Modeling Gaussian and Gamma random fields for layered material properties with transitional zones

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Layered geomaterials (e.g., soil and rock) are common in nature due to the long-term geological sedimentation. For such materials, both the inter- and intra-layer spatial variability of properties need to be considered in geotechnical engineering. In this study, efficient and simple methods are proposed to generate multi-layer random fields based on the additive property of Gaussian and Gamma random variables. The multi-layer random field is capable of simultaneously characterizing the inter- and intra-layer spatial variability of layered material properties. Moreover, smooth transitional zones between different layers are automatically formed, which can guarantee the continuity of layered material properties. The auto-correlation function of the multi-layer random field decreases monotonically with distance due to the nature of the proposed methods, which is suitable to simulate material properties. Furthermore, a seepage evaluation of three-dimensional concrete dam foundation with layered soil is performed to verify the feasibility of the proposed methods in practical applications. The application example highlights the superiorities of the proposed methods in simulating layered material properties.