Some Aspects of Applying a Probabilistic Approach in Geotechnical Practice During Reconstruction

Abstract

Due to the increasing volume of building and structure reconstruction, there is a growing need to assess the reliability of solutions for strengthening structural elements and their bases. Modern European documents advocate for the application of a probabilistic approach in reconstruction, which allows for the consideration of many uncertainties associated with this task. One of the significant challenges is the implementation of a probabilistic approach to the “building – foundation” system in the context of reconstruction. While sufficient tools have already been developed for creating stochastic models in new construction, many specific features must still be accounted for in models for reconstructed objects. Reconstruction tasks are particularly interesting because each case is unique; there are no absolutely identical buildings, soil conditions, or operational circumstances. During reconstruction, the mutual influence of the components of this system on one another significantly increases, and accounting for this interaction is possible only through a computational model that adequately reflects the changes in the stress-strain state of the system during reconstruction. To automate the assessment of the stress-strain state of the “building – foundation” system, the finite element method (FEM) is actively employed, including the incorporation of probabilistic methods. Determining the risk of reaching a limit state based on the solution to the corresponding statistical dynamics problem presents particular complexity in reliability theory. Currently, the statistical testing method (Monte Carlo) is frequently used to address such problems. A comprehensive approach that combines FEM and probabilistic analysis enables monitoring and managing the reliability not only of individual elements but also of the entire “building – foundation” system as a whole.