Machine Learning Aided Reliability Analysis for Spatially Varying Slopes in 2D and 3D

The Random Finite Element Method (RFEM) is a robust stochastic method for slope reliability analysis that incorporates the spatial variability of soil properties. However, the extensive computational time associated with the direct Monte Carlo simulation limits its practical application. To overcome this problem, this study investigates the use...

Spatial variability in dike stability assessments

The safety of the Dutch dikes depends on various failure mechanisms. Macro stability, a geotechnical failure mechanism, is highly affected by differences in soil strength because the sliding plane propagates through areas of least resistance. The variations in soil properties in space, also known as spatial<br/>variability, are caused by...

Implementation of spatial variability in PLAXIS

As a consequence of the difficulty to obtain complete direct information about the subsurface, and the importance of heterogeneity of soil properties in geotechnical design, a desire exists in the geotechnical community for a smarter use of the available data in common practice. The objective of this thesis is to provide a potential solution for...

Assessment of macro-instability using SHANSEP in RFEM: The application of SHANSEP in combination with RFEM for safety assessment of dikes.

The Dutch Water board revised their guidelines for the safety assessment of dikes in 2017. A major change for the assessment of macro-stability is the use of the SHANSEP method to estimate the strength of impermeable cohesive layers. The failure probabilities are estimated with a deterministic analysis using limit equilibrium methods. The use of...

Geotechnical uncertainties and reliability-based assessments of dykes

This thesis utilises the random finite element method (RFEM) to provide practical guidance and tools for geotechnical engineers to account for the influence of soil spatial variability. This has involved: (a) practical insight and guidance on the choice of characteristic soil property values and scales of fluctuation; (b) a robust approach to...

Dykes and Embankments: a Geostatistical Analysis of Soft Terrain

This thesis presents an investigation of the use and applicability of statistical methods in site investigation and subsequent analyses of dykes and embankments. This comprises a comprehensive site investigation via Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) and laboratory experiments on sampled material, a large scale field test, and statistical analysis of...

Structural parametric design for variant studies in the preliminary design phase

An organized process is necessary to ensure that the building is built on time and within budget. This does not always go well however and four major difficulties can arise. One of the current solutions is performing variant studies. Designing variants is costly however, which limits the amount of analysed variants. The focus is set on improving...

Probabilistic Slope Stability Analysis using RFEM with Non-Stationary Random Fields

Using recently obtained deterministic results as a benchmark, probabilistic slope stability analyses have been performed on an undrained slope using the random finite element method (RFEM). Non-stationary random fields have been generated with linearly increasing mean undrained strength and a constant coefficient of variation. The influence of...