Reliability based analysis of dam embankment, geocellreinforced foundation and embankment with stone columns using finite element method

Abstract

Geotechnical parameters always associated with uncertainties. The soil properties for a given site disperse within a significant range. Hence, the factor of safety is used in the case of deterministic approach which does not truly account for the uncertainty associated with the soil properties. Also this does not consider the sources and amount of uncertainty associated with the system. This leads to the problem in applying Limit state design of the geotechnical structures. So it is always important to study a given problem in probabilistic manner. In the present study, FORM reliability method was utilized to analysis various geotechnical structures such as dam, geocell reinforced footing and embankment with stone column based on finite element method (FEM). The limit state functions were formulated using response surface methods based on finite element models using commercial software PLAXIS 9.02. Full factorial design is used for development of response surface models. The FORM reliability analysis is performed in all said cases neglecting special variation of soil parameters. The need for reliability analysis and the corresponding factor of safety is discussed. Parametric study has been done by considering the variability in soil parameter.