Shallow Foundation Design through Probabilistic and Deterministic Methods

Abstract

The design of a shallow foundation with eccentric loading is presented for the ultimate limit state of the bearing resistance, according to the formulation presented in annex D of NP EN 1997-1:2010. Probabilistic and deterministic methods were used. Concerning probabilistic methods, the approximate probabilistic methods, advanced first-order second-moment method (AFOSM) and first-order second moment method (FOSM), were applied. For the deterministic calculation, the partial safety factors method recommended by the Eurocode and applied in most practical cases, was implemented. It was assumed that problem variables, such as loads (permanent and variable vertical loads) and soil parameters, follow normal distribution functions. However, the horizontal variable load and the depth of foundation were described by the Gumbel and the rectangular distribution functions, respectively. The results obtained by approximate probabilistic methods were validated by Monte Carlo simulations. Comparisons were made between the results of the three design methods used.