Reliability-Based Partial Factors Considering Spatial Variability of Strength Parameters

The stability of six regional dyke cross-sections in the Netherlands was re-assessed using the random finite element method (RFEM), which explicitly accounts for the spatial variability of strength parameters. The RFEM assessments of the cross-sections were shown to result in significantly narrower response distributions than those obtained...

Evaluating residual dyke resistance using the Random Material Point Method

Due to a lack of large deformation dyke assessment models, primary failure mechanisms, such as inner slope failure, are often used as a proxy to assess the probability of failure of a dyke. However, a dyke continues to fulfil its main function unless, or until, flooding occurs. The Random Material Point Method (RMPM) is used here to investigate...

Sequential reduction of slope stability uncertainty based on temporal hydraulic measurements via the ensemble Kalman filter

A data assimilation framework, utilising measurements of pore water pressure to sequentially improve the estimation of soil hydraulic parameters and, in turn, the prediction of slope stability, is proposed. Its effectiveness is demonstrated for an idealised numerical example involving the spatial variability of saturated hydraulic...

Combined effect of hysteresis and heterogeneity on the stability of an embankment under transient seepage

The stability of most earth embankments is strongly influenced by the water content of the soil. The water content directly influences the suction or pore pressure in the soil, as well as the mass of material, thereby affecting the stress state and strength, and leading to changes in the stability. These aspects are coupled by the so-called soil...

Uncertainty reduction and sampling efficiency in slope designs using 3D conditional random fields

A method of combining 3D Kriging for geotechnical sampling schemes with an existing random field generator is presented and validated. Conditional random fields of soil heterogeneity are then linked with finite elements, within a Monte Carlo framework, to investigate optimum sampling locations and the cost-effective design of a slope. The...