Uncertainty Tracking and Geotechnical Reliability Updating Using Bayesian Networks

Bayesian networks are proposed as a tool to integrate reliability and influential variables relating to the slope stability of an idealized embankment. The site investigation (extent) and slope geometry, as well as the material properties and their spatial variability, are considered within a Bayesian network. The random finite element method ...

Modified Semi-Analytical Method for 3D Slope Reliability

An improved method for the reliability analysis of 3D slopes has been proposed based on the semi-analytical method of Vanmarcke (1977). Comparing the predicted responses of an idealised 3D slope obtained by the more general, albeit computationally intensive, random finite element method (RFEM), and the original semi-analytical method showed that...

Observations and Considerations Regarding Estimating Horizontal Scales of Fluctuation around Linear Infrastructure

Measuring soil variability has many challenges. One of the challenges is soil deformation, which can change the spatial correlation structure arising from the original geological processes. In particular, this is important in the assessment of existing structures. In this paper, the effect of existing structures on the horizontal spatial...

Probabilistic Analysis of Velocity Distribution under Earth Embankments for Piping Investigation

Piping has been attributed as a major cause of dam and embankment failures. Current national prediction models to predict piping use the hydraulic gradient between the upstream and downstream water levels as an indicator. They are deterministic and take no account of preferential pathways. However, piping usually initiates from a discrete...