Stochastic Finite Element Method in Geotechnical Engineering. Spectral Approach

This paper presents the mathematical tools in which the formulation of Spectral Stochastic Finite Element Method is based. The usefulness of this method to model the spatial variability of heterogeneous materials, and in particular of soils, is illustrated by a practical example in which the propagation of the uncertainty on the deformation modulus to the computed displacement field is assessed. The influence of the correlation length on the distribution of uncertainty is set forth. Finally, the advantages of the method in geotechnical engineering are evaluated and some conclusions are presented.