Bayesian Equivalent Sample Toolkit (BEST)

Bayesian Equivalent Sample Toolkit (BEST) is a package of Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) functions and subroutines that have been compiled for implementing the Bayesian equivalent sample method (Wang and Cao 2013) as an Excel Add-in program. The BEST Excel VBA Add-in adds additional functionality to Excel in obtaining a reasonable statistics and probability distribution of geo-material properties from limited observation data.  The BEST Add-in is compiled as an independent file with an extension of .xlam in Excel 2013(or 2010) for easy distribution and application of the Bayesian equivalent sample method by geo-practitioners. For optimum performance, it is advised that BEST shall be operated on Excel 2013 or 2010. After the BEST Add-in has been installed, it is loaded automatically when Excel starts. The Add-in functions can then be used in a way similar to built-in functions in Excel. An illustration of BEST menus and windows in Excel 2013 are provided below:

The BEST Add-in can be downloaded here. An overview of the BEST Add-in is referred to: 

Wang, Y., Akeju, O. V., and Cao, Z. (2016). "Bayesian Equivalent Sample Toolkit (BEST): an Excel VBA program for probabilistic characterisation of geotechnical properties from limited observation data." Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards, 10(4), 251-268. 

Comments or suggestions on the Add-in are welcome and shall be sent to yuwang77@gmail.com.

Step by step procedure for installing Add-in in Excel is provided in Microsoft Office webpage.

References:

• Wang, Y. and Cao, Z. (2013). “Probabilistic characterization of Young's modulus of soil using equivalent samples.” Engineering Geology, 159, 106-118.

• Cao, Z. and Wang, Y. (2014). “Bayesian model comparison and characterization of undrained shear strength.” Journal of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering, 140(6), 04014018, 1-9.

• Wang, Y. and Aladejare, A. E. (2015). “Selection of site-specific regression model for characterization of uniaxial compressive strength of rock.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences, 75, 73-81.

• Wang, Y., Zhao, T., and Cao, Z. (2015) “Site-specific probability distribution of geotechnical properties.” Computers and Geotechnics, 70, 159-168. 

• Wang, Y., Cao, Z., and Li, D. (2016). “Bayesian perspective on geotechnical variability and site characterization.” Engineering Geology, 203, 117-125.

• Cao, Z., Wang, Y., and Li, D. (2016). “Quantification of prior knowledge in geotechnical site characterization.” Engineering Geology, 203, 107-116. 

• Wang, Y. and Aladejare, A. E. (2016) "Bayesian characterization of correlation between uniaxial compressive strength and Young's modulus of rock." International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences, 85, 10-19.

• Wang, Y. and Aladejare, A. E. (2016) "Evaluating variability and uncertainty of Geological Strength Index at a specific site." Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 49(9), 3559–3573.

• Wang, Y., Akeju, O. V., and Cao, Z. (2016). "Bayesian Equivalent Sample Toolkit (BEST): an Excel VBA program for probabilistic characterisation of geotechnical properties from limited observation data." Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards, 10(4), 251-268.

• Wang, Y. and Akeju, O. V. (2016). “Quantifying the cross-correlation between effective cohesion and friction angle of soil from limited site-specific data.” Soils and Foundations, 56(6), 1057–1072.