Probabilistic Analysis of Deflection of an Anchored Diaphragm Wall for Hardening Soil Model and Nonlinear Model of Concrete

Modeling soil, structure, and soil-structure interaction are crucial components of the geotechnical structures' numerical analysis-based design. Advanced models for these components are becoming increasingly popular in deterministic numerical calculations. However, in probabilistic modeling based on Monte Carlo simulations, simplified models are often used for one or more of these components due to the significant computational power required for advanced models. The difference in structural response between precise and simplified models can be substantial, particularly in the small strain range. Recently, some papers have employed more advanced models of soil and soil-structure interaction in probabilistic modeling. However, the structure is still typically modeled using a linear elastic approach. This paper addresses more advanced probabilistic modeling for a diaphragm wall installed in normally consolidated sands. The analysis is conducted using the random finite element method and is based on N = 1000 Monte Carlo simulations. The soil is modeled using the Hardening Soil Brick model. Normalized CPTu parameters Q_tn and F_r, with variability based on CPTu tests conducted in normally consolidated sands, are modeled using random fields. All the other model parameters are calculated using correlation formulas found recently by one of the authors. The analysis focuses on serviceability limit states, specifically deflection. Two different models are assumed for the structure: a classical linear model often assumed in engineering applicationsand a non-linear concrete model, which allows for a more precise simulation of the cracking process. The deflection obtained with the nonlinear concrete model is greater than that obtained with the linear model. This leads to a greater probability of failure which is discussed in the paper.

Keywords: Random fields, Hardening Soil model, Diaphragm wall.