Determination of parameters range in rock engineering by means of Random Set Theory

Uncertainty arising from our relationship with the real world can often lea d to imprecise probabilities, whose bounds are captured by Random Set Theor y. Reasons leading to this kind of uncertainty in rock engineering are inve stigated, as well as the limitations of the probabilistic approach. Procedu res are given to handle the usual information gained either in the field or from expert's opinions, taking into account not only dissonance, but also non-specificity. Examples of applications are presented with special regard to event tree analysis, rock mass classifications, and reliability-based d esign of tunnels by means of the empirical recommendations of rock mass cla ssifications. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.