On worst-case correlation length in probabilistic 3D bearing capacity assessments

Correlation length or scale of fluctuation (SOF) is often used as a primary parameter in defining the spatial correlation characteristics of varying soil properties. However, geotechnical site investigations are rather limited so that proper determination of correlation length is not always possible. The concept of a worst-case correlation...

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 ...

On characteristic values and the reliability-based assessment of dykes

A case study involving the assessment and re-design of an existing dyke, founded on a layered soil, has compared deterministic analysis based on 5-percentile property values and a reliability-based random finite element analysis consistent with the requirements of Eurocode 7. The results show that a consideration of the spatial nature of soil...

Reduction of slope stability uncertainty based on hydraulic measurement via inverse analysis

The determination of slope stability for existing slopes is challenging, partly due to the spatial variability of soils. Reliability-based design can incorporate uncertainties and yield probabilities of slope failure. Field measurements can be utilised to constrain probabilistic analyses, thereby reducing uncertainties and generally reducing...

Reliability Analysis of Heterogeneous Slope Considering Effect of Distribution Types

The effect of probability distributions on the slope reliability is highlighted in this study since the lognormal distribution is often used to characterize the variability of soil properties to avoid negative values. A multiple response-surface based MCS method for slope reliability analysis in spatially variable soils is proposed. A...

Geotechnical Reliability Analysis Involving Spatially Autocorrelated Soil Properties

Spatial autocorrelation arises in geological material by virtue of its formation by natural processes acting over long geologic time (millions of years). This endows geomaterial with some unique statistical features (e.g. spatial variability) not commonly found in structural material manufactured under strict quality control. For example, by the...

Reliability-Based Design of Spatially Variable Undrained Slopes

Spatial variability and model uncertainty are considered the major sources of geotechnical uncertainty. The primary objective of this paper is to provide slope stability investigators with a robust reliability framework that takes into consideration the combined uncertainty of spatial variability and model uncertainty. To achieve this objective,...

Advances in reliability analysis of the piping failure mechanism of flood defences in the Netherlands

Piping is one of the main failure mechanisms for flood defences. This paper gives an overview of recent developments in the reliability analysis for this mechanism in the Netherlands. These comprise new approaches in the treatment of heterogeneity of the subsoil with respect to the failure process, the inclusion of information from field...