Worst-case spatial correlation length in probabilistic slope stability analysis. Issue 1 (29th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, D.; Griffiths, D. V.; Fenton, G. A.
• Is Part Of: Géotechnique. Volume 69:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2018-03-29
• Subjects: finite-element modelling -- shear strength; Soil mechanics -- Periodicals; Engineering geology -- Periodicals; Geotechnical engineering -- Periodicals; 624.151
• DOI: 10.1680/jgeot.17.T.050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-8505

Abstract

Abstract : This note investigates the reliability of undrained slopes by the random finite-element method. The focus of this note is on the worst-case spatial correlation length, namely the correlation length at which the probability of slope failure reaches a maximum. It is shown that the worst-case phenomenon is most pronounced when the mean factor of safety is relatively low or the coefficient of variation is relatively high. Knowledge of the worst-case spatial correlation length is valuable, as it can be employed for conservative design in the absence of substantial soil field data.