Reliability assessment of three-dimensional bearing capacity of shallow foundation using fuzzy set theory

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability of reliability theory on surface square/rectangular footing against bearing capacity failure using fuzzy set theory in conjunction with the finite element method. Soil is modeled as a three-dimensional spatially varying medium, where its parameters (cohesion, friction angle, unit weight, etc.) are considered as fuzzy variables that maintain some membership functions. Soil is idealized as an elastic-perfectly plastic material obeying the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, where both associated and non-associated flow rules are considered in estimating the ultimate bearing capacity of the footing. The spatial variability of the soil is incorporated for both isotropic and anisotropic fields, which are determined by the values of scales of fluctuation in both the horizontal and vertical directions. A new parameter namely, limiting applied pressure at zero failure probability is proposed, and it indirectly predicts the failure probability of the footing. The effect of the coefficient of variation of the friction angle of the soil on the probability of failure is analyzed, and it is observed that the effect is significant. Furthermore, the effect of the scale of fluctuation on the probability of failure is investigated, and the necessity for considering spatial variability in the reliability analysis is well proven.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

finite element method / square footing / reliability analysis / fuzzy set theory / coefficient of variation / spatial variability

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