Parametric Modeling of Static and Dynamic Processes in Engineering Geodesy

Abstract

In this paper, the main focus is set on the utilization of parametric methods for the quantification of causative relationships in static and dynamic deformation processes. Parametric methods are still ‘exotic’ in engineering geodesy but state of the art e.g. in civil and mechanical engineering. Within this context, an essential part is the physical (parametric) modeling of the functional relationships based on partial or ordinary differential equations using the corresponding numerical solutions represented by finite element (FE) or finite difference (FD) models.

The identification of a physical model is realised by combination with monitoring data. One important part of the identification includes establishing the deterministic model structure and estimating a priori unknown model parameters and initial respectively boundary conditions by filtering (e.g. adaptive Kalman-filtering). Major challenges are establishing the parametric model structure, quantifying disturbances and the identifiability of the model parameters which are possibly non-stationary. These challenges are discussed with the help of a practical example from engineering geology.