ABSTRACT

The capabilities of nontraditional models for engineering computation under uncertainty have been under continuous review so that several nonprobabilistic approaches have been developed. The first applications of nonprobabilistic interval analysis in geotechnical engineering have been recently explored, considered a research area formally motivated by input information characterised by imprecision. Thus, the conventional probabilistic approach to uncertainty may be extended to include imprecise information in the form of intervals. For demonstration, results are provided on the analysis of a strip spread foundation designed by the Eurocode 7 methodology. A limit state imprecise interval analysis for bearing capacity is presented in the format of a sensitivity analysis. The limit state charts to safety assessment are separately sketched for the cases cohesion and friction angle interval scenario wherein the random variables are bounded on different levels of probability. The corresponding optimisation-based probability box structures are then sketched. The extension for high dimensional cases is as well considered through a limit state three-dimensional joint view to safety assessment, considered simultaneously the interval variables cohesion and friction angle. At last, the Eurocode 7 partial factor design is discussed on the basis of distinct levels of credibility.