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Appendices
• It shall be demonstrated that the structural behaviour shall stay within the limits to be main
tained, with an adequate degree of probability.
• The stability and serviceability limits to be complied with shall be accordingly differentia
ted.
• A measuring programme shall be prepared using significant parameters to check whether
the actual structural behaviour is within the limits that are to be maintained.
• The critical values and intervention levels of the parameters acting as indicators of the limits
to be complied with shall be accordingly determined.
• A plan of suitable countermeasures shall be developed for every possible eventuality in
which measurements indicate that limits to be maintained have been exceeded. This plan
forms part of the stability verification documentation. It shall be possible to execute the pl
anned countermeasures at any time.
• The measuring intervals and results shall be capable of indicating the need for countermea
sures at a sufficiently early stage for the countermeasures to be taken in good time.
• During construction work and operation, the measurement programme and its timely eva
luation shall be carried out as scheduled and shall be documented. Deviations from this
plan shall be documented.
Simply monitoring the structure without a detailed definition of the limits or counter measures
is not suitable for the verification process.
Appendix 3-V Application of numerical models for geotechnical verifications
Preparing stability verifications using numerical methods in geotechnology is not generally the
recognised state of the art in Germany. However, this is generally permissible according to
DIN 1054. Basic modules for standardised approaches have been worked out in the form of
recommendations by the AK 1.6 Numerics in Geotechnics study group at the German Geo
technical Society (DGGT).
Soil-mechanical model computations generally contain uncertainties. Although numerical mo
dels using the finite element method make it possible to use the continuum mechanical calcu
lation models on complex structures even when taking account of the ground, these are ext
remely simplified and require critical assessment by the geotechnical planning expert.
Special ground properties, interactive processes and complex procedures can be studied in
principle and qualitatively using numerical models, however quantitative studies cannot ne
cessarily be reproduced or represented reliably. System changes due to cyclical processes
cannot generally be represented with sufficient reliability.
Plausibility checks represent a significant element in assessing numerical calculation results,
e. g. by comparing them with areas of experience. Where adequate experience with foundations
for comparable offshore structures is not available, particular value shall be placed on formula
ting simple analytical models and on making a critical and cautious evaluation of the results
when designing the foundation elements and assessing their interaction with the support struc
ture. This includes a sensitivity analysis with respect to the decisive model parameters.