Reliability and Sensitivity Analysis of Gravity Retaining Wall Stability: Investigating the Effect of Construction Defects

Document Type : Research Note

Authors

1 UNIVERSITY OF GABES- TUNISIA

2 UNIVERSITY OF GABES

3 CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France

10.22075/jrce.2024.32797.1964

Abstract

The safety evaluation of retaining structures in the context of potential instability or disaster often relies on empirical methods employing total safety factors. However, these factors tend to address uncertainties, risks, and knowledge gaps arbitrarily. This article introduces a new approach utilizing probabilistic methods to enhance the assessment of gravity wall reliability by considering uncertainties in parameters and their inherent variability. The reliability analysis in this study employs the First Order Reliability Method (FORM). The investigation encompasses an in-depth analysis of the impact of both construction defects and soil/structure friction on the reliability of gravity walls. By embracing a probabilistic framework, this research strives to offer a more nuanced and precise understanding of the reliability of gravity retaining walls. This contribution aims to inform improved safety assessments and rehabilitation strategies within the realm of civil engineering practices, thus promoting more resilient and dependable retaining structures, especially the gravity retaining walls.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 August 2024
  • Receive Date: 26 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 06 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 18 July 2024