Abstract
This paper delivers a probabilistic attempt to prove that the selection of a random three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a subsoil affects the computed settlements. Parametric analysis of a random soil block is conducted, assuming a variable subsoil Young’s modulus in particular finite elements. The modulus is represented by a random field or different-sized sets of random variables; in both cases, the same truncated Gaussian model is assumed. Mean values and standard deviations of random soil settlement are estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation procedure. With regard to the adopted FE model, the estimated settlement mean values do not vary significantly, but standard deviations do strongly. Similarities also appear in the diagrams of random field correlation length versus settlement standard deviation and the diagrams displaying a total number of model random variables versus settlement standard deviation. Thus, relevant single random variable models represent the random field approach well with regard to settlement parameter estimation. This remark is verified upon a settlement analysis of a three-dimensional FE model of a hypothetical strip foundation. Following the preliminary model observations, various probabilistic geotechnical analyses may be supported, e.g., continuous footing design, slope stability analysis, and foundation reliability assessment.
Highlights
Soil medium displays an inherent material parameter variability
In the second part of the paper, the settlement of a hypothetical strip foundation was analysed for selected finite element (FE) models
(3), numerical results to capture subsoil uncertainty is chosen according to Equation (3), numerical results obtained by the FE model are more reliable from the engineering viewpoint
Summary
Soil medium displays an inherent material parameter variability. Numerical modelling of actual spatial soil variability is a considerable task, even when extensive in situ tests are carried out at the construction site. Probabilistic methods are extensive due to the enormous development of computational power, introducing advanced finite element analysis (FEA) software to solve numerical problems of the subsoil media. Both the bearing capacity of foundations in their limit states (ultimate limit state—ULS) and the assessment of settlements (serviceability limit state—SLS) employ probabilistic analytical means. In the second part of the paper, the settlement of a hypothetical strip foundation was analysed for selected FE models These models do not map the subsoil precisely; instead, they represent the real-life geotechnical design conditions to approximate the global random response of the foundation-loaded subsoil. Sci. 2021, 11, 7293 the mechanical response variability of the subsoil, impossible to find in the deterministic analysis
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