Probabilistic Method to Assess Model Uncertainty of Rigid Inclusion on a Granular Fill Supporting a Slab Foundation

Abstract

Probabilistic approaches to deal with uncertainty on soil mechanic predictions are on the rise. We developed a procedure to deal with uncertainty coming from soil conditions. It was applied to an analytical model to simulate the behavior of a soil improvement work based on rigid inclusion below a slab foundation. The model can predict the settlements of the slab. Even more, it was also able to provide a confidence level based on a probabilistic approach to the input’s variables. Outputs were compared to large-scale tests. The agreement is outstanding. We try to encourage the use of probabilistic models to solve complex geotechnical problems.

Keywords

• model uncertainty
• probabilistic method
• predict deformations
• settlements
• slab foundation