Stochastic design of beams on reinforced random earth beds in deterministic mode

Abstract

One of the main soil parameters in analysis and design of foundations is modulus of subgrade reaction (MSR) which is a stochastic process. However, design engineers prefer a deterministic approach invoking mean of MSR and rather empirical factors of safety to account for the uncertainty. The present study includes the stochasticity in the deterministic designs by linking the factors of safety (in respect of maximum deflection and bending moment) to the allowable risk of failure through a Monte Carlo simulation on a lumped parameter deterministic model. A parametric study reveals that for a given risk level, the factors of safety are strongly dependent upon the coefficient of variation of MSR, and only mildly upon other geometric parameters of foundation system. This facilitates development of closed form equations for the upper bounds on factors of safety exclusively in terms of allowable risk of failure and the coefficient of variation of MSR.