibration prior to numerical simulation is an essential task in geotechnical engineering. However, it has to be kept in mind that the accuracy of the obtained parameter is closely related to the chosen experimental set-up, such as the number of sensors as well as their location. A well considered position of sensors can increase the quality of the measurement and reduce the number of monitoring points. This paper illustrates this concept by means of a loading device that is used to identify the stiffness and permeability factor of soft clays. With an initial set-up of the measurement devices the pore water pressure and the vertical displacements are recorded and used to identify the aforementioned parameters. Starting from these identified parameters, the optimal measurement set-up is investigated with a method based on global sensitivity analysis. This method shows an optimal sensor location assuming three sensors for each measured quantity.