Project overview
The primary goal for this research area is to develop methods to assure that geotechnical structures meet their requirements in all the different limit states. It is conceivable that this area will bring together our other research themes and create a common framework for them to ensure that structures are safe, functional and economical.
The research area includes, for example, the study of uncertainties involved in geotechnical engineering, and the means to take these uncertainties into account in the design, while demonstrating that the reliability of the structures with respect to both ultimate and serviceability limit states is sufficient. In addition, we strive to influence standards and guidelines to ensure that these issues are taken into account as far as possible/to the greatest extent possible.
Project background
Construction, like any activity, involves uncertainties. To account for these uncertainties, a certain level of safety is required for the structures so that the probability of the structures failing or behaving in an undesirable manner is sufficiently small. The level of assurance required is ultimately determined by laws and regulations, which are complemented/enforced by various standards. The required level of safety must not only be sufficient, but also uniform between different types of structures in similar conditions, so that the structures are both safe and economical.
Phases of the project
In the ongoing Epsilon project, we review the uncertainties related to foundation engineering, especially from a design perspective. With the help of 
reliability calculations, we aim to develop methods for allocating safety and to determine safety margins computationally. We have been involved in European standardisation work for a long time, especially with regard to the Eurocode design standard. The ultimate goal of the EPSILON project is to create a new Eurocode-based design framework that would have a guiding effect in ensuring the good quality and economic efficiency/cost-effectiveness of infrastructure projects.