Description

This theme examines the theoretical, statistical, computational, and engineering foundations of reliability-based geotechnical analysis and design, emphasizing the systematic characterization and management of uncertainty associated with geological materials, subsurface conditions, loading environments, numerical models, and engineering performance. It encompasses probabilistic characterization of soil and rock properties, aleatory and epistemic uncertainty, probability distributions, statistical parameter estimation, spatial variability, parameter correlation, reliability indices, failure probability, and risk-informed engineering decisions. Particular attention is given to the limitations of conventional deterministic factors of safety when geological conditions are heterogeneous, material properties are uncertain, and site investigation information is incomplete.