Sustainable gEotechnical Reliability through spatIally Non-stationary Site investigation.
The SERINS project aims to address challenges in sustainable urban development, particularly concerning natural hazards, pollution,
and inclusive planning. With the global urban population set to rise and natural disasters becoming increasingly severe, it is essential
to provide urban planners, engineers, and policymakers with better tools for subsurface modelling and decision-making. Current
geotechnical site investigation (GSI) methods are often limited in scope and accuracy, primarily using deterministic models that
overlook spatial variability and heterogeneity in subsurface conditions. SERINS seeks to advance the state of the art by developing an
innovative subsurface model, REFED (Random fiEld Fusion gEological moDel), that integrates multiple data types from site
investigations (e.g., boreholes, CPT, satellite imagery and geological maps). Leveraging Random Field (RF) theory, Bayesian statistics,
and advanced data fusion techniques, the project will create 3D subsurface models that better reflect the physical, mechanical, and
chemical parameters necessary for civil and infrastructure design. The model will enhance resilience to natural hazards (e.g.,
earthquakes, floods) and man-made pollution while reducing over-design and promoting sustainability. The project methodology
includes collecting and organizing GSI data, developing procedures for data fusion, and implementing non-parametric random fields
to handle spatial variability. Outputs will include statistical parameters, 3D data models for engineering design and 2D maps to aid
urban planners in achieving sustainable and inclusive cities aligned with the SDGs and the EU Green Deal. Through open science
practices, SERINS will provide its tools and models as freeware, ensuring broad access for stakeholders to improve urban resilience worldwide.